Sailing in Istanbul, especially in the Bosporus, is not only challenging but also exciting. The southern stream in the Bosporus is 3 knots, which normally makes sailing north a challenge when we sail in the middle of the Bosporus. However, the same southern stream creates vortexes close to the banks of the Bosporus. These vortexes help us navigate north faster, because they swirl to create currents that run north. Adding to the challenge are the northern winds. The head-winds force the boat to follow a zigzag route, which looks as if the boat would crash on the banks. The spectators like being head to head with the boat and usually take many photos as we approach the banks.
The downstream or southern direction allows the boat to reach higher speeds than normal because of the back-current. The northern winds also help the boat go faster. Going so fast can happen only in the Bosporus. The spectators enjoy the speed a lot as well. The speed makes the trip so exciting. Sailing downstream takes around 15 minutes; however, sailing upstream may take up to one and a half hours.
The pictures below show the bosphorus races that I paticipated.
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