_edited.png){kind=small}
Image: Travel Atelier
Yacht Charter - 2024
Bavaria 65 - a little out of our league!
Trip outline
The aim is to visit Turkey with two objectives:
-
Charter a yacht for a week on the southern Turkish coast;
-
Spend a few days exploring Istanbul.
We'll charter a suitable yacht from a charter agency in Goçek or Fethiye on the south-western Turkish coast to spend a week sailing gently to explore this delighful coastline to include plenty of swimming, snorkelling, beach walks, lunching - lovely.
The aim is to take it easy and this location is ideal for those new to sailing because the Gulf of Fethiye is a sheltered sailing area of comparable size to The Solent although is more-or-less rectangular rather than long and thin.
The two main yachting centres of Goçek at the north-western end of the gulf, and Fethiye in the south-east are about 25km apart. The gulf has numerous islands and bays to anchor and swim, or just laze around on the yacht. The closest airport at Dalaman is about 30min by bus to Goçek.
Gulf of Fethiye
Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya, Istanbul
The second part of the trip is a few days in Istanbul to explore the city.
Highlights should be at least to experience the 'big four':
Perhaps this is all there will be time for in just 4 or 5 days, but at least this may tempt planning for a future visit to spend more time in this city with masses of history that crosses continents.
We'll stay in a typical Turkish B&B Guesthouse in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, within walking distance to all the major attractions.
Suggested schedule
Day 1: Friday - date to be decided in 2024, but late Spring may work well:
-
Depart London Gatwick, (11:30, Turkish Airlines?) - arrive Dalaman (17:45);
-
Transfer (45 minutes) Dalaman Airport to Goçek (A&B Home Hotel) or Fetiye (Hotel Doruk);
Day 2: Saturday:
-
Time to explore Goçek or Fetiye, have a good lunch, perhaps a spell on the beach?
-
16:00 Collect our charter yacht - such as a Bavaria 42 from Imark Yachting in Goçek, or a Bavaria 41, from Miber Sailing in Fetiye
Days 3-8; Sunday to Friday:
-
Go sailing! Return to our charter base in Goçek or Fetiye for Friday evening;
Day 9: Saturday:
-
Return our charter yacht by 10:00; Find somewhere in town for a good brunch.
-
Transfer to Dalaman Airport for 12:50 departure Pegasus Airlines - arrives Istanbul 14:05;
-
Transfer to Istanbul City - check in at Marmara Guesthouse in the Sultanahmet area;
-
Start exploring Istanbul.
Days 10-13: Sunday - Wednesday:
-
Visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Topkapi Palace, the Aya Sofia, and more;
Day 14: Thursday:
-
Transfer to Istanbul Airport, for 14:15 departure British Airways - arrive London Heathrow 16:35.
Gulf of Fethiye
Our yacht - Bavaria 42 Cruiser
Bavaria Yachts are built in Germany to high standards and are a popular choice for 'yotties' who aren't so keen on racing, but still want a cruising yacht with plenty of sailing performance.
The Bavaria 42 Cruiser meets all these objectives and is an ideal yacht for our trip. Topsides, it has a large cockpit (at the back) with a swim platform, a powerful rig (that is, it has a tall mast and big sails), and loads of space below (downstairs) for a crew of 6.
Accommodation is in 3, double sleeping cabins, one forward, and two astern (at the back). There are two heads compartments (loos and showers), a sizeable galley (kitchen) and plenty of sitting space in the main saloon, not that we'll be using that much as Turkey in late August early September is quite warm, on average, upper 20s low 30s celsius.
Bavaria 42 Cruiser
Yacht choices:
1.Bavaria 42
Bavaria Yachts are built in Germany to high standards and are a popular choice for 'yotties' who aren't so keen on racing, but still want a cruising yacht with plenty of sailing performance.
The Bavaria 42 Cruiser meets all these objectives and is an ideal yacht for our trip. Topsides, it has a large cockpit (at the back) with a swim platform, a powerful rig (that is, it has a tall mast and big sails), and loads of space below (downstairs) for a crew of 6.
Accommodation is in 3, double sleeping cabins, one forward, and two astern (at the back). There are two heads compartments (loos and showers), a sizeable galley (kitchen) and plenty of sitting space in the main saloon, not that we'll be using that much as Turkey in late August early September is quite warm, on average, upper 20s low 30s celsius.
Bavaria 42 Cruiser
3-cabin accommodation for up to 6 people
Bavaria 42 Cruiser - layout
2. Bavaria 50:
5-cabin accommodation for up to 10 people
If we are a larger group, then the Bavaria 50 may suit our needs with accommodation for 10. It is the big sister to the Bavaria 42.
This is a substantial yacht with acres of space both above decks and below. The cockpit is huge with twin wheels and extensive seating, leading to an enormous swim platform. The rig is very tall with large sails controlled by electric winches and well-designed sail-handling systems.
Accommodation is in three, double sleeping cabins, one forward, and two astern, together with two, twin cabins with bunks, either side of the forward passageway. There are three heads compartments (loos and showers), a huge galley and plenty of sitting space in the main saloon.
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
Bavaria 50 Cruiser - layout
Gulf of Fethiye
Istanbul - accommodation
Marmara Guesthouse roof terrace
The guesthouse is quite small, looking like it has perhaps a dozen or so rooms in total. The best rooms - all doubles - are on the top floor adjacent to the roof terrace. Prices include a home-made Turkish or continental breakfast, and apparently, free tea and coffee is available throughout the day. Sounds pretty good!
Marmara Guesthouse was reviewed in The Telegraph Travel section of the Saturday paper and was particularly highlighted for its authenticity as an Istanbul guesthouse, although it is actually a small, family-run hotel. The review especially spoke of the amazing rooftop terrace (with view of the Bosphorus) and the warmth of the welcome by the family who run it.
It is located in the Sultanahmet quarter of old Istanbul and claims to be within easy walking distance of Aya Sofya, the Topkapi Palace, and all of the other Ottoman and Byzantine monuments and buildings. The Grand Bazaar is said to be less than 20 minutes on foot through the old quarter of the city.
Marmara Guesthouse - just in the picture, far left
[image courtesy of TripAdvisor]
Istanbul Grand Bazaar
Interior of the Blue Mosque
