Medipol Sailing Team reaches the podium on the Bosphorus

During the “Liberation Cup” stage of the 7th Presidential International Yacht Races, organized under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, the Istanbul Medipol University Sailing Team achieved a remarkable success by securing second place with an impressive performance on the challenging course of the Bosphorus. Bringing together the spirit of the 19 May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day with the excitement of sailing, the event showcased the Medipol Sailing Team’s determination, teamwork, and technical discipline.

A CHALLENGING RACE ON A HISTORIC COURSE
The race took place amid the Bosphorus’s ever-changing winds, strong currents, and narrow passages, with approximately 700 athletes competing along the same course. Beginning in front of Çırağan Palace, the race concluded along the Hisar route. Sailing against the backdrop of Istanbul’s historic skyline, the crews competed not only against one another but also against the unique maritime conditions of the Bosphorus itself.

REACHING THE PODIUM WITH THE ELAN 340
Competing in the Cruiser Category, the Istanbul Medipol University Sailing Team delivered a consistently strong performance throughout the race aboard the ELAN 340-class yacht Moda Yelken Medipol University. The team particularly distinguished itself through its skilful manoeuvres in the Bosphorus’s north–south currents and its effective use of shifting wind conditions. In a race where technical decisions had to be made within seconds, team coordination proved decisive in Medipol’s success.

Led by Coach Güray Zünbül, the team completed the Cruiser Category in second place. In the category standings, the Volvo Car Sailing Team, led by Hasan Can Ürek, secured first place, while the Naval Academy team of the National Defence University, led by Muhammed Ali Şahin and competing aboard the yacht DHO Akova, finished third. Among all universities participating in the competition, Istanbul Medipol University ranked first overall.

PODIUM SUCCESS IN ITS FIRST-EVER RACE
Established last year and competing in a sailing race for the first time, the Istanbul Medipol University Sailing Team attracted attention with a roster composed entirely of university students. Representing the university at this prestigious event were Bilal Şansal, Ece Uluoğlu, Sude Çabuk, Ahmet Süheyl Biçer, Mehmet Emir Akın, Aslı Turkal, Azra Erdoğan, Bilal Işık, Bilge Kırıcı, Ömer Tunca, and Taha Azat Erim.