RIFAT EDIN - Turkish collector

Rifat Edin might have grander boats in his stable, but his heart belongs to a small, clinker dinghy

- BRUNO CIANCI

Tuzla, a suburb of eastern Istanbul, is the epicentre of the Turkish shipbuilding industry and home to the Naval Academy. The western shore of this peninsula that stretches out into the Sea of Marmara is also the home of Rifat Edin, a well-known figure in sailing circles. His estate is a charming complex located on the ancient site of a monastery and of a harbour built by the Genoese several centuries ago. The pier is equipped with davits and racks that house several International 12 Foot dinghies. In all, Rifat owns 30 of them, the last of which was acquired just a few weeks ago. “The 12 Foot Dinghy is my favourite boat” Edin told us, “so much so that every time I feel the need for solitude, I put one in the water and tack until I get tired”.

In 2013, to mark the centenary of the birth of this craft designed by George Cockshott (1875-1953), this site hosted the sixth edition of the Cockshott Trophy, a commemorative event held since 2008 attracting sailors from all over the world. “I miss participating in rallies and regattas around Europe” added Rifat “and I look forward to resuming that wonderful habit of gathering with the 12 Foot Dinghy community’.

A few metres off the concrete pier, tied to buoys, are the wooden ketch Four Seasons and the cutter Plaisir. The first craft was acquired a long time ago by Rifat’s father, Ahmet Seçi Edin, who recently died. “On the other hand,