The Club

The Turkish Offshore Racing Club (TAYK) was founded on 8 May 1971 as the Offshore Racing Club (AYK). The founders set out to race under international rules, bring measurement and handicap systems to Turkey, invite foreign yachtsmen, and take Turkish crews abroad.

Early seasons used the IOR system. With no marina in Istanbul, racing sat between June and September: the Marmara Cup, the Triangle course and the Turkish Naval Foundation Cup. Later international work included a Trans Mediterranée leg at Kusadasi (1980), the Naval Forces Cup extension to Thessaloniki (1990) and the Friendships Cup with the Nautical Club of Thessaloniki (2000). A Council of Ministers decision dated 12 June 1993 (93/4531) added “Türkiye” to the club name.

Commodores: Fahir Celikbas (1971–1980), Ertan Balin (1980–1986), Samim Arduman (1986–2002), Ergin Imre (2002–2006), Alp Doguoglu (2006–2008), Serdar Kisadere (2008–2015), Alican Turali (2015–2016), Vedat Tezman (2016–2026), Nazmi Ahmet Eker (2026–).

GSB-approved statutes: https://tayk.ai/dosyalar/upload/GSB%20ONAYLI%20T%C3%9CZ%C3%9CK.pdf

Source: tayk.org.tr/kulubumuz (compiled by Cahit R. Uren).