Istanbul was a little cold and somewhat wet but it didn’t stop us all having a wonderful time.

Atakoy marina was very full but they managed to find berths for us all close together.

Most boats had travelled a long way to reach here so it was time to change filters oil and carryout those 1001 and one jobs that are needed always on a cruising boat.

We were 10 boats in all Mat, Mashona, Froggy, Felma, Sanssipap, Farewell, Finoor, Shadowcat, Snootyfox and Divine; eight nationalities.

Everybody took the opportunity to visit the sites in Old Istanbul. We had been here many times but could always find somewhere new or something different to see.

Atakoy is adjacent to Bakırkoy, one of the best shopping areas in the city so the ladies took the opportunity to supplement their wardrobe whilst the gentlemen worried about the use of plastic.

We had the start of rally dinner in the Yacht Club some of the past rally participants were there also so it was a good opportunity to reacquaint ourselves and relate many stories.

The following night our Commodore Teoman threw a BBQ in the sailing club this over the past three years has been a very special night lots of food lots of wine lots of Raki ,just what you need before a long passage!!

This year was no different, the marina staff were there as well as some of our past EMYR sailors and of course some old friends.

Five o’clock in the morning sore the first boat slip, and set sail for Mureftte little wind meant that most of the journey was with the engine but at least we where on our way.

It was nice to see the lights of Istanbul especially as when we arrived it was in thick fog we winded our way through the moored big ships waiting to enter the Bosporus and soon we were in clear sea and on course.

Murefte has been a stop for the rally for the last four years built as a fishing harbour it is now starting to develop its services for visiting yachts they have some water electricity is available at a few points and fuel can be delivered.

What it lacks in facilities it makes up in hospitality you are always met on the quay by a number of people anxious to take your lines and invite you to see their town.

Our representative their Mesut was there many of the local people asking if anything needed doing could they help in any way or could they just talk to us.

That evening we were entertained to a wonderful dinner by the municipality complete with a 5 piece band.

It was attended by the Governor, Mayor, Turkish Costguard - Sahil Guvenlik and many local dignitaries it shows they commitment that the town shows to yachtsmen and tourism’ this venue should be on any cruisers venue especially if you are visiting the Sea of Marmara or on transit to the Black Sea.

A special mention must be made of Adnan Kutman of Kutman wines who opened his factory for us to taste his fine wines, provided the wine for the dinner and gave each boat a bottle for the journey.

The next day we visited the local countryside  the town of Gelibilou and the Gallipoli peninsular.

The day we visited was ANZAC day; it commemorates the landing of the allied troops and the futile battles with the unnecessary loss of life, on both sides. It is equally important to the Turkish people because as well as losing 60,000 troops it was Turkish colonel Mustapha Kemel Ataturk who rallied the Turkish troops and then became later the father of modern Turkey.

His words in the poem I think are some of the most moving I have ever read.

‘Those heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives

You are now lying in a friendly country Therefore rest in peace

There is no difference between the Jonnies and the Mehmets to us they lie side by side here in this country of our

You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears your sons are now lying in our bosom and are at peace

 

After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.’

 

I certainly have a tear in my eye when I read this

Another long passage awaited us in the morning to the Island of Gokceada we cast off early and headed for the Dardanelles, inarguably one of the busiest and greatest seaways in the world.

We had good wind behind us and cruising shoots where up and we made a smooth and very fast passage till we rounded the Mehmetcik Burnu at the end of the straits, Mashona was the first boat and from a fast run making maybe 9knts we were hit by an initial  gust of 35knts just off the nose.

We reefed in quickly but the wind increased now reaching 25 to 28knts, a passage to Gokceada was going to be very difficult we headed into it for some fifteen minutes and it was plainly not sensible to carryon.

A quick decision was made to divert to Bozcaada which meant we could run before the wind and although the sea had built it was behind us.

We contacted all the boats and we all turned south.

The wind was still blowing hard but at least the sea was calm within the harbour everybody was soon tied up.

It is always difficult to make a decision not to go somewhere you are expected especially as our friends in Gokceada make us very welcome and it is a beautiful island.

On this occasion we made the right one it continued to blow during the night and although this morning it is a lot quieter the wind is again starting to increase.

Hopefully tomorrow morning it will be less and we can modify our programme and visit even for just one day.

This morning the majority have gone on an island tour and to visit the fine castle in the town

 Dave  Kath and of course Tilly the Cat