*When the starting gun sounds on Wednesday 23 July ’08 it will launch the first leg of the 8th Gant Cup Sail Races, and since few such enterprises achieve permanence on the calendar this event deserves to be called ‘annual’ and even ‘traditional’. Taking place from 23 to 27 July, the Gant Cup races promise some exciting sailing, as can be seen in the photo (inset) from last year. An additional aspect of the race is the contribution it makes to deepen the relations between Turkey & Greece: the first leg is between Bodrum and the Greek island of Cos where the racers will be hosted at a party in the Cos Marina and remain overnight. Turgutreis D-Marin Marina and Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay will also host the racing boats. For information contact the Bodrum Offshore Yacht Club +90-252-316-3385 or Milta Bodrum Marina +90-252-316-1860; also www.gantcup.com
**The Bodrum City Council started to enforce their ordinance requiring that all outdoor places of entertainment cease playing music after 4 a.m. On Gümbet’s Bar Street the curfew resulted in revelers moving to enclosed venues, some boisterously venting their displeasure in the process. In meetings of the Town Council with entertainment operators the latter protested at this restriction to no avail; the Council is sending warning notices saying that violators face cancellation of their permits.
***The relocation of Bodrum shipyards from Içmeler to the Ōren area in the Gulf of Gökova has been planned, anticipated and publicized for some years but now it faces a stay of execution. This is due to the unexpectedly high rent for the land determined by the Finance Ministry to be paid to the government by the co-operative of some 36 boat-builders, suppliers and related firms organized for this project. The relocation promised to free prime real estate in Içmeler for development so now investors who have been waiting with baited breath will have to wait longer. ****According to the Bodrum Chamber of Commerce and Professional Hotel Operators Assn. the 2008 Bodrum tourist season has not come up to expectations. While Antalya’s tourist arrivals have risen 22% Bodrum has fallen behind, and in particular newly opened hotels are having problems filling available beds. Is anyone questioning why so many hotels are given building permits?? ***** Gümüşlük Music Festival continues, performances 23, 25 & 27 July.
