In the crossroads of ancient civilizations lies a culturally rich country bathed by four seas, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the South, and the Aegean Sea to the West. The coastline spans some spectacular 5,000 miles (over 8,000 kilometers) while the interior offers a high central plateau and several mountain ranges. With its temperate climate, beautiful scenery, rich past, and magnificent cities, it is no wonder that Türkiye is the 5^th most visited country in the world.

This past May, Yachting Times was invited to take part in the 5^th edition of the TYBA Yacht Charter Show, one of the most prestigious yachting events in the east Mediterranean. For the last three years, the Show was held in D-Marin at the lovely seaside town of Göcek, in a secluded bay surrounded by green mountains in the back, charming coves and beaches on both sides, and protected from the sea by some twelve scattered islands. According to euphemerising variants of the ancient Greek legend, it was around here where Icarus landed with his wings when he escaped from the tower where he had been imprisoned. Göcek is slowly transforming itself into a rising high-end yachting spot, from where many charters depart. It offers several good shops and restaurants, top marinas and hotels, and lies only a few minutes away from Dalaman airport.

Since 2018 the Show has been organized by Türkiye’s Yachting and Brokers Association (TYBA), which plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s yacht tourism industry. With 98 dedicated corporate members and a fleet of 800 charter boats adhering to its high standards, TYBA has established itself as a driving force in the world of Turkish yachting. This year’s showcase boasted 53 luxury yachts, some reaching up to 55 meters in length, attracting nearly 350 charter brokers. Moreover, the event welcomed over 20 international and national yacht press members as well as international influencers to spotlight Turkey’s offerings in global yacht tourism, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural richness, top-notch facilities, and luxurious vessels, including traditional Gulet sailing yachts.

In Turkey, a gulet is a traditional wooden schooner that varies in size from 14 to 35 meters. They are generally built in the coastal towns of Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum, and resemble similar vessels found in the eastern Mediterranean. The word gullet derives from the Italian goletta, the French gouélette or goelette, and the Spanish word goleta. Gulets were practical maritime vessels that became popular in the mid-20th century thanks to the Turkish writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, also known as The Fisherman of Halicarnassus. The ancient city of Halicarnassus, which lied in what is now Bodrum, was famous for the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, built from 353 to 350 BC, and considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. While living in Bodrum, Kabaağaçlı discovered the charm of gulets and traveled with friends in what he called Blue Voyages, a term now used by the Turkish tourism industry for recreational voyages along the Turquoise Coast. Blue Cruises, also called Blue Voyages, typically consist in a week-long trip aboard local gulet schooners along the Turkish Riviera, on Turkey’s southwestern coast along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.

The combination of warm Turkish hospitality, delicious and healthy Mediterranean food, beautiful scenery with verdant hills and mountains bordering picturesque bays and secluded coves, while leisurely cruising along ancient cities, charming fishing villages, and beautiful beaches, makes chartering in Türkiye a very special and alluring program. Yachting Times had the privilege of enjoying the wonderful Turkish cordiality both on land and at sea. For three days we stayed at a cozy local hotel and walked to the event along Göcek’s pedestrian main street dotted with nice boutiques and shops. The Show was very well organized, with the warmth and friendliness of the Mediterranean people. There were dozens of luxurious yachts to visit and we spent the following three days jumping from one to the other, enjoying tasteful lunches on a gulet at anchor, and drinks aboard different yachts docked at D-Marin. Both a Chef’s Competition and a Cocktail Competition took place during the event, and it must have been difficult to choose the winners as all the crews were extremely professional. The show closed with TYBA Gala Night at Nena Lounge on Skopea Marina, where we all gathered dressed in white for a great evening of dinner, award giving ceremony, music, and dance.

The following day we boarded different gulets for a 4-day private charter along this beautiful coast. Even if it was early May and both the air and the water were still cold, we swam and snorkeled in secluded coves, enjoyed dining under the stars, and the slow and charming cruise from Göcek to Marmaris. Entering into the bay of Marmaris close to sunset was a total joy. Located between two intersecting set of mountains by the sea and situated deep in a protected natural harbor, the place offers some beautiful sceneries. This now booming tourist resort was founded before the 6th century BC and it already had a strategic castle overlooking the harbor when Alexander the Great arrived. In the late Middle Ages, Marmaris served as a base for the Ottoman navy and the castle was rebuilt to lodge an Ottoman army garrison. In 1798, Admiral Nelson was here with his fleet before setting sail for Egypt and the Battle of the Nile. The list goes on. So many armies and fleets have anchored in this bay throughout time! I feel the same awe and deep connection to mythology and history that I have felt since I landed in this stunning country. Türkiye is a gem waiting to be discovered and one trip is definitely not enough. Hopefully, I’ll be able to return soon.

www.tybaturkey.org

www.tybachartershow.com