55th Naval Forces Cup (Istanbul – Bozcaada – Çeşme)

55th TAYK–AKPA Naval Forces Cup International Yacht Race Concludes

One of Türkiye’s most established offshore sailing events, the TAYK–AKPA Naval Forces Cup International Yacht Race, brought sailors together for its 55th edition on a challenging offshore course from Istanbul to Bozcaada and onward to Çeşme.

Organized by the Turkish Offshore Racing Club (TAYK), the 55th TAYK–AKPA Naval Forces Cup International Yacht Race took place from 11–14 July 2026.

Known among sailors for many years as the “Southern Race,” the event once again brought endurance, strategy and teamwork to the forefront of offshore yacht racing along the Istanbul–Bozcaada–Çeşme route.

First Leg: Istanbul to Bozcaada

The first leg of the 55th Naval Forces Cup began on Saturday, 11 July, with the first warning signal at 11:55 on the Bosphorus.

Departing from Istanbul, the fleet sailed across the Sea of Marmara and through the Dardanelles towards Bozcaada. Endurance, strategic route selection and crew coordination—all essential elements of long-distance offshore racing—played a decisive role throughout the first leg.

Following the completion of the first leg, competitors gathered in Bozcaada for the awards ceremony on the evening of 12 July.

From Bozcaada to Çeşme

The second leg began at 10:55 on Monday, 13 July. Setting sail once again from Bozcaada, the teams competed across the Aegean Sea on their way to Çeşme.

The offshore journey that began in Istanbul concluded in Çeşme on 14 July, followed by the final awards ceremony of the 55th Naval Forces Cup.

55 Years of Offshore Racing Tradition

The origins of the Naval Forces Cup date back to 1968 and the ambition to “sail beyond Sivriada,” born from the desire of Turkish offshore sailors to venture beyond the waters of Kalamış and Fenerbahçe.

Following the establishment of TAYK in 1971, the race fleet expanded its horizons over the years, sailing to destinations including Gelibolu, Erdek, Çeşme, Kuşadası and Bodrum. In 1988, following an agreement with the Turkish Naval Forces Command, the race was renamed the “Naval Forces Cup.”

In the years that followed, the course expanded to include destinations such as Bozcaada, Bodrum, Ayvalık, Foça, Güllük, Didim, Sığacık and Turgutreis, as well as Neos Marmaras in Greece.

From just 7–10 yachts in its early years, the event has grown to become one of Türkiye’s most established and enduring offshore yacht races.

A 55-Year Legacy at Sea

The Naval Forces Cup is more than a long-distance yacht race. It represents a tradition of offshore sailing, seamanship and teamwork that has been passed down through generations.

TAYK continues to carry this 55-year tradition forward, preserving the heritage of Turkish offshore sailing while inspiring the next generation of sailors.