TAYK-AKPA Naval Forces Cup: 55th Anniversary Champions Determined in Çeşme

The TAYK-AKPA Naval Forces Cup International Yacht Race, held under the main sponsorship of AKPA Kimya, concluded with a grand awards ceremony following the challenging 265 nautical-mile course from Istanbul Strait to Çeşme.

The TAYK-AKPA Naval Forces Cup International Yacht Race, one of Turkey's most prestigious and longest-route open-sea yacht races, brought sailing enthusiasts together in its 55th year. Held under the patronage of the Turkish Naval Forces Command, organized by Turkey's Open Sea Racing Sports Club (TAYK) and with AKPA Kimya as main sponsor, the race started from Istanbul Strait, passed through Bozcaada and finished in Çeşme.

Starting on 11 July, the event saw a total of 32 vessels in IRC 0, IRC 1, IRC 2, IRC 3 and IRC GO classes compete over an approximately 265 nautical-mile course for four days. The first leg of the race was completed in Bozcaada, with the fleet's route leading to Çeşme at the end of the second stage.

Maritime and sailing worlds meet in Çeşme
The race final and awards ceremony were held at White Beach in Ayayorgi Bay in Çeşme, İzmir. The evening was attended by representatives of the Turkish Naval Forces Command, leading figures from the sports and business world, and numerous guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, TAYK President Ahmet Eker highlighted the event's contribution to the development of Turkish sailing sports, while AKPA Kimya Board Chairman Kemal Darcan stated that the company was pleased with the continuous support it had provided for five years, which contributed to maritime culture and sailing sports.

Division champions determined
Following four days of competition, the placing teams received their trophies.

In the IRC GO category, Muhammed Ali Şahin and his crew, racing with Naval Academy / Akova vessel, took first place.

In the IRC 3 category, Cenk Tekkaya and his crew with Çeşme Marina-CTD / Pupa vessel finished first, while in the IRC 2 category, Evren Koncagül and his crew, racing with Tüpraş / Fenerbahçe 5 vessel, topped the standings.

In the IRC 1 category, Tora Kutoğlu and his crew with Flyer vessel achieved the championship, while the IRC 0 category winner was Zeki Bora Turan and his crew, racing with Dere Construction / Anyways vessel.

Grand Trophy goes to Fenerbahçe 5 crew
Vedat Tezman, Oğuz Ayan and their crew, competing with Team Acadia / Cheetah vessel as the first team to cross the finish line in the race's second stage, claimed the First Finish Award.

The Grand Trophy (BCT), the event's most prestigious award, was presented to Evren Koncagül and his crew, racing with Tüpraş / Fenerbahçe 5 vessel.

Appreciation plaques presented to contributors
At the awards ceremony, appreciation plaques were presented to the arbitration board, international jury members and representatives of supporting institutions who contributed to the organization's realization. Additionally, the AKPA Kimya communications and media team members who worked at the event were honored with appreciation plaques.

Cem Belevi concert concludes the finale
The Cem Belevi concert held following the awards ceremony added color to the event's finale. Athletes, sponsors, race committee members and guests celebrated the 55th-year enthusiasm together at the event held in Ayayorgi Bay.

The TAYK-AKPA Naval Forces Cup International Yacht Race, which AKPA Kimya has served as main sponsor continuously for five years, once again successfully brought together Turkish maritime's deep-rooted tradition, the competitive spirit of sailing sports and international friendship over the course stretching from Istanbul to the Aegean in its 55th year.