Camper & Nicholsons Marinas is pleased to announce that Cesme Marina in Turkey was officially declared open by Mr Binali Yıldırım, the Minister of Transport, at a formal ceremony on Friday 30th July.
The day-long event included a dignatories’ lunch, followed by a Ministry of Transport Sailing event and awards ceremony. The Opening Ceremony saw speeches from İbrahim Çeçen (Chairman of IC Holding), Nick Maris (CEO of C&N Marinas) and the Mayor of Cesme. The ceremony concluded with dinner for the Minister of Transport, a cocktail reception and fireworks.
Nick Maris said, “Cesme Marina has proved very successful since commencing operation at the beginning of June, with 174 berths occupied to date. The marina is also becoming recognised as an event venue, and at the end of July, played host to 56 visiting yachts (and over 500 yachtsmen) for the 39th Navy Cup.
“Turkey has been very successful with significant steps expanding the marine sector. For the time being it is known for the quality of its marinas rather than the number, and high quality marinas contribute considerably to the country’s reputation as an important yachting destination.”
The Navy Cupy, held 24th – 28th July, started at Istanbul and finished at Cesme. This is the first year the event has finished in Cesme instead of Bodrum, with three days of inshore racing from Cesme Marina. The Navy Cup is the most prestigious yachting event in Turkey and is a great boost for Cesme Marina – highlighting the fantastic facilities and great sailing on offer from the marina.
It is estimated that circa 20,000 people visited the marina daily by land in July and during the last week of July the marina hosted a Fashion Show. This emphasizes the number and frequency of events taking place at Cesme and how the marina has already become a hive of activity – perfect as a home port or visitor destination.