Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race
The Atakoy Marina is a fitting venue for the event. Not only does it offer excellent facilities and good weather, it marks the place where Asia and Europe converse ...
Friday 05 February 2010, 20:00 GMT
Istanbul was officially welcomed into the fold yesterday as the host of the 2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships.
The unique Turkish city where east meets west will stage the 40th edition of the event. The championship, organized by the Turkish Sailing Federation, will take place at the Atakoy Marina on the Marmara Sea from 8-17 July.
Istanbul will also be celebrating the fact it is Europe's Cultural Capital for 2010, with the championships being the centrepiece of its summer sporting programme.
For the first time in the regatta there will be eight fleets, with the high-performance dinghy open class, the 29er, added to the schedule. The competitors will have an extra training day to familiarize themselves with the conditions on the southern end of the Bosphorus Strait.
A press conference featuring the Minister of Sport for Turkey, Goran Petersson, ISAF President and HM King Constantine, the ISAF President of Honour, marked the occasion.
Petterson said he was confident Turkey would stage an outstanding event. "The many major events that Turkey has hosted is evidence to this," said Petterson. "Many championships, two Olympic qualifiers, windsurfing events and Turkey will also host the 470 men's and women's world championships.
"The Atakoy Marina is a fitting venue for the event. Not only does this marina offer excellent facilities and good weather conditions, it also marks geographically the place where Asia and Europe converse."
Sophie Luther/Volvo Ocean Race