Ships Parade out of Istanbul

The Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta fleet left Istanbul today in a parade of sail. The class A vessels undocked from around 1400 local and gathered just south of the Bosphorus Bridge. The Turkish vessel Bodrum led the way, followed by Mir, Dewaruci, Tenacious, Shabab Oman, Kaliakra, Alexander von Humboldt and Dar Mlodziezy. 

All along the water’s edge thousands of people crowded along to see the ships as they passed. A village was established of enterprising people setting up barbeques, or selling water, corn and pretzels and even people renting binoculars to the waiting spectators. 

The class C and D vessels had been delayed leaving Atakí_y Marina so only a handful managed to join in the parade as the ships continued up the Asian coast to a turning point between Kinali and Burgaqsz islands.  From there the vessels will head directly through the Sea of Marmara and down the Canakkale Strait and out to the race start area. 

The race start is due to take place between 0500 and 0700 UTC/GMT (0800-1000 local) on Tuesday 1 June, when the vessels will cross a start line between the island of Gokceada and Mehmetcik on the mainland. The vessels will take their own start time and then race towards Lavrion, passing two waypoints en route. 

Position reports will be posted on this website, starting tomorrow morning at 0700 UTC/GMT. 

To track the Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta fleet as they race click here. (Commencing 1 June after the race has started).

To view the results of races 1 and 2, click here. 

To see more images from the Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta in Istanbul, click here.

The Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International.