TAYK Holds Climate Workshop as Part of “Sailing to COP31” Project

Türkiye Açıkdeniz Yarış Spor Kulübü (TAYK) is organizing the “Climate Solutions Workshop Led by Youth” as part of the “Sailing to COP31” project carried out under the auspices of the Türkiye Yelken Federasyonu. The workshop, to be held in cooperation with Marmara Yelken Spor Kulübü (MYK), will take place in İstanbul on Thursday, October 22, 2026, between 13.00 and 16.00. At the event, young people, athletes and representatives of the sailing community will evaluate proposed solutions to the climate crisis.

The “Sailing to COP31” project, carried out under the auspices of the Türkiye Yelken Federasyonu and brought to life with the support of sailing clubs across Türkiye, aims to bring together young people, athletes and the sailing community around the common goal of combating the climate crisis. TAYK, which has undertaken the organization of the project's workshop, aims to combine the knowledge and experience of the sailing community with the proposals of young people.

Disasters in İstanbul Bring the Climate Agenda Back to the Forefront

The severe rainfall that recently affected İstanbul and the disaster that followed have once again brought the effects of climate change on urban life to the agenda. These developments highlight the importance of raising awareness of the effects of climate change and developing concrete solutions.

Sailors, who live in close contact with the sea, are among the communities that closely observe changes in wind, currents and sea conditions. At the workshop, it is planned to bring together the experiences of the sailing community with the proposals of young people and to discuss applicable solutions for combating climate change.

Meeting with Athletes, Presentations and Workshop

The program to be held on October 22 will begin at 13.00 with a meeting with athletes. Between 13.30 and 14.00, Marmara Yelken Spor Kulübü President Dr. Sedat Soybay and TAYK member and founder of Alize Yelken Sinan Sümer will deliver their presentations.

Between 14.30 and 16.00, a workshop on climate solutions led by youth will be held.

A Climate Route Stretching from İstanbul to Antalya

The “Sailing to COP31” project, developed by the Türkiye Yelken Federasyonu, brings together young people, athletes, coastal communities and international stakeholders in a multi-stage journey. Beginning with the opening events and manifesto launch in İstanbul, the project aims to reach COP31, to be held in Antalya, through the Climate Action Festival held in İzmir, Çeşme and Urla and the Climate Impact Sailing Rally stretching from Bozburun to Antalya.

As part of the project, concrete outputs such as the Youth Climate Declaration, the Sailing Rally Climate Change Impact Report, the “Sailing to COP31” documentary and the COP31 Final Report are planned to be prepared. The project, which aims to bring local knowledge and observations from Türkiye's coasts to the international climate agenda, also highlights the role that sailing can play in contributing to a sustainable future.

Climate Solutions Workshop Led by Youth Program

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026

Venue: Marmara Yelken Spor Kulübü

13.00-13.30: Meeting with Athletes

13.30-14.00: Speakers

- Dr. Sedat Soybay – President of Marmara Yelken Spor Kulübü

- Sinan Sümer – TAYK Member and Founder of Alize Yelken

14.30-16.00: Climate Solutions Workshop Led by Youth