*On Sunday night, 27 Jan. ’08, 186 young dinghy sailing enthusiasts, belonging to clubs of  the Turkish Sailing Federation, came from all over Turkey to register for the 3^rd Annual Mid-year Bosch Cup races in four dinghy categories. The largest participation, with 101 entries, was in the Optimist class. In the 4.7 Laser class 50 entrants were registered, with 27 more entering in the Radial Laser class, and 8 in the standard Laser group. At the end of the races prizes will be given to winners at ceremonies to be held at the Flipper Holiday facilities where the youngsters are billeted. Also, those deemed as qualified to take part in the training camp of the Turkish National Dinghy Racing Team will be announced.

Unfortunately races for the first two days had to be cancelled due to gale winds and heavy seas, conditions which were forecast in the well-known Storm Tables compiled in the distant past and based on ancient local seafaring experience.

The photo here is from the same Bosch Cup held last year when similar, though much less severe conditions were experienced.

**If you are interested in local lore and know Turkish, the meeting on Wednesday, 30 January ’08 (14:00 to 17:00 hours) in the Bodrum Municipal Council Meeting Hall may strike your fancy. As in previous meetings held for this purpose, some of the oldest living Bodrum denizens will share their recollections of how, when and by whom various sports came to be practiced in Bodrum. These sessions are intended to record the events for future generations.

***#1. The Bodrum Chamber of Commerce reports that the name ”tirhandil” has been registered with the Turkish Patent Office, meaning that it is now copyrighted. This is apparently to prevent non-Bodrumian  boat-builders from using this name. Maybe the same should be done for “gulet”?

#2. Under the name “Kumas Yildizlari” (“Textile Stars”), an exhibition of creations by Bettina Franckenberg opened on 26 January ’08 in the Vivadans Studyo in Konacik. Patchwork and textile collage works by the artist can be seen there between 12:00 and 22:00 hrs until February 17, ’08.

#3. “Turkiye Nereye”…(or “Quo Vadis Turkey”) is the title for a panel discussion to be held on 9 February ’08 in the Oasis Cultural Center. Those who know Turkish and are interested in current Turkish political affairs may find this meeting of interest.