The latest edition of the Bodrum Cup has embarked on its journey from Thessaloniki, heading towards Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, sailing on two new routes added this year in honour of the centennial of the Turkish Republic.

Commencing with a visit to the birthplace of modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Thessaloniki, the Maximiles Black Bodrum Cup is set to continue with a commemorative ceremony on Oct. 8 at Dolmabahçe Palace, where the great leader drew his final breath.

The teams that arrived in the Greek city on Oct. 2 were welcomed by Serkan Gedik, the consul general in Thessaloniki.

The Bodrum Cup, which will bring together thousands of sailors throughout October, set off from Thessaloniki on the morning of Oct. 3 with a fleet of 23 boats for this special stage added to its route as part of the 100th-anniversary celebrations.

Following the ceremony at Dolmabahçe, the competition will return to the waters in Bodrum that have witnessed exhilarating races for 35 years, in anticipation of the start on Oct. 17.

The route of this year’s sailing races will start from Bodrum’s historic harbour and sail to Çökertme, Kissebükü and Gümüşlük before finishing in Bodrum. The trophies of the winners will be handed over to their owners with a grand concert on the night of Oct. 21.

Providing information on the cup, Süleyman Uysal, chairman of the organization’s committee, reminded that they once again arrived in Istanbul for the start five years ago.

Erman Aras, the honorary chairman of the Bodrum Cup, expressed the organization’s dedication since its establishment in 1989 to promoting the world of sailing, acquainting with Bodrum, and, in a broader sense, the Mediterranean region.

Bodrum Mayor Ahmet Aras stressed that Bodrum stands out not only as a hub for entertainment and tourism but also boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, adding that sailing has now become an integral part of the region.