Ünver sets the Fischer Panda sail during the Bodrum Cup

The annual Bodrum Cup is held for traditional heavy cruising and classic wooden yachts, in particular the Turkish charter yachts known as "gulets". These large wooden ships are renowned for the comfort and service on board they provide. Typically around 35 meters in length, 8 meters wide, 3 meters draft and around 400 m2 of sail area. Operating as cruisers in the tourist industry carrying around 18 passengers, many have Fischer Panda generators to supply fridges, cooling systems, air conditioning, washing machines and modern electrical devices fitted on board.

The Bodrum Cup is the only regatta in Europe (and probably the world) which also allows passengers to be on board. This combines racing and chartering and passengers can help and double up as crew making the race ideal for beginners and experienced sailors.

The race is held along the favourite routes of the "blue voyage" - the name given to the cruises in the turquoise seas of the Turkish southern coastline with visits to major stops along the route during the race. The race is also open to non-wooden vessels who may take part as non-competing participants. The Bodrum Cup has become an international sailing festival.

With a primary intention of promoting interest in the region and the sailing skills among the captains and crews of the Bodrum s charter fleet, the event is also a celebration of the official end of the cruising season bringing together the crews of the charter yachts which normally operate on their own.