The Bosphorus Cup is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary from September 17-19, with organisers highlighting the event’s contribution to Istanbul’s international profile and sports tourism.
Ahead of this year’s regatta, the traditional Cup Handover ceremony was held aboard a sailboat on the Bosphorus. Lisa Matveeva, representing last year’s winners Rossko Racers, handed back the 7kg trophy ahead of the 2026 competition.
Designed by Turkish designer Can Yalman and produced by craftsmen in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the trophy combines crystal and silver and is returned to the organisers each year before being presented to the new champion.
Bosphorus Cup founder and CEO Orhan Gorbon said the event had generated close to €1bn in economic value for Istanbul over its 25-year history. The figure is an organiser estimate rather than an independently audited economic-impact figure.
Gorbon said the original ambition was to use sailing to promote Istanbul and Turkish culture internationally, adding that the Bosphorus Cup has established itself among the world’s leading sailing events.
The competition has also developed into a platform for sports tourism, bringing sailors, teams and visitors to Istanbul while generating activity across accommodation, transportation, food and beverage and other service sectors.
Turkish Airlines continues to support the event through its Miles&Smiles Premium Sponsorship. Rafet Fatih Özgür, President of Brand & Promotion at Turkish Airlines, said the partnership helps connect people from different geographies through competition, friendship and a shared passion for sailing.
TürkMedya Executive Board Member Ziyad Varol also underlined the event’s 25-year continuity and its contribution to sports tourism and Istanbul’s international visibility. TürkMedya is the event’s media partner and will also compete with its own sailing team.
The 2026 Bosphorus Cup will feature three days of racing:
- September 17: Caddebostan Race
- September 18: Islands Race
- September 19: Bosphorus Race at Çırağan Palace Kempinski
- September 19: Award ceremony at Çırağan Palace Kempinski
After a quarter of a century, the Bosphorus Cup has positioned itself as more than a sailing competition, combining elite sport with destination marketing, tourism and the wider Istanbul event economy.