37th Marmaris International Race Week Concludes

Marmaris, October 31, 2026 – The 37th Marmaris International Race Week, organized by the Marmaris International Yacht Sport Club (MIYC), featured 107 sailing vessels from various countries. Bringing the excitement of sailing to Marmaris for an entire week, the event concluded successfully, marked by the spirited efforts of the participants—even amidst challenging weather conditions—as well as strong international representation and a vibrant array of activities.

Race Week Begins with a Parade and Opening Cocktail

The event kicked off on Sunday, October 25, with an opening parade and cocktail reception, bringing together sailors from different nations, dignitaries, and the maritime community in Marmaris.

The opening parade—enlivened by the teams' distinctive attire and palpable team spirit—highlighted an atmosphere that extended beyond mere athletic competition, embodying the values ​​of friendship and solidarity.

Racing Excitement Amidst Challenging Weather

Adverse weather conditions during the early days of the week necessitated adjustments to the scheduled racing program. On the first day, due to heavy rainfall and wind gusts reaching up to 35 knots, the Race Committee—prioritizing the safety of the participants—decided to postpone the races.

On the second day, despite relocating the fleet outside the Bay of Marmaris due to unpredictable wind conditions, only the races for the ORC A and ORC B classes could be completed.

As weather conditions improved later in the week, the excitement of the competition intensified once again. Especially on the fourth day, as the sun made an appearance and conditions became more favorable, the waters of Marmaris were once again filled with sailboats.

An International Event Strengthened by Sponsor Support

The 37th International Marmaris Race Week once again served as a significant international event, made possible through the contributions of public institutions and private sector representatives.

Key sponsors—including the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Marmaris Municipality, Netsel Marina, and Hyundai—played a vital role in the realization of the event and helped bring the sport of sailing to a wider audience.

Furthermore, with the substantial support of the Muğla Governorship, the Marmaris District Governorship, the Marmaris Coast Guard Command, the Marmaris Port Authority, and the Muttaş Marmaris Port Operations, all activities proceeded safely and seamlessly, both on land and at sea.

The support provided by these sponsors was instrumental not only in organizing the races but also in enhancing Marmaris’s visibility within the realm of international sports tourism.

October 29th Republic Day Celebrated with Enthusiasm in Marmaris

One of the most poignant moments of the race week was the celebration of October 29th Republic Day, which coincided with the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

The celebrations, which included athletes from various countries, brought the spirit of the Republic to the international sailing community. A procession held in the morning added a special significance to the sporting atmosphere of the week.

Marmaris’s Strong Position in Sports Tourism

Held for 37 consecutive years, the International Marmaris Race Week remains one of Türkiye’s most established international sailing events.

With 107 boats and hundreds of athletes from different nations participating, the event has further solidified Marmaris’s standing on the international maritime calendar. The surge in activity across accommodation, dining, marina services, and other tourism-related sectors throughout the race week highlighted the contribution the event makes to the regional economy.

New Goals After 37 Years

Following a challenging week, Bülent Çelik, President of the Marmaris International Yacht Club, stated: "We have concluded a week that began with difficulties but ended on a high note. Despite starting under some of the most demanding weather conditions in the event’s 37-year history, we finished in the classic, picturesque style we have come to expect from Marmaris. We are delighted to have once again hosted over 1,000 athletes from 18 different countries here in Marmaris. We extend our gratitude to our entire team for their hard work, as well as to the official institutions that provided invaluable support: the Muğla Governorship, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Marmaris District Governorship, Marmaris Municipality, Marmaris Coast Guard Command, Marmaris Port Authority, and MUTTAŞ Marmaris Port Operations. We look forward to seeing everyone again for our 38th edition."

With the conclusion of its 37th racing week, the Marmaris International Yacht Club remains committed to its mission of bringing the international sailing community together in Marmaris.

The event, which was successfully completed despite challenging weather conditions, was made possible through the determination of the sailors, the diligent efforts of the Race Committee, the dedication of volunteers, and the support of the sponsors.

The Marmaris International Yacht Club expresses its thanks to all participating athletes, supporting institutions and organizations, sponsors, staff, and everyone who shared in the excitement of the race week, and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to Marmaris next year.