WELCOME TO THE BLUE CRUISE

The Mediterranean, Aegean, and the Black Sea, as well as the Sea of Marmara, surround Turkey to the north, west and south. With over 8,333 kilometers of coastline and four seas, Turkey is a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches from which yachtsmen can choose a different and always private anchorage each night.

The sailing paradise of Turkey is home to the Blue Voyage. This idyllic cruise means sailing with the winds, into coves and over the seas and becoming one with nature. It is also an experience of the history of man from the perspective of the sea rather than from the land, a journey which carries you to the private beach of Cleopatra, the eternal fires of Mt. Olympos and the myriad archaeological remains of ancient civilizations. For lovers of the active life, sailing in clear waters provides great opportunities for swimming, fishing, skiing, surfing and diving.

Sailing in Turkey also allows you to experience a truly enriching cultural exchange with the hospitable and gracious people of the coastal villages and towns. The tempered winds which generally blow from the west and northwest make the long summers ideal for yachting, and seem to encourage an appreciation of nature. From some of the turquoise coasts unspoilt and sheltered bays you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3,000 meters above sea level.

Fortunately, Turkey's modern facilities and comfort have not overshadowed her ancient hospitality and slower pace of life. The pleasure of yachting in Turkey will tempt you back again and again, to explore yet another stretch of coast and to relive the luxurious ease of life on the sea.

MARINAS

Yachting remains a popular activity for residents as well as visitors to Turkey. Over the past 40 years the industry has grown, and today a large number of marinas dot the coastline between Istanbul and Antalya. These provide supplies, easy access to the shore at major resorts and safe harbors, as well as often becoming local entertainment venues in themselves.

In İstanbul, yachtsmen will delight in splendid natural landscapes, open seas and magnificent sunsets, as well as a CRUISE through Byzantine and Ottoman history as they sail past the impressive castles, palaces and mosques. After navigating the breathtaking Bosphorus and sailing under the two enormous bridges which span Europe and Asia or meandering along the mosque-fined Golden Horn or cruising in the coves and bays of the Princes' Islands, you can return to one of the two large marinas in the area. Ataköy Marina on the European side and Kalamış (Amiral Fahri Korutürk) Marina on the Asian side both offer 24-hour service. From the North Sea through the European interior, yachters can sail down the European channel system and the Rhine and Danube Rivers into the Black Sea harbors and to the İstanbul-Boğaz and İstanbul marinas - a safe and short way to go to the Turkish Mediterranean coast and marinas. The Black Sea coast provides yachters with a lush green coastal band where the environment is protected and virginal. There are frequent coves and fishing harbors along this coast, and the weather is mild during the summer and winter.

Turkey's most established marinas lie on the southern Aegean and Mediterranean coasts at İzmir, Çeşme, Kuşadası, Bodrum, Datça, Bozburun, Marmaris, Göcek, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kaş, Finike, Kemer and Antalya. In these well-equipped harbors, yachters can find the services and provisions they require. Antalya, Dalaman, İzmir and İstanbul airports provide quick links to all of Turkey's marinas; after an easy flight you can board your yacht and sail off all within a day.

GULLETS
ENJOYMENT ON TRADITIONAL CRAFTS

The singular design of the gullets, Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies a Blue Voyage. Over the years gullets have evolved from traditional crafts for fishing and transport into their present profile with a broad beam and wide deck.

Constructed mainly in shipyards in Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and İstanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, the boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging. The number of passengers a gullet carries depends on the boats size, although most of them accommodate between eight and twelve people. These vessels offer their passengers separate accommodations, and chartering one includes services and entertainment. Modern gullets are comfortably equipped with all of the amenities of home and encourage an environment in which you are expected to do nothing but enjoy yourself. The closeness of the small group of people on board promotes an atmosphere of friendship and sharing; relations among passengers and crew tend to be relaxed and casual.

Travel agencies can arrange charters and fixed tours for a specific group of people or for you individually. Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, on a gullet you can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbors and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships cannot replicate authentically. In many ways a gullet is like a full-service hotel where every room has a sea view and the scenery changes constantly.

BARE-BOAT CHARTER AND FLOTILLA CRUISES: WHAT A WAY TO ROUGH IT!

Bare-boat charter has recently been introduced as another form of yacht hire in Turkey. The charters are undertaken by representatives who are responsible for puffing the passengers on board, looking after them and seeing that they return safely to port. Maintenance crews keep these yachts in optimum condition, but it is the people who undertake the charter themselves who crew the boat. Of course, an experienced skipper accompanies the vessel, but once on board the people who undertake the charter perform all of the tasks - the handling of the sails, the seaman's chores, meal preparation and housekeeping. For those who want to escape all kitchen duties on their holiday, there is at least one restaurant at every anchorage; eating out remains an option.

The more adventurous and experienced sailors can charter and pilot smaller (9 to 10 meter) motor yachts. Before setting sail, bare-boat companies generally brief their clients on the navigational characteristics of the environment, meteorological conditions, where and how to restock provisions, how to act in an emergency and any other pertinent information.

Flotilla sailing, or sailing with a group of yachts led by one boat, is another great adventure on the sea. Although an experienced sailor skippers the lead boat, the navigation of each individual boat is left to its crew.