So Why Should You Take a Charter on a Turkish Gulet?
Built to traditional plans these yachts are substantial and robust, they come in many different sizes (and in some cases shapes) and have come a long way from the basic interiors of the 80’s.
Once fitted out in the ubiquitous pine boarding, many now sport luxurious interiors, deep pile carpets or eye-catching inlaid wooden flooring. Gone are the basic showers with just a curtain for privacy (the thought makes me shudder) and difficult to use sea toilets, in are the multi head showers and simple household WC’s. There are a few gulets with outdated interiors to satisfy the purists though, so choose carefully.
1) It’s Affordable
Metre for metre a Turkish Gulet is a fraction of the cost of an equivalent motor yacht, let’s take for example a 33 metre vessel, a motor yacht will cost upwards of €50,000 per week whilst a gulet can be yours from as little as €15,000, there is a similar amount of space, similar number of cabins, the service levels are indistinguishable from each other and the fuel consumption is often far less. What’s not to like?
So with a 33 metre (that’s almost 110 feet) 6 cabin luxury gulet you could be having a great time at sea from around €1,250 per person per week. Plus food and drink of course.
2) Eat Well
Each gulet is fully equipped with a galley where your chef will prepare meals to your preference, be this local cuisine, international fine dining or your home cooked favourites, just be sure to explain what food you would like to eat and voila!
The chef and crew will stock what is needed to place faultless meals at your table time after time.
3) Enjoy the Sea
Most gulets carry a range of water-sports toys, some more extensive than others so be sure to check out what equipment is carried by the yacht of your choice.
Often you can request a jet-ski (at extra cost if the gulet doesn’t already carry one). Be aware though, throughout the Mediterranean it is a requirement that any jet-ski user must have the necessary qualifications.
Many yachts carry equipment that doesn’t require qualifications, Ringos, Donuts, Paddle-Boards, Kayaks available for your sole, private use.
4) Relax
After expending your excess energy in the sea, take advantage of the copious amounts of comfortable seating and lounging, abundant sun-beds and protected, shady areas. There is always the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun or read your favourite novel.
Many of our customers report the experience is such that it can be quite difficult to realise that there is a world outside.
5) Anchorages
Visit bays and coves that are totally devoid of tourist life, experience the tranquillity, just you and your friends sharing the evening as the sun sets, a perfect vista whilst you dine.
6) Harbours and Towns
Discover quaint little towns with picturesque harbours, find the best bars, restaurants and shops.
7) Socialise
Having your very own bar onboard and stewardess (or steward) to take care of the mixology, whether your prefer to stand at the bar, sit in a large group around the dining table chatting the night away or dance around the deck to your favourite tunes from the onboard music system, one thing is for sure, the evenings are just not long enough.
8) Scenery
Totally Instagramable views.
Everywhere you go look there is a view to photograph, no matter the time of day the beauty of the yacht, the shore line and the local people is often enough to take your breath away. Don’t worry though you will soon become accustomed to the ever present backdrop of charm.
9) Size Matters
There are Gulets from 15 to 55 metres so there is sure to be a yacht to suit everyone. A single family or a large group of friends can be accommodated, depending upon the gulet you choose.
The beauty is, the same service levels, similar facilities and the sheer exclusivity are experienced no matter what the size of the yacht.
10) Gulet Types
Yes they are all yachts, boats, ships or whatever you want to call them and the gulet comes in many different shapes.
Generally there are 3 main types:
The true Gulet with rounded, upsweeping stern giving masses of deck space
The Aynakic (Ketch) with a square stern allowing for greater use of internal areas
The Tirhandil usually of smaller size (less than 20m) and ideally suited for sailing
In the past few years there have been developments and one great thing to spring from a gulet hull is the Trawler type yacht, 3 decks for added internal and external space, the height of the top deck being such that privacy is very easy to achieve.
In 2020 there is the added bonus that this type of holiday allows for limited contact with other people,
