The Winds of Change: Bodrum Cup 2025 Shifts Route from Leros to Ancient Iasos, Embracing the Spirit of the Turkish Aegean

The thrill of the open sea, the creaking of wooden masts, and the unbreakable bond of camaraderie—these are the hallmarks of The Bodrum Cup, one of the most prestigious and beloved traditional wooden yacht races in the Mediterranean. For over three decades, this event has been a vibrant celebration of seamanship, culture, and friendship, uniting sailors from around the world.

However, even the most seasoned mariners must adjust their course. The 37th Maximiles Black The Bodrum Cup, scheduled to take place from October 20-25, 2025, has announced a significant but necessary change to its itinerary. Due to unforeseen bureaucratic hurdles and visa issues, the eagerly anticipated leg to the Greek island of Leros has been officially cancelled.

But the spirit of the Cup is indomitable. Instead of veering off course, the organizers have turned their sails towards a magnificent destination within Turkey’s own waters: the ancient city of Iasos (Kıyıkışlacık). This change of route, celebrated under the new slogan, “The wind has changed direction, our route is towards Iasos,” ensures that the event’s core values—solidarity, team spirit, and the joy of sailing—will continue to thrive on the stunning Turkish Aegean.

This in-depth post explores the reasons behind the shift, the exciting new route, the historical significance of Iasos, and why the 2025 Bodrum Cup promises to be an unforgettable return to the heart of the Turkish Riviera.

The Decision: From Leros to the Aegean Coast

The Greek island of Leros has long been a cherished part of The Bodrum Cup itinerary, symbolizing the maritime brotherhood between Turkish and Greek sailors. The cancellation of the Leros leg was announced with regret, following extensive but ultimately unsuccessful efforts by the organizing committee to resolve recurring visa-related complications that would have potentially excluded many participants.

The priority for the organizers was clear: to maintain the inclusivity and high participation standards of the race. As a result, the entire competition will now take place within the Turkish cabotage borders. The commitment to the event’s fundamental spirit, aptly described as “maritime brotherhood and solidarity,” guided the decision. The new route not only solves the logistical challenge but also provides a fresh, exciting challenge for the nearly 200 traditional wooden yachts and 2,000 sailors expected to participate.

The New Route: Sailing the Ancient Waters of Iasos

The 37th Bodrum Cup will now cover approximately 110 nautical miles across five thrilling stages, with the ancient city of Iasos serving as the centerpiece for the mid-race stages.

Here is the updated 5-day racing schedule (October 21-25, 2025):

The new route maintains the vibrant coastal towns of the Bodrum Peninsula—Yalıkavak and Bodrum—while introducing sailors and spectators to the serene beauty and rich history of the Güllük Bay, where Iasos is located.

The Jewel of the Aegean: Unveiling Iasos (Kıyıkışlacık)

The selection of Iasos (known today as Kıyıkışlacık) as the new destination is a masterstroke that deeply enriches the cultural dimension of the Cup. While Leros offered a connection to the modern Greek islands, Iasos offers a direct link to the ancient Hellenistic and Roman roots of the Aegean coast.

A City Loved by a Dolphin

Iasos is not just a secluded bay; it’s a breathtaking archaeological site nestled on a peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Originally founded on a small island that was later connected to the mainland, the city was a crucial port known for its marble quarries and commercial prowess. Its ruins date back to the Bronze and Copper Ages, but the most visible remains belong to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Sailing into the harbor of Iasos means following the routes of ancient mariners. Sailors anchoring here will have the unique opportunity to explore:

• The Bouleuterion: One of the best-preserved structures, originally a council building from the 4th century B.C.
• The Agora: The ancient marketplace, a hub of Hellenistic life.
• The Fish Market (Balık Pazarı): An intriguing Roman funerary monument that has been repurposed over the centuries.
• The Defensive Walls: Offering panoramic views of the Güllük Bay and the sparkling Aegean Sea.

