Sunday 25th September saw an incredible journey come to an end.
Supporters waited expectantly on the beach at the Yacht Classic Hotel for the first glimpse of Sam Tucker, Doğan Eraslan and Serkan Tarım as they approached the finish line.
“Here they come”
And then they appeared in the distance, escorted in by TURMEPA (Turkish Marine Environment Protection Association) who made a special trip from Göcek to be part of this grand finale.
Cries of “I can see them”, “here they come”, the sound of horns hooting and the crowd cheering them on filled the afternoon air as Sam, Doğan and Serkan paddled the last few hundred meters to the beach.
An overwhelming reception
They landed to an overwhelming and emotional reception; hugs, handshakes, and reunions with loved ones and friends.
As well as family and friends, the reception was also attended by Mete Atay, Fethiye Belediye Başkan Yardımcısı (Fethiye Belediye Vice President), Dilek Dinçer, Fetav Müdürü (Fetav Director) and FIG Chairman, Sheila Tongue.
Please click here to read the article in Haberler.com. The article includes video footage from Sunday’s event.
An amazing journey
The amazing journey started on the 1st September in Antalya when Sam & Doğan left from Konyaaltı beach to kayak to Fethiye to raise money for FIG (Fethiye International Group).
Serkan, a local vet, couldn’t leave his surgery unattended for three weeks however, still being determined to do his part, joined them in Ölüdeniz on Friday morning.
From Antalya to Fethiye is a distance of approximately 170 nautical miles, against the natural flow of the sea and into head on winds. This makes the journey much more of a challenge. The ‘sit-on’ style kayaks they used are also more difficult to navigate in unpredictable seas.
Five to six hours a day kayaking (sometimes fighting for every meter of distance) and 24 nights of camping later, they made it safely home.
So far Sam, Doğan & Serkan have raised over a £1000 for FIG
More information
For more information please visit Facebook where you will find updates from throughout the event and details on how the money raised will be used to support local children
Please click on the links below to read our previous articles:
To find out more about FIG please visit Facebook or www.figfethiye.com
Making a donation
If you would like to make a donation please visit the FIG GoFundMe page.
Cash donations can also be made in the following places:
Fetav Office – Fethiye
FIG Shop – 132a Süleyman Demirel Blvd. Patlangıç Mah. Fethiye
FIG Coffee Mornings held every Wednesday at Fora Restaurant on Fethiye Kordon
Serkan’s Veterinary Surgery on the Çalış Road
When making a cash donation please state that it is to sponsor Sam, Doğan and Serkan.
Until the next adventure…
The post ‘On Turkish Tides’ – the end of an incredible journey appeared first on Fethiye Times.