Sail the Bosphorus - Take a Class to See Istanbul

'Sailing the Bosphorus, Hagia Sofia in the background' .

Turkey’s kids are learning to sail - .. .

As Turkey's middle class explodes along with the country's economic growth, the newly affluent are discovering the sport of sailing.

For years foreigners have enjoyed the superb sailing conditions of the Turkish coastline. What was once widely considered a hobby reserved only for an elite class of Turks is becoming more and more widespread. In Istanbul, thanks to the city's sailing club, located on the Asian side of this city of great waterways, it is also extremely accessible.

As Istanbul's summer weather approaches, sailing is being more and more recognised as a great escape and a way to enjoy the cooling effects of the Bosphorus.

Traditional Turkish private sailing boat - .. .

Istanbul's sailing club, established in 1952, this summer offers sailing classes in English and French, thanks to the club's Canadian-French sailing instructor, David Perreault. Perreault, 38, is a member of the National Sailing Academy of France. He has been working for the club for over a year, but has been sailing for as long as he can remember.

Perreault holds that although sailing in Turkey recently there has been an increase in its popularity in the country. 'It was once elite and now it's extending to everyone,' he said. 'The sport is exploding, marinas are getting built, and boats are being sold.'

The sailing instructor said group classes are available for expatriates and visitors in English, as well as English

Sailing past tourist area of Sultanahmet in Istanbul, photo by J Vapillon - .. .

and French private sessions, which readers can book at the Istanbul Sailing Club, depending on availability. Perreault said there is more than one reason to learn the sport, which is not only cooling and relaxing, but can also be exhilarating.

'Once you are on the water you forget the stress of your occupation and the city's traffic,' said Perreault. 'You will learn a beautiful sport and if the wind picks up it gets even more exciting,' he said and added: 'And it's safe!'

If you're anywhere near Istanbul and would like to experience the Bosphorus in true sailing fashion, take a sailing class! Even if you just end up helping the other students, it's a better way to get on the water and enjoy the superb skyline of Istanbul than a ferry ride. For a more detailed schedule, prices and to reserve a spot in the class, visit: www.istanbulyelken.org.trand click the English language Flag

by Turkish Daily News/Sail-World Cruising