The connection to the sea is indelible in Iasos’s history. Legend even tells of an Iasian boy who was famously befriended by a dolphin, a story celebrated throughout the ancient world. For the Bodrum Cup, landing at the peaceful and historically rich Port Iasos Marina provides a perfect blend of high-octane racing and serene cultural immersion.

The Strategic Appeal for Sailors

Located just a short sail from the main hubs of Bodrum, the Iasos leg of the race presents an excellent tactical challenge. The waters of the Güllük Bay are generally more sheltered, but the specific currents and winds around the peninsula of Kıyıkışlacık will test the mettle of the competing skippers and crews.

For participants, the opportunity to dock near an ancient wonder, surrounded by a peaceful, untouched landscape, replaces the buzz of a crowded Greek port with an atmosphere of historic awe and natural tranquility. The shift moves the competition away from international logistics and closer to the very essence of the Blue Voyage (Mavi Yolculuk)—the traditional Turkish cruising route that is the spiritual home of the Gulet and the Bodrum Cup.

The Undiminished Spirit of the Bodrum Cup

Despite the route change, the heart of the event remains vibrant and unchanged. The Bodrum Cup is far more than a yacht race; it’s a maritime festival celebrating the traditional craft of wooden boat building, the shared passion for sailing, and the communal spirit of the sea.

A Festival of Tradition and Camaraderie

The 37th edition carries the theme “Generations” (Nesillerce), emphasizing the passing down of sailing culture, craftsmanship, and friendship from one generation to the next. The race is a living museum, featuring the majestic Gulets, Tirhandils, and traditional wooden yachts that are the pride of the Turkish Aegean.

• Teamwork and Solidarity: The challenging conditions of the Aegean demand impeccable teamwork. The essence of the Cup lies not just in winning, but in the collective effort, support, and mutual respect among crews.
• Cultural Celebrations: Each stage finish transforms the marina into a festival ground. The new stops at Iasos and the return to the lively marinas of Yalıkavak and Bodrum ensure that the famous post-race parties, concerts, and ceremonies—including the grand Bell Ceremony and the final Awards Ceremony at the Ağanlar Shipyard—will be as spectacular as ever.
• Focus on the Craft: By staying within Turkish waters, the event further highlights the skill of local boat builders and the enduring legacy of the Blue Voyage. The spotlight is firmly on the beauty and resilience of the wooden fleet.

Commitment to Accessibility

The visa issues that led to the route change are a perfect example of the organizers’ commitment to accessibility. By ensuring the race remains within the cabotage area, the organizing committee ensures that the maximum number of sailors can participate without complex bureaucratic barriers, upholding the principle that “no one should be left behind.” This focus on an inclusive, seamless event experience is paramount for an international gathering of this scale.

What the Route Change Means for the Future

The shift from Leros to Iasos in 2025 might mark a new chapter for The Bodrum Cup. While the connection to the Greek islands is deeply valued, the exploration of historically significant and stunning Turkish destinations opens up exciting possibilities for future routes.

Iasos is an ideal choice: it offers a beautiful, sheltered anchorage, a rich historical backdrop for cultural events, and a compelling sailing challenge. It reinforces The Bodrum Cup’s identity as the definitive showcase of the Turkish coastline.

The message from the organizers is clear: The destination may change, but the journey continues. The wind may have changed direction, but it has only propelled the event toward a location that is profoundly rooted in Aegean maritime history. Sailors in 2025 will be competing in the wake of Ionian traders, Roman governors, and the legendary dolphin of Iasos.

Final Thoughts for Sailors and Spectators

For participants, the new Yalıkavak – Iasos – Yalıkavak segment offers fresh navigational excitement and a chance to explore a hidden gem of the Turkish coast. For spectators, the action promises to be more centralized and accessible, offering fantastic vantage points from the Bodrum Peninsula.

The Bodrum Cup 2025 will be a testament to resilience, friendship, and the enduring magic of the sea. It’s an invitation to hoist your sails, embrace the winds of change, and discover the ancient wonders and vibrant spirit of the Turkish Blue Aegean.

Are you ready to set a new course for history in Iasos?