The "BAU Bosphorus Sailing Cup", hosted by Bahçeşehir University (BAU), started with the participation of more than 40 sailboats. The sailboats racing fiercely in the first Bosphorus race of the year created a visual feast in the Bosphorus.
The "First Bosphorus Race of the Year" took place in the Bosphorus Strait, one of the most challenging sailing race tribunes in Türkiye, famous for its strong currents coming from the north. More than 40 sailboats set sail in the Bosphorus with the 11th BAU Bosphorus Sailing Cup organized by Bahçeşehir University this year. The sailboats, which started in front of BAU Beşiktaş South Campus in the first stage of the race, ended the competition in front of Bahçeşehir University again after their fierce competition on the Bosphorus line. In the second stage of the race, the sailors continued to compete on the Adalar-Caddebostan line under the supervision of an experienced panel of judges. This year, for the first time, the Cambridge University sailing team participated in the competition, which created a visual feast in Istanbul, the world's only natural race viewing stand.
"We have once again seen the unifying power of sports"
Stating that they are very glad to host the competition, Rector of Bahçeşehir University Prof. Dr. Şirin Karadeniz said; "We are hosting the first sailing race of the Bosphorus. The 11th sailing race is being organized this year. University sailing teams, corporate company teams and sailing teams of sports clubs took part in the competition. With this race, we have once again demonstrated the unifying power of sports nationally and internationally. The Bosphorus is an open tribune for sailboats. Therefore, it was a pleasant day for all Istanbul residents."
They competed fiercely in the Bosphorus
Giving information about the BAU Bosphorus Sailing Cup races, Bahçeşehir University International Sailing Club President Vedat Can Baltalı said, "The BAU Bosphorus Sailing Cup, which was first organized as a single Bosphorus race in 2013, continues to be organized as the final stage of a four-stage sailing league since 2017. On the first day of the race, it was windy in the Bosphorus. More than 40 sailboats participated in the race. It was a competitive race. Unlike previous years, this year we also have international participants. This year, the Cambridge University sailing team is also with us. Sailing teams competed on the tribune determined by the judges"
"İstanbul residents shared our excitement"
Stating that international sailing clubs gained a different experience by competing in the Bosphorus, Baltalı said, "Races took place at the point where Asia and Europe meet. This was an memorable experience for the participants from abroad. Another importance of the Bosphorus for our races is that it is the only natural sailing stand in the world. All the citizens on the beach shared our excitement by watching the sails decorating the Bosphorus."
BAU Bosphorus Sailing Cup's Journey to Success
Baltalı also mentioned the achievements of the BAU Bosphorus Sailing Cup, which has been recognized internationally and ranked first in the world in recent years, and said, "Our sailing team, which was founded in 2007 by two sailing lovers within Bahçeşehir University, became a federated club in 2023. We have achieved many rankings among universities around the world. Our club continues its social, sportive and academic activities. While carrying out these activities, we pay special attention to the sustainability of our work as well as its national and international dimension."
