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Göcek Youth & Sport Cup
The Göcek Youth & Sport Cup is considered one of the largest and most atmospheric regattas in the Eastern Mediterranean, combining sporting excitement, a beautiful sailing area, and an international yachting community. The event brings together 50–70 yachts and 400–500 participants from various countries in the unique enclosed bay of Göcek.
- Dates
- 11 May 2026 — 15 May 2026
- Location
- Göcek, Turkey
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Physical load
- Medium
- Accommodation
- On board the yacht (on request, subject to availability) or in a hotel at your own expense
- Airport
- Dalaman (DLM)
Regatta Highlights and Reputation
- Unique sailing waters of Göcek — an enclosed bay with dozens of islands and a protected coastline featuring stable sea breezes of 10–18 knots.
- Diverse fleet — from pure racing yachts (Farr, Swan, JPK, M.A.T., J-Boats, Ker, Melges, DK Yachts) to modern cruiser boats competing in charter divisions.
- Dynamic race format — a combination of classic windward–leeward buoy courses and coastal routes winding among the islands.
- IRC divisions — four racing and two charter divisions, allowing both professional and amateur crews to compete on equal terms.
- Social program — daily evening events, cocktails, prize-giving ceremonies, and sponsored cups.
- Comfort and infrastructure — modern marinas, charter companies, proximity to Dalaman International Airport, and high standards of service.
History and Status of the Competition
Organized by Göcek Yacht Club, one of Turkey's oldest yacht clubs, actively developing sailing since the late 1990s. The regatta has grown from a local event into the international Göcek Race Week, drawing 50–70 yachts and 400–500 competitors annually from Turkey, Europe, CIS countries, and the Middle East.
Today, the Göcek Youth & Sport Cup is considered one of the largest and most atmospheric regattas in the Eastern Mediterranean, combining sporting drive, scenic waters, and an international sailing community.
Format and Course
The total duration is five days, four of which are fully dedicated to racing. During this time, participants complete six full races, including classic windward–leeward courses around buoys as well as coastal racing between islands, ensuring a dynamic and varied program. Crews typically range from 8 to 12 people on yachts 7 to 20 meters in length.
Racing here demands tactical crew readiness, working with wind shifts, coastal topography, and island wind-shadow effects.
The organizers place significant emphasis on both the athletic and social aspects of the regatta. Each racing day concludes with evening gatherings, cocktails, and daily awards hosted in Göcek's marinas and clubs. Many races feature dedicated sponsor cups, and the final evening culminates in a grand awards ceremony.
Dates
May 11–15, 2026. A 5-day general program including 4 days of racing.
Regatta Website Link
Program
Included
- Services of skipper Pavel Barinov and tactician Maxim Nemchenko
- Participation in races aboard the DK46 racing yacht
- Participation in all official regatta events
- Daily race awards and cups
- Hull cleaning prior to the start of the regatta
- Fuel
- Yacht insurance
- Accommodation on board the yacht (optional, subject to availability)
Not included
- Shoreside event package fee per person (to be determined by the organizers).
- Entry fee (race committee and organizing team work), shared equally among all crew members.
- Flights to the regatta venue and airport-to-marina transfers are arranged and paid by participants independently.
- Hotel accommodation, available as an option if you prefer staying ashore rather than on board.
- Sports insurance, mandatory for all participants, covering sailing or extreme sports (approximately €30).
- Race provisions — water, fruit, and light snacks — purchased from the crew kitty and split among all participants (approximately €70 per person).
- Personal expenses ashore, including restaurants, additional entertainment, and shopping.
