Sailing is very popular in the calm waters around the southern Turkish coast. The Greek island of Rhodes and the port of Marmaris in Turkey lie only 22 nautical miles apart and this closeness was celebrated last year with a sailing regatta organised jointly by the two towns.

The regatta that took place in June last year consisted of a series of 5 races and included one race over the direct route from Marmaris to Rhodes that took the winning boat just under 3 hours. Sailing is an important part of the economy for Marmaris with several marinas in the area and the main port being one of the busiest along this part of the Turkish coast.

In October 2009 the annual Marmaris International Race Week will take place again when Turkish and foreign sailors are invited to contest a series of yachting events. The race headquarters will be based at the main Netsel Marina close to the town centre and should provide a colourful attraction, even for non-sailors. Many of the races will be held in the inshore lagoon of Marmaris bay and will therefore be visible to spectators on the shoreline. Racing is expected to start on Monday October 26th following a day of briefings and practise for crews. At that time of year the weather in Marmaris is still pleasantly warm with average daytime temperatures of 20 degrees celsius.

For sailors on Rhodes the local yacht club organises a series of events during the summer and many yacht charter companies sail to and from the Mandraki marina in Rhodes town. ( picture Mafe De Baggis )