Initial contact between STI and the Turkish Chamber of Shipping (TCS) occurred during a conference in Kuala Lumpur in May 2005. Subsequent correspondence lead to an extraordinary event: May of 2010 will be defined and remembered for years to come as "Tall Ships Regatta in Historical Seas 2010". The Regatta and Races of the Tall Ships 2010 will definitely lead to an unprecedented remembrance of the rise and fall of many civilizations like the Mycenaean, Trojan, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and the events leading to the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic-not to forget the dawn of a new era starting from 1453 and also historic Gallipoli.
The Tall Ships visit to Turkey, with participation by more then 50 vessels against a historical background and concurrent with growing public awareness on social synergies will build public interest and the races will create a dynamic attention locally equivalent at least to Formula 1.
Over the centuries, Istanbul has been at the heart of three major empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Today, its cosmopolitan population and culture reflect that of a modern Europe while still preserving the legacy of its past.
This multi-cultural history has enabled Istanbul to develop the concept of 'living together' - a balance of religions and people which is truely 'east meets west' and gives the city an identity which is unique.
Istanbul's geographical location makes it exceptional among other cities of the world both as a port and place of trade. But, despite its thousands of years of history, Istanbul very much reflects modern day Turkey. Its young and dynamic population creates an energy that makes Istanbul one of the most dynamic cities of the region. The arrival of the Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta fleet is expected to add an unparalleled elegance, liveliness and spectacle for both visitors and residents alike.
Istanbul has been chosen as European Capital of Culture in 2010. It is currently the fifth largest city in Europe, with a population of more than 11 million and an economy which has grown to become one of the largest in the world.
The Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta takes place in May and early June 2010, concluding in time for participating vessels to make passage to northern Europe to take part in The Tall Ships' Races.
Leg one of the Historical Seas Tall Ships Regatta will follow the route, according to legend, of Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece from Volos, Greece (12-15 May) through the Dardanelles into the Black Sea. The next port of call will be Varna, Bulgaria (21-24 May), departing on the country's National Day (24 May). From there the fleet will race to Istanbul, Turkey (27-30 May), where the Regatta will be a centrepiece of the city's celebrations of its designation as European Capital of Culture in 2010. From there the fleet will cruise and race to Lavrion, Greece (4-7 June) close to Athens and a wealth of other historical and cultural sites in the region of Attica.
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