50th Anniversary Book

50 Years on the Open Seas

Our Half-Century Journey

We have brought together the legacy of our 50-year journey, which began in 1971, in “50 Years on the Open Seas” (Açık Denizlerde 50 Yıl).

From the story of our Club’s foundation and the development of offshore yacht racing in Türkiye to unforgettable races and the people who have left their mark on our maritime culture, the book brings half a century of sailing history to life through photographs, archival documents, race records and personal memories.

“50 Years on the Open Seas” documents not only the history of our Club, but also the development of offshore sailing in Türkiye and the shared story of the generations who have contributed to this journey.

From a Race to the Birth of a Club

The story behind the foundation of our Club was shaped by the need to bring offshore yacht racing in Türkiye in line with international standards.

In 1971, the measurement and handicap systems used in the Istanbul–Gallipoli–Izmir Race led to discussions among competitors and increased calls for a more consistent rating system.

Following a series of meetings, it was agreed to adopt the IOR (International Offshore Rule) system, which was widely used around the world at the time. The need had become clear for an organisation dedicated specifically to offshore yachting—one that could follow international developments and establish and implement modern racing standards.

United by this vision, Alberto Penhas, Cent Ardan, Fahir Çelikbaş, Faruk Biren, İzzet Pensoy, İzzettin Çintav, Kerim Kerimoğlu, Muammer Tuksavul, Muhittin Öney, Nedim Özgen, Samim Arduman, Semih Tuğlu, Spiridon Ethnopoulos, Süleyman Dırvana and Şakir Sabuncuoğlu came together to lay the foundations of the Offshore Racing Club.

Our Club was officially founded on 8 May 1971.

Cahit Üren describes the purpose behind its foundation in these words:

“The Offshore Racing Club was officially founded on 8 May 1971. Its purpose was to ensure that yacht races, which had already been taking place for some time, were conducted according to the rules applied internationally at the time, while keeping pace with and implementing new developments.”

Half a Century of Sailing Heritage

Prepared through an extensive process spanning approximately two years, “50 Years on the Open Seas” explores different periods of our history and the development of offshore sailing in Türkiye through three main sections.

Before TAYK

The first section sheds light on the development of sailing and offshore racing in Türkiye and around the world before 1971. It provides a historical perspective on the conditions that paved the way for the foundation of our Club and the sailing world of the period.

After TAYK

The second section begins with the foundation of our Club and follows our 50-year journey. Through significant milestones, races, memories and the people who became part of our Club’s history, it brings half a century of TAYK heritage to life.

Records of Half a Century

The third section brings together significant races, results, yachts and names from throughout our history, creating a valuable sporting archive not only for our Club but also for the history of offshore sailing in Türkiye.

From 1971 to the Future

Our half-century history is not simply a story of races organised, trophies won or results recorded.

It is also the story of sailors who met on the same courses, friendships forged at sea, competition and solidarity, and a maritime culture passed from one generation to the next.

Since our foundation, contributing to the development of offshore sailing, advancing racing standards and helping pass maritime culture on to future generations have remained fundamental parts of our journey.

“50 Years on the Open Seas” brings this accumulated heritage to sailing and maritime enthusiasts while preserving the memory of our first half-century for generations to come.

In the words of Vedat Tezman:

“We hope it will inspire all those who love the sea and sailing. We wish you an enjoyable read, and here’s to many more fifty years.”

Book Details

Title: 50 Years on the Open Seas – Açık Denizlerde 50 Yıl
Published by: Turkish Offshore Racing Club (TAYK)
Project Coordinators: Cahit Üren / Alican Turalı
Research and Text: İzzettin Çalışlar
Contemporary Photography: Osman Uğur
Photographic Archives: İzzettin Çalışlar Archive / Contributors’ Archives
Book Design and Content Management: Salon Couture Books – Nazlı Ongan / Yael Alalu / Rayka Şenbay
Editing: Esen Güray
Printing and Binding: A4 Ofset Matbaacılık
Pages: 353
Dimensions: 33 × 24.5 cm

Get the Book

To obtain a copy of “50 Years on the Open Seas” or for further information, please contact our Club.

50 years, countless races, thousands of nautical miles and a passion for sailing shared across generations.

50 Years on the Open Seas
Our shared legacy, sailing from the past into the future.