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"I would like to endorse the success of The Gallipoli Yacht Rally that I
joined for 2007.
This event is one of the 'must do' trips for anyone with an interest in
sailing or our Anzac History. To be able to sail into, anchor, go ashore and
walk around the shores of Anzac Cove is a never to be forgotten memory.
To attend the Dawn Service followed by the commemoration at Lone Pine and be
joined by old 'diggers' and respectful young adults, and pay homage to those
who served and gave their lives is a highlight of this pilgrimage to
Gallipoli.
Teki doesn't sell places, he arranges the best informed guides to the many
sites of Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy, Gallipoli and all the other side tours
that are a part of this Rally. Plus the great sailing with 'racing' for those
that want to race. There is more value than shown in the brochures.
Far more important to Teki is the knowledge he is able to pass on to all
participants. It is obvious that Teki has an insight into the Turkish people
and the significance of the Aussie serviceman to the Turks. With the able
help of guys like Metin from Offshore Sailing, the Rally runs like clock
work.
Congratulations Teki "
Graeme Fraser, Sydney 2007
(This testimonial and others are on the following pages)
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Those arriving in Istanbul please make your way through Customs
and reclaim your luggage. Overnight accommodation is booked at the Feronya Hotel. The Feronya Hotel is 4 star and a short walk to Taksim Square. A welcome buffet style meal will be held in the evening.
It will be an early start with the coach transfer scheduled
for 08.00am. Please be waiting in the hotel lobby at 7.45
with room check out completed.
We will travel by coach down to the Gallipoli Peninsula to
Canakkale for yacht check-in. The yacht check-in procedure
will take approximately 2 hours and will require the presence
of the skipper and one other person for each yacht. It is
recommended that the first stage of provisioning should take
place at this time or tomorrow. Overnight on yachts in harbour.
Canakkale is on the Dardanelles and is the administrative
centre for the region. The city of Canakkale lies at
the narrow 1200 metre entrance to the Canakkale Strait
that connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Passenger
and car ferries run daily between Canakkale on the
Asian side and Eceabat and Kilitbahir on the European
side.
Tour to the fabled city of Troy and if time permits visit the
famous Military Museum at Canakkale. This museum is
dedicated to the Battle of Canakkale in 1915 and shows
the Turkish defence of the Dardanelles over the centuries.
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Canakkale to Anzac Cove
Today is Turkish Independence Day and Children's Day. If time allows we will attend the children's displays and dancing in the main stadium.
Approx. 9am start through the busy Dardanelles
to Anzac Cove. Pass Cape
Helles and the British landing sites of 'V' and "Y'
beaches on the way to anchoring in Anzac Cove and going
ashore by dinghy, then to Kabatepe Harbour
Race 1 from Canakkale to abeam Kabatepe light may take place.
Gallipoli battlefield sightseeing by coach with
professional guide. Visit The Nek, Walker's Ridge, Chanuck Bair, Turkish 57th Memorial, Lone Pine, overlook Monash Gully, Shrapnel Gully and the Sphinx. Visit Kabatepe Museum. Lunch will be provided, return to Kabatepe Harbour
approx. 4pm, overnight on board in Kabatepe Harbour.
In 1451, Sultan Mehmet 11, later the conqueror of Istanbul, built one fortress
on the European side of the Canakkale Strait, at Kilitbahir and one on the
opposite shore at Cimenlik to control the passage of ships through the strait.
Today the Cimenlik fortress serves as a military museum dedicated to the Canakkale
Battle of 1915, one of the most celebrated of World War 1. This battle helped
form the nationhood of both Australia and New Zealand and began the legend
of the ANZACS. To honour the 500,000 soldiers, who lost their lives at Gelibolu
(Gallipoli), the peninsula was made into the Gelibolu Historical National Park.
The beauty of the green hills, sandy beaches and blue waters provides an honoured
resting-place for the soldiers who bravely fought and died in this historic
battle. In April, flowering red poppies sweep and swirl over the peninsula
and in to the trenches giving an eerie feeling of blood on the battlefield.
The bond of friendship that exists between Turkey, Australia and New Zealand
could not be better expressed than by the words, immortalised on the memorial
at Anzac Cove, of the Commander of the Turkish Forces at Gallipoli, Ataturk
(Mustafa Kemal) who became the leader of the Turkish nation.
Those heroes that shed their blood
And lost their lives…
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies
And the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side
Here in this country of ours…
You the mothers,
Who sent your sons from far away countries
Wipe away your tears,
Your sons are now lying in our bosom
And are in peace
After having lost their lives on this land
They have become our sons as well.
