Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup - Day 1

Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup day 1 © Kurt Arrigo / Bosphorus Cup

The 2016 Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup got underway today in less than ideal conditions as persistent, heavy rain showers and the occasional burst of thunder dampened the endeavours but not the spirit of the 58 competing yachts. Racing took place off Caddebostan, with the majority of classes taking on a single windward leeward race. Bülent Atabay and Orient Express VI were first to finish on the water and under IRC Rating to lead the standings overall at the end of day one.

Today's racing is, of course, an appetiser for the main event, the Race on the Bosphorus which starts tomorrow, Saturday 28 May, at noon. The whole race will be broadcast live on the internet (www.bosphoruscup.org) and also on an app provided by Turkcell Platinum. A situation that understandably gives race organizer ORG Sports and its founder, Orhan Gorbon an immense sense of achievement: "We have been streaming this race live for a number of years. It was one of the early promotional pillars for the event. From the outset, I wanted the event to showcase Istanbul and the sport. The Bosphorus is an exceptional venue. Sailing is an exceptional sport. Video the perfect medium to show them both at their best."

Window of opportunity

The Bosphorus is a mesmerizing world location. Splitting a vibrant, dynamic city in two, buildings tumble (metaphorically, and possibly literally in years gone by) right down to the water's edge. Bridges span the width; palaces, mosques, forts and private dwellings line the shore; boats of all sizes cover the surface – except of course sailing boats. Except, of course, during the Race on the Bosphorus.

"Sailing is generally prohibited because of the amount of commercial traffic. The authorities will only close the waterway a handful of times each year. Our race is one of those privileged occasions. This is one of the elements that makes this event so special," says Gorbon.

Lessons in legend, geography and history

The name Bosphorus has its origins in Greek mythology. The myth involves a god (Zeus), his mortal mistress (Io), an irate wife (Hera), a titan (Prometheus), a spell (disguise mistress as cow) and a gadfly (sent by vengeful wife to annoy the mistress/cow). Stung continuously by the gadfly, Io wandered the world until one day she eventually crossed a path between the Marmara and the Black Sea. En route she met Prometheus who gave her the cheerful news that she would soon be restored to human form and bear a son (Hercules) for Zeus. Marking this chance encounter, the path acquired the name Bosporus(sic), an anglicized version of the Ancient Greek word for ox passage.

The best geological explanation for the channel's formation, is that the strait was formed when the rising waters of the Mediterranean, and Marmara, flooded into the then inland Black Sea in around 5600BC.

As part of the only sea passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, the Bosphorus has been strategically important for both trade and imperial ambition from the earliest days of its settlement. Landmarks for the racecourse, reflect in the main, the Ottoman Empire's occupation of Istanbul and the wider region. The start line and downwind limit of the Race on the Bosphorus is off the opulent Domalbahçe Palace, built in 1856 by Sultan Abduï Mecit. The windward mark is between the Fortress of Asia, built by Beyazit I in 1396 ahead of an ultimately unsuccessful siege of Constantinople, and the Fortress of Europe, built by Mehmet II in 1452 as a prelude to his successful conquest of Constantinople, which of course would later become known as Istanbul.

The modern touch

This historical context is important as a backdrop to the event, but it is one of a number of attractions for the participants and public. As part of promotion of the event, ORG Sport and the event's partners have worked together to develop additional features that illuminate the location of the race and sport.

At the invitation of Turkcell Platinum the record-breaking Hydros Foundation catamaran normally based Switzerland has been present at the event promoting energy efficiency and innovation, and embodying Turkcell's ultra-fast 4.5G technology. Turkcell will implement its 4.5G technology tomorrow to enhance the experience of spectators with LTE broadcast, which allows race footage to be viewed from multiple angles.

Another event partner, Samsung, has been instrumental in delivering 360o video over the past two days, this has concentrated on Hydros, but tomorrow the aim is to use the technology to provide an immersive experience on the Bosphorus during the race.

Provisional Standings after Day 1:

1. Orient Express VI, Bülent Atabay, Farr 55
2. Farrfara, Erhan Uzun, Farr 40
3. Renault-Farr Away, Team Özonur, Farr 40

The 2016 Turkcell Platinum Bosphorus Cup is organized by ORG Sports and the Turkish Sailing Federation. Turkey's integrated telecommunications operator Turkcell is the main sponsor of the event.