Sail a Gulet on a Mariner Boating Holiday!

by Di Pearson on 30 Oct 2006 Want to experience a very different kind of cruising holiday with a twist? The Mariner Boating Holidays team have got just the thing - and the only work it involves on your part is a phone call.

In late Spring of 2007, before the heat and tourists reach their peak in Europe, the Sydney based company will operate a one-off Gulet rally between Bodrum and Gocek in Southern Turkey, following the wind and the coast for a magic 10 day sojourn.

'What’s a Gulet,' I hear you say! A Gulet (pronounced Goolet) is a traditional Turkish motor yacht which is perfect for Mediterranean sailing. Its name is derived from those vessels used to carry cargo along the Turkish coast before our time.

Today, a modern Gulet can carry up to 16 guests for cruising and there are huge fleets based in Bodrum, Marmaris and Gocek on the Mediterranean coast.

You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy this holiday either. Relaxing on a sundeck aboard a traditional Turkish motor yacht with friends while being fed peeled grapes over a wine or two is everyone’s fantasy.

Trevor Joyce’s innovative Mariner Boating team have organised four Gulets for the rally, so imagine a fabulous 10 days of fun and partying between the four crews whilst taking in the scenery. Undoubtedly each skipper will indulge in a little spirited competition along the way to add to the whole experience!

Aware of the marked quality differences from one Gulet boat to the next, Mariner Boating has selected from the top of the range. Only a few offer first-class accommodation, catering and service. It is also imperative to know the individual yacht, the captain and more importantly, the cook.

Having a live-aboard Turkish chef is an experience in itself. Traditional local cuisine of fresh salads, spicy vegetables meat and seafood, and fruits in season are prepared on board then served under the stars. Enjoy your meal with local wines, which are surprisingly drinkable, given that Turkey is a Muslim nation.

Traditional furnishings and fittings giving that oriental feel make your accommodation special. Consisting of large double or twin bedded cabins, each with private en-suite facilities, you can organise your own party to fill one Gulet, or book per cabin.

Your friendly Turkish crew will ensure an authentic experience and you won’t need to waste time going through the usual motions of packing, checking in, unpacking, etc. – you just cruise along with your accommodation!

Spring in southern Turkey is spectacular; temperatures in the mid to high 20s, lots of sunshine and light westerly breezes - and the scenery is breathtaking! Being early in the tourist season, the Gulets are fresh and clean; the locals especially eager to please following their enforced winter hibernation.

The cruise itinerary will include Knidos, Datca, Bozburun, Sogut, Bozuk Buku, Serce, Ekincik, Fetihye and the bays and anchorages in the Gulf of Fetihye, south of the disembarkation port of Gocek. Some of these places are tiny seaside hamlets; others are busy ports with a lively nightlife ashore.

Historically, many armies from ancient times have marched along these shores, leaving remains of Greek, Roman, Carian, Lycian and Ottoman civilizations to scramble over.

To complete your cruise, a professional Turkish guide will keep the rally informed of local history, customs and happenings and will also help you across the language barrier – handy, especially when it comes to shopping! Your Mariner Boating representative will be there too, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free holiday.

As part of the rally, there is a seven night land trip, starting with three nights in Istanbul and includes a visit to ANZAC Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsular, Assos, Pergamon, Ephesus near Kusadasi and Millett on the way to Bodrum. Following the rally, there is also an optional trip to Cappadochia in central Anatolia.

Unbelievably, you can have the seven day land trip, the 19 day Gulet cruise including dinner; return airfares ex Sydney, all transport and guides for just $5,999 per person.

What are you waiting for?

For more details on this trip and the many other exotic locations Mariner Boating Holidays offer, go to: www.marinerboating.com.au , or call Libby on 612 9966 1244