Ataturk 1934 |
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Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Access Dawn Service location from yachts moored
at Kabatepe Harbour.
After the Dawn Service walk to Lone Pine for the Australian memorial service.
The New Zealand service at Chunuck Bair commences an hour after the conclusion
of the Australian service. Continue sightseeing of the Gallipoli Peninsula,
return to the yachts at leisure, overnight on board in Kabatepe Harbour.
ORDER OF SERVICES (to be confirmed)
05.30 to 06.15 Anzac Dawn Service, Anzac Commemorative Site, North Beach
10.30 to 11.15 Australian Memorial Service. Lone Pine
11.30 to 12.15 Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial Service
12.30 to 13.15 New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuck Bair
The Dawn Service attracts about 8000 people and they all have to access the
site by bus. Because
of the traffic restrictions, passenger'smust leave the bus well before and walk the
last part of the journey. We will also access the Commemorative site by walking
from the harbour, a distance that will take approx. 1 hour.. You can choose the time when you
leave the yachts but I would suggest no later than 2.30am. If you get there early
you will be able to collect the commemorative booksand memorabilia that the Australian War
Graves Commission have available. You will need to take with you all that you
will need for the day. This should include water, food, toilet paper, wipes
and anything else you think you will need for a long day. Don't forget to leave
some space in your pack as you will need warm clothing for the Dawn Service
but it will warm up during the day. There will be no reserved seating for us
but I have found it is better to be able to move around to select vantage points
for photos. Many people arrive early tor the Service and spread rugs and sleeping
bags on the grass, so when you arrive it looks as though there is no room for
anyone. Don't despair - everyone stands for the ceremony!
After the Dawn Service you will have plenty of time
to walk to Lone Pine for the Australian memorial service.
There are several ways you can go; the most spectacular,
and most difficult, way is up one of the gullies the way the Anzacs
went. Some mini-buses leave from the Brighton's Beach intersection but there is no timetable. At Lone Pine there is seating available if you
get there early but there is plenty of room in the other
areas.
The New Zealand service at Chunuck Bair commences just
over an hour after the conclusion of the Australian service.
You can see Chunuck Bair from Lone Pine. The walk is
uphill but easily covered in the time available.
Continue sightseeing of the graves and trenches on the
Peninsula and return to the yachts at leisure, overnight
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Kabatepe to Bozcaada
Early morning start, expected last finisher 2.00pm.
Yachts will tie up stern-to the harbour wall. Evening function.
There will be no race from Kabatepe to Bozcaada as many may decide to sail
close to the other landing sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula or return to Anzac
Cove at leisure. Crossing the Dardanelles is also a safety issue with the volume
of shipping
Free day for sightseeing. Tour the island on motor scooters. Bozcaada,
formally known as Tenedos, is one of only two significant
Aegean islands that are Turkish. In history, Tenedos
was the base for the Greek army during the Trojan Wars.
An imposing Venetian castle, which was destroyed and
rebuilt several times during its history, overlooks the
port and the island is famous for its vineyards and a liqueur
made from the petals of the Poppy flower. Glistening
white houses and restaurants and cafes line the promenade.
Bozcaada
to Assos (Behramkale)
Early
morning start. The fleet will pass Assos on the way to Ayvalik.
The ancient ruins of Assos date from early in the 1st millennium B.C. and sit on a 300 metre bluff above the tiny port where a number of warehouses have been converted into small hotels and a bar/restaurant. The views across to the nearby Greek Island of Lesbos are quite stunning at sunset. Assos is the famous teaching centre of antiquity. Aristotle, Plato's most famous student, was invited to Assos and spent over three years living and teaching there. He married the niece of Hermeia, founded a school of philosophy and conducted his early work in zoology, biology and botany. The acropolis of Assos is 238 metres above sea level and the Temple of Athena was constructed on this site in the 6th century B.C. This Doric temple is being restored to its former glory and role as the guardian of the Biga Peninsula and Endremit Gulf. From the northern corner of the acropolis you can see a mosque, a bridge and fortress; all built in the 14th century by the Ottoman Sultan Murat 1. Below lies the harbour of Assos.
Assos to Ayvalik
Expected last finish time 5.00pm. Yachts will be berthed at the Setur Marina at Ayvalik. In the vicinity of Ayvalik is a lake full of islands with a number of secluded anchorages. The town is a pleasant mix of 19th and 20th century architecture, set under gentle slopes of olive and pine trees.
Race 2 - Bozcaada to Baba Burnu .
