AN ANNUAL EVENT

"So why should you do it?

The answer is that it is an event organised by a bloke who is more interested in his group, sailing, the people and culture of Turkey and the significance of Gallipoli and the ANZAC tradition than he is about bums on gunwales. The result is an event of extraordinary value which is cheap in cost and rich in experience. Teki does not promote the value so it is up to the fortunate few to find out about the 200 miles of sailing in pristine waters, the value of professionally guided tours to Troy, Gallipoli, Ephesus and Istanbul, the seamless transfers from Istanbul to yachts and yachts back to Istanbul, half a dozen evening or lunchtime meals and the cameradie of an experience shared with so few, where so many gave their lives.

Keep the secret or everyone will want to go."

Mark and Heather Rutherford, Sydney 2007

(Other testimomials can be seen on following pages)

The Rally will commence from the Dardanelles city of Canakkale and the yacht and gulet charter will conclude at Kusadasi with stopovers at the Ports of Call of Anzac Cove, Bozcaada, Ayvalik, Foca, Cesme and Sigacik.. The program also allows for up to ten races to be conducted. A Rally director and rally personnel will accompany the Rally.

Apart from the special symbolism and emotion of being part of the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove on the 25th April and the Commemorative Service at Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair, the special cultural and sightseeing program being offered in the program will provide all participants with an everlasting memory. Tours include the ancient city of Troy and an optional tour to Pergamon. A tour of the ancient city of Ephesus and the city of Istanbul will take place after the charter yacht handover at Kusadasi.

Full details of these tours are contained in the Gallipoli Yacht Rally program. An optional tour of the hot springs of Pamukkale or the unique landscape of Capadoccia is available at the beginning or end of the rally.

Early in 2001 the then Turkish Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Umut  ARIK, announced that a series of annual yacht races would be held in Turkey to commemorate the first Turkish-Anzac encounter at Gallipoli in 1915 which led to an increasing bond of friendship between the Turks, Australians and New Zealanders.

The Ambassador chose Teki Dalton to lead the first visit to Gallipoli in 2001 of Australian and New Zealand yachtsmen to participate in the commemorative services and enjoy Turkish hospitality as well as discover the rich antiquities of the country. The program for the Gallipoli Yacht Rally was developed with the cooperation of the Turkish Government and the Turkish Offshore Racing Club. The Gallipoli Yacht Rally has the full support of the Turkish Government and obtains official permission for its comprehensive program.