53rd Naval Forces Cup Yacht Race concluded in Göcek

53. The Naval Forces Cup International Open Sea Yacht Race ended off the coast of Göcek neighborhood in Fethiye.

The race was held under the auspices of the Naval Forces Command, organized by the Turkish Open Sea Racing Club (TAYK), and sponsored by AKPA Kimya. A total of 32 competitors participated in the single stage race covering a distance of 555 nautical miles. Before the award ceremony held at D-Marin Göcek, the Aksaz Naval Base Command Orchestra performed various marches and folk songs. At the end of the race, the owner of the Naval Forces Cup was the Fenerbahçe 1 boat. Additionally, Arkas took first place in the IRC-0 category, Fenerbahçe 1 in the IRC-1 category, Gain Orange Sailing Team in the IRC-2 category, and Zamazingo boat in the IRC-3 category. Trophies and medals were ceremonially presented to the teams that ranked in the race. A dog named “Lucky” on board, which traveled the 555 nautical miles, stood out as the first animal recorded in the race’s history.

In his speech at the ceremony, Southern Sea Area Commander Rear Admiral Yalçın Payal emphasized that completing 555 nautical miles is an achievement that very few can accomplish in the world and very few in Turkey. Payal noted that this year’s race holds special significance following last year’s celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Republic and the 250th anniversary of the Naval War Academy, and he congratulated all participants and winning teams while also highlighting the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.

TAYK General Manager Can Giray expressed that the race went well, starting from the Istanbul Strait and ending in Göcek after covering 555 nautical miles. Giray stated that the real winners of the race were the crews, both male and female, who sailed these waters over the 555 miles.

The award ceremony was attended by Fethiye District Governor İsmail Hakkı Ertaş, Aksaz Naval Base Commander Rear Admiral Neslim Eski, Provincial Police Chief Ali Canbolat, and numerous military personnel and protocol members.