All transfers have been arranged through our ground
operator TUTASTURIZM. For those travelling
outside the group arrival and departure dates, with a private
transfer organised with Mariner Boating, a driver will be
waiting as you exit the Ataturk International Terminal (there
is only one exit) carrying a sign with your last name. You
will then be taken to the Arcadia Hotel or hotel of choice
in the old city. The trip should take about 20-30 minutes
depending on traffic. For those catching a taxi, there will
be many touting for your business. Make sure they activate
the trip meter as you leave the kerb.
Those arriving in Istanbul on Emirates Flight EK121
at approximately 6pm please make your way through Customs
and reclaim your luggage. Head to the exit where you will
be met by a representative of Tutas Turizm holding the sign, Gallipoli
Yacht Rally. There will be a bus transfer to the
Arcadia Hotel. A welcome dinner 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. If you have
luggage to be stored, then it will be good idea to have it
checked in the night before as checking out and arranging
the luggage storage will take some time.
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 from each yacht. It is
recommended that the first stage of provisioning should take
place at this time.
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. |
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Early morning start through the busy Dardanelles
to Anzac Cove, expected last finishers 2.00pm. 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
Gallipoli battlefield sightseeing by coach with
professional guide. This will be an early morning start
and 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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91st 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)
04.30 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
Please note: I have asked for some form of security
to watch over the yachts while they are in the harbour.
In the event of this not happening, I suggest to lock
the yachts securely and take your jewellery and valuables
with you.
The Dawn Service attracts about 16000 people and they all have to access the
site by bus. All of these buses pass Kapatepe Harbour and sometimes because
of the traffic jams, most passenger's 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 of about 3kms. You can choose the time when you
leave the yachts but I would suggest no later than 2am. If you get there early
you will be able to collect the commemorative books 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 the hill the way the Anzacs
went. 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
on board in Kabatepe Harbour. |
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Leg 1 from Kabatepe to Bozcaada, distance
25nm. 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 or Race 1. 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 wine and a liqueur
made from the petals of the Poppy flower. Glistening
white houses and restaurants and cafes line the promenade.
Race 1 - Around Bozcaada Island
Race, approx. 15nm. Start and finish line
adjacent to Harbour entrance. Port or starboard rounding
will depend on wind direction
Leg 2 from Bozcaada
to Assos (Behramkale), distance 35 miles. Early
morning start, expected last finishers 3.00pm. Yachts
will be anchored offshore. Evening function.
Race 2 - Bozcaada to Assos.
Course is Bozcaada to Baba Burnu (Babakale) approx. 22.5nm,
heading 185 degrees magnetic, finish line Baba Burnu light
bearing 090 degrees magnetic.
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Free day for sightseeing or sailing. 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. Optional tour to Troy
Leg 3 from Assos to Ayvalik,
distance 20nm. Early morning start, expected last finish
time 3.00pm. 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. Evening
function.
Race 3 - Assos to Ayvalik,
approx. 14nm, heading 130 degrees magnetic. Finish line Gunes
Light bearing 270 degrees magnetic
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Free day for sightseeing
or sailing. The important archaeological site of Pergamon
can be visited from Ayvalik. 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.
Optional tour to Pergamon, with
a guide and including lunch is available. There are buses
that go to Pergamon from Ayvalik each day and this could
be a cheaper option for some. Others may wish to take the
yachts and explore the islands and the lakes.
Leg 4 from Ayvalik
to Foca, distance
48nm. Early morning start, expected last finisher 4.00pm.
Yachts will be tied up to the harbour wall. Evening function
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
4 Ayvalik to Foca. There are two
courses available and the course will be selected on
the day.
Start line is adjacent to Dalyan Bogazi Light.
Course
1 Ayvalik to Bademi Burnu, 19nm, heading 200/155 degrees
magnetic. Finish line Bademi Burnu light bears 090 degrees
magnetic
Course 2 Ayvalik to Agrelios (Lesbos) 18nm, heading
200/178 degrees magnetic. Finish line when Agrelios light
bears 270 degrees magnetic
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Free day for sightseeing or sailing
Leg 5 from Foca to Cesme,
distance 44nm. Early morning start, expected last finisher
4.00pm. Yachts will be berthed at the city marina which
is located at the base of a castle. Prepare yachts
for hand-over. Evening free.
Race 5Foca to Cesme.
Course is Foca to Karaburun 18nm, heading 270/243 degrees
magnetic. Start line inner light Foca Harbour. Finish
line Karaburun light bearing 320 degrees magnetic
Yacht hand over 9.00am. Transfer by coach
to hotel accommodation at the Kismet Hotel in Kusadasi.
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. Rally presentation at
the Kismet Hotel
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Full day tour of the ancient city of Ephesus,
the restored houses at Yamac evleri and the Basilica of
St. Paul. A visit to Ephesus, 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, once considered 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
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. 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. Farewell
dinner
A 7am transfer pick up is scheduled to Izmir
for domestic flight to Istanbul. TK 315 is our
group flight scheduled for departure at 10.30 please
note you will need ID for this flight so keep your passport
handy. Register upon arrival at the Arcadia Hotel. Afternoon
and 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, the St. Sophia Museum 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
Tuesday May 9th
Sightseeing or departure for optional Capadoccia
tour
Depart Istanbul for Sydney or other destinations
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Gallipoli
yacht rally - 2006 Program 