Sail on a Turkish gulet

“My first experience on board a traditional wooden Turkish sailing boat known as a gulet – backpacker-style, aged 19 – had marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with sailing [...] the memories of gulet sailing in Turkey stayed with me for their incomparable combination of turquoise seas, incredible food, and sense and being close to nature. I think this is because gulet trips tend to be slow and leisurely coastal cruises with plenty of swimming, and nights that are warm enough to sleep on deck and watch the stars.”

“Sure enough, soon after motoring past the Castle of St. Peter – the imposing stone structure that has marked the entrance to Bodrum harbour since the 15th century – the red and white Turkish flag snaps in the wind. But the salt water spray lifts our spirits and soon we’re smiling again. [...] The enduring popularity of gulets is understandable, as life on board is satisfyingly simple. With only a loose itinerary and no pre-arranged ports of call, we live by the wind and by our whims.”