Turkey Welcomes Autumn with the Bodrum Cup 21st International Wooden Yacht Regatta, October 20 - 24, 2009

One of Turkey's most anticipated annual sporting events is coming up, October 20 - 24 2009. The International Bodrum Cup celebrates the end of the cruising season every October and is unique in that only traditional and classic wooden yachts, or ‘gulets’, are permitted to compete in the main regatta. Gulets have been built by hand in the region of Bodrum for at least 2000 years. Bodrum is situated on the southernwestern Aegean coast.



Organized by the ERA Bodrum Sailing Club, the first regatta was held in 1989. While the competition is open only to traditional and classic wooden yachts, non-wooden vessels are also accepted as non-competing guests. Adding to the excitement of competition, all yachts anchor together for festive evenings. In keeping with traditional Turkish hospitality, there is such an array of prizes that few competitors come home empty-handed!


Often called “Turkey’s St. Tropez,” Bodrum lives up to its name! The Bodrum peninsula is a colorful tableau of white-washed stucco homes, purple bougainvilleas, orange groves and olive-green hillsides set against a dramatic backdrop of craggy rock peaks. It’s the Aegean darling of the jet-set with glamorous yachts dotting the harbor and modern luxury villas on hillsides overlooking the sea. With an international flavor and restaurants, boutique hotels and entertainment of the highest class, Bodrum attracts a posh crowd. Bodrum is also famous for having one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, The Mausoleum.



For centuries, famous people have graced Bodrum with their presence. Even Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra used to frequent Bodrum on their romantic voyages to Rome, and today it is a vacation spot for A-List celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Beyonce Knowles, Sting, Elizabeth Hurley, and Nicole Kidman.


For more info, please visit: www.bodrumcup.com