Competing in sailing in Finike means entering a magical world where the smell of orange blossoms mixes with the smell of the sea. Such was the joy of the first ever Orange Blossom Yacht Races.
Eda Selçuk, Setur Marinas Finike Front Office Representative
Finike witnessed first and new excitement in April. On April 4 - 5, the first of the Orange Blossom Yacht Races organized under the coordination of Finike Sailing Club and TAYK (Turkish Offshore Racing Club) started from Setur Finike Marina.
During the races, which took place in the unique nature of Finike, accompanied by the smell of orange blossoms, the courses were held on a triangular track and close to each other. The racers, who were exposed to strong winds and rain from time to time, did not back down despite some minor accidents. It seemed that the excitement of witnessing a first had outweighed the challenges. The fish sandwiches served at the marina also provided the energy the racers needed for the second day. The boats dancing in the bay during the second day of the race, which was as exciting as the first day, were admired by locals of Finike.
The first champions of the Orange Blossom Yacht Races (in descending order) were Elephant, Lepus and Sapphire in the Orange Group, followed by Wind Master, Sasuke and Dory in the Green Group, and Gemii, Mythos and Maya I in the Yellow Group. Furthermore, the prize for the Best Corrected Time (Orange Blossom Cup) went to the boat Gemii and the crew of Can Nal. The racers were presented with their trophies at the award ceremony organized at the end of the races.
The first Orange Blossom Yacht Race was a true sensation for both Finike and Setur Marinas Finike. It is without a doubt that the races which were organized this year with the participation of boats from the nearby area will witness many more participants next year. Speaking of next year... the countdown is already on!
