Turkey: Sailing Ahead

Turkey has one of the most spectacular, unspoilt coastlines in the world, totalling more than 8000 km in length and fringed by azure waters on its three sides. There is no better way to experience the beauty of this coastline than by sailing amongst its myriad of hidden bays, with the backdrop of lush forested mountains and rocky islets. Indeed, a multitude of anchoring points offer a fantastic setting for snorkeling, swimming and diving, as well as the opportunity to explore secluded bays, local fishing villages and vibrant resort towns.

The longawaited DMarin Yacht Marina opened in Didim in August 2009. The 70,000 sqm marina, which can host more than 1,000 yachts, represents a $75 million investment in the Didim region.

Turkey has a wealth of worldclass marinas, with capacity for over 8,260 yachts, providing excellent facilities. Most are dotted between Istanbul and Antalya on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. In Istanbul, both Atakoy Marina on the European side and Setur KalamisFenerbahce (Amiral Fahri Koruturk) Marina on the Asian side offer 24hour service. Larger cruiseliners most often dock in the larger ports of Istanbul or Kusadasi, both of which are perfectly situated for access to some of Turkey’s most interesting historic sites.

Turkey was awarded a total of 258 Blue Flag Beach and 13 Blue Flag Marinas in 2008/09.

The Blue Flag is one of four projects under the coordination of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and the Environmental Education Foundation of Turkey (TURCEV), which designates which beaches and marinas have the right to display a Blue Flag and is judged on the basis of cleanliness of water, environmental concerns, security, safety and services. In order to maintain Blue Flag status, the marina or beach must meet the assessment criteria every year. In addition all marinas and beaches have to provide information panels on the cultural and natural assets of the sea and provide the data on Blue Flag accreditation. Marinas have an additional criterion to fulfil: a “rapid response plan” in case of fire, accident or similar events.

Enjoy a relaxing holiday aboard a gulet, a traditional wooden sailing boat, otherwise known as a “ Blue Cruise ”. Much of the Turkey’s coastline is only accessible by boat, making sailing the ideal way to explore this secret beauty, stopping off at your leisure to explore a historic site or visit a charming village. The tale of the Gulet began in Bodrum, with the book Mavi Yolculuk, in which the author Cevat Sakir Kabaagac described his idyllic “blue cruise” voyage around the coast of Bodrum with the local sponge fishermen.

Gulets have since evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present form, perfect for a relaxing holiday away from the crowds; most vessels have large sunbathing decks, dining area and cabins below – and most also have motors as well as sails. Gulets can be fully chartered by a group or are sold on a cabin basis by tour operators – style and comfort can vary greatly according to price. Most Gulets also travel a specific route on the Aegean or Mediterranean coastlines, taking in the azure waters, a multitude of isolated bays and tiny islands. For those who prefer less time at sea, day trips can be arranged from any resort, either by booking through your operator, local agency or visiting the local harbour first thing in the morning.