Course is Bozcaada to Baba Burnu (Babakale)
finish line abeam Baba Burnu light. Approx. 20nm
Race 3 Baba Burnu to Assos finish line abeam Assos old harbour entrance. Approx. 15nm
Race 4 - Assos to Ayvalik, Finish line abeam Gunes Light. Approx. 15nm |
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Free day for sightseeing or sailing. Tour to the important archaeological site of Pergamon. Bergama (Pergamon), once a great centre of culture, survives as one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites. In the Acropolis, on a hill above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the Temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and the Agora. Visit the Asception and the Red Basilica.
There are buses that stop outside the marina that go to Pergamon from Ayvalik each day and take approx. 1 hour. They leave each hour, on the hour. Others may wish to take the yachts and explore the islands and the lakes. Evening function.
Ayvalik to Foca
Early morning start, expected last finisher 6.00pm. Yachts will be tied up to the harbour wall. Evening free
Foca is a small seaside town popular with the Turks but off the main tourist trail. The harbour is very protected and berthing will be arranged at the town quay. The islands near the approaches, the towns and the hinterland are most attractive. Some of the Genoese fortifications of the town remain but the name Foca derives from Phocaea, the Ionian settlement that existed here. The Phocaeans were great navigators and founded numerous colonies in the Black Sea, the Bosphorus, Italy and Massalia (Marseilles)
Race 5 Ayvalik to Foca. There are two courses available and the course will be selected on the day.
Start line is abeam Korut Burnu light.
Course 1 Ayvalik to Bademi Burnu, 19nm, heading 200/155 degrees magnetic. Finish line abeam Bademi Burnu light
Course 2 Ayvalik to Agrelios (Lesbos) 18nm, heading 200/178 degrees magnetic. Finish line when abeam Agrelios light
Race 6 Bademi light to Fener Adasi light. Approx. 21nm
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Foca, free day for sightseeing and shopping. Evening function.
Foca to Cesme
Early morning start, expected last finisher 5.00pm. Yachts will be berthed at the city marina which is located at the base of a castle. Evening free
Race 7 Foca to Karaburun light. Approx. 18nm
Race 8 Karaburun light to Kayoyeri Sigleri light. Approx. 21nm
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Cesme, free day for sightseeing or relaxed shopping in some of the best shops on the Aegean
Cesme to Sigacik
Sigacik is a pretty port village tucked inside crumbling medieval walls. Close to wonderful sandy beaches of Akkum and at Teos the scattered ruins of the Temple to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.
Race 9 Fener Burnu light to Teke Burnu light and then to Sigacik. Approx. 36nm
Sigacik to Kusadasi
Race 10 Start line to be advised; to Doganby light 11nm then to Kusadasi 20nm. Finish abeam Bird Island light
Yacht hand over 2.00pm at Setur marina. Short transfer to the top of the hill by coach to hotel accommodation at the Kismet Hotel
Kusadasi or Bird Island is a lovely port built along the shores of a glittering bay. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful inlet of the Aegean and is a favourite stop over for yachts cruising the area.
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Full day tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, the restored terrace houses at Yamac evleri and the Basilica of St. John. A visit to Ephesus,a city of marble and once the commercial centre of the ancient world, is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and rebuilt several times, dates in its earliest form from the 3rd century BC. The magnificent city ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths as well as the Library of Celsius. A Byzantine citadel which stands close to the 6th century basilica of St John built on the site of the Apostle's tomb dominates the nearby town of Selcuk. The Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of statues and other finds recovered during the excavations of Ephesus including the remains of a gladiator school. It is recorded that St John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the death of Christ and that she spent her last days in a small house (Meryemana Evi) built for her on Mt Koressos. Now a popular place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims, the house has received the official sanction of the Vatican.
Reading of the Ode to the Fallen, drinks and farewell dinner at the Kismet Hotel
A 8am transfer pick up is scheduled to Izmir for domestic flight to Istanbul. Our flight is scheduled for departure at 10.00 (to be confirmed) please note you may need ID for this flight so keep your passport handy. Register upon arrival at the Arcadia Hotel. Afternoon guided tour of Hagia Sophia. Evening free
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Istanbul is a destination all by itself and the old city, where the hotel is located, is one surprise after the other. Popularly described as standing at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it is easy to understand the significance of this city in the ancient and the modern world.
Day tour of Istanbul to include the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet, and the Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Sultans since the 1450 ’s. Visit the Harem and the Imperial Treasury and the Grand Bazaar. Evening free
May 9th
Sightseeing or departure for optional Capadoccia tour
Depart Istanbul for Sydney or other destinations
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Gallipoli
yacht rally - Program 
