DenizBank Tersane Istanbul Rowing Cup offers world-class racing in the heart of Istanbul

Just days after the world’s best rowers conclude racing at the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, another unique international opportunity awaits on one of the world’s most distinctive waterways.

From 11-13 September 2026, the inaugural DenizBank Tersane Istanbul Rowing Cup will bring together elite and master coastal rowers on the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Türkiye, combining high-level competition with one of rowing’s most spectacular urban backdrops.

With no entry fee for international competitors, substantial prize money on offer, and racing taking place less than two weeks after the World Rowing Championships, the event presents an attractive addition to the 2026 international racing calendar.

International crews are welcome in both the Open and Club categories, and foreign athletes may enter via their World Rowing Athlete Bios registration and a signed health declaration.

The competition will feature mixed-gender Coastal Coxed Quad (C4X+) racing over a 3,500-meter buoyed course, with separate Open and Masters Club categories. Open racing is available to athletes aged 18 and over, while the Club category is reserved for masters crews aged 27 and above, creating opportunities for both elite and experienced club athletes to compete on an international stage.

Located on the historic Golden Horn, the racecourse offers competitors the rare opportunity to race through the heart of one of the world’s great cities. Framed by centuries of maritime heritage and Istanbul’s famous skyline, the venue provides an unforgettable setting that combines high-performance competition with a truly iconic destination.

The event program begins with training and course familiarisation on Friday, 11 September, before heats take place on Saturday and finals are contested on Sunday, concluding with the prize-giving ceremony at Tersane Istanbul.

The Open category offers one of the most significant prize purses in international coastal rowing, with USD 100,000 awarded to the winning crew, while the Masters Club competition offers USD 40,000 for first place.

“Türkiye has invested significantly in developing rowing and creating opportunities to host international competition,” said Türkiye Rowing Federation President Erhan Erturk. “We are delighted to invite crews from around the world to experience racing on the Golden Horn and to discover Turkish rowing and Turkish hospitality following the World Championships in Amsterdam.”

World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland welcomed the addition of another international racing opportunity for athletes following the World Championships.

“One of World Rowing’s objectives is to support more opportunities for athletes to compete internationally throughout the season. The timing of the DenizBank Tersane Istanbul Rowing Cup, immediately after the World Rowing Championships, offers crews an excellent opportunity to extend their European campaign while experiencing competition in an iconic location. We look forward to seeing this new event bring together athletes from across the world.”

Registration closes on 4 September 2026, although organisers note that entries will be processed in order of application and may close earlier should capacity be reached.