Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Marmaris has an exceptional location between two sets of mountains by the sea and possesses two major and several smaller marinas. Being an almost perfect setting for sailing, the town hosts an annual regatta that takes place in late October / early November.
The Marmaris International Race Week was founded in 1992. It is organized by the Marmaris International Yacht Club (MIYC). The event features sailors and crews from more than 20 countries. Most teams are from Turkey or Russia, other participating countries have included Bulgaria, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Romania, Germany, Greece, Belarus, the Netherlands, and others. Each regatta features over 100 boats divided into 10 racing divisions based on their type and length.
The program of the Marmaris International Race Week includes a total of eight races, as well as cocktail parties, dinner parties, and prize giving ceremonies. Spectators can watch the yachts race along the waves or even hire a private yacht for a sea trip. Of course, all private trips take place between the races.
There’s also lots of great entertainment for spectators and participants alike, including music and dance performances, family friendly games, and live concerts playing late into the night right on the shore.
Note that yacht races are a weather-sensitive activity and all sailing events take place weather permitting because the participants' safety comes first. Although the weather in Turkey generally remains warm in November, storms pose great challenges to the participating sailors.
Photo: ira.kosheleva
