The event is an event of the Turkish association DADD, an association of cruising sailors founded in 2017 with the aim of promoting sailing in Turkey and improving contacts with water sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Since then, several flotilla trips through the Aegean and Black Seas have been organized. The Black Sea Rally sails in the footsteps of the legend of Jason and the Argonauts who were on the hunt for the Golden Fleece.
Accordingly, the rally follows the route of the Greeks, who allegedly set out to conquer the golden skin of a flying ram that was sacrificed to the gods. According to legend, Jason and his Argonauts were given this task so that he could get back his stolen throne. In reality, this was probably the mythical trimmings of a raid in the 13th century to steal gold and treasures in today's Georgia.
The route of the rally starts in the Greek port of Volos in the gulf of the same name near the Sporades. From there it goes over the Dardanelles and the Bosporus along the Turkish and Georgian coast in stages to the destination in Colchis. The sailing takes place in three stages: Volos – Istanbul, Istanbul – Poti and Poti – Istanbul. Overall, the event runs from June 10th to August 17th, 2019. The participants are international, the stops on land are organized. At a previous rally in 2017, the country program and the receptions on site were highly praised.
More information about the rallies is available on the DADD's English-language website