As traditionally, the Gulet is handcrafted by master boat builders in Bodrum since the time of King Mausolos Turkey has been an important center for wooden boat building. Ptolemäus from Egypt had his warships made in Bodrum in 300 BC. The gulet is a miraculously survived relic from the days of Christopher Colombus. It is a compromise between tradition and twentieth century hedonism.
The modern version of a traditional craft built in southwest Turkey for centuries, and used originally for plying their trade around the Mediterranean. The classic Gulet, best known for its rounded aft, low profile in the water, and roomy hull, was once used by fishermen and sponge divers to transport their catch. Todays version comes complete with 21st century comforts and technology, but still all hand built as they have been for hundreds of years.
Gulet is a traditional style wooden motorsailor, also called "caique", with one or two masts, having strong engine for motoring long hours a day. In general, gulets vary in length between 14 and 35 meters (52- 110 feet) hence varying passenger capacity. Large sundeck, in/outdoor space, lounge for meals, cabins with WC/showers provide comfort while on the sea. Gulets' capacities vary from 4 cabins to 12, each cabin to accomodate 2 persons in a double bed. One captain, one cook and a crew make a wonderful team for a pleasant journey
Basicly, Gulets are traditional wooden boats of Southwest Turkey. The most of them built in Bodrum which is the Europe's largest ship-yard for wooden motorsailor.
The classic “Gulet” blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies the Blue Voyage.Bets known for its rounded aft,low-to-the-water profile and roomy hull,was once used by fisherman and sponge divers to transport their catch.Over the years Gulets have evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of a broad beam and wide deck.These days,Gulets are associated primarily with charter and various designs have emerged,all of which come under the collective description of wooden Gulet.
The original Gulet has the rounded aft,but as design limits the number of cabins which can be built in,the “Ayna Kic” (flat-backed) style of Gulet is becoming increasingly popular as a charter vessel.Constructed mainly in the shipyards of Bodrum and Istanbul,and along the Black Sea Coast,these boats are eguipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging.
These 14 - 35 meters gulets,5-7 meters wide have 4 - 12 private wooden cabins with bath rooms for up to 24 guests.Gulet cabins are popular as they are all about the same size,and each one has either a double berth,or a double berth lower and single upper (bunk-berths).Every cabin has a wardrope for hanging clothes and a number of drawers.There is also room for stowing bags bulky items.All cabins have their own ensuite bathroom with pull-out shower hose attached at the basin.In the cabin you are provided with bath and hand towels,linen and blanket.Cabins have 12 volt electricity.The electricity on most Gulets runs at 12 V / 24 V.Please consider this if you wish to bring battery-operated or elecrical shavers,videos,portable Pcs, etc.You are welcome to bring your hair-dryer too,but the best way to dry hair in these parts is the natural way - under the sun. Electricity at the ports is 220 V.
The living areas of a Gulet consist of an indoors saloon (some have an encloseable aft area instead),and aft deck for dining and lounging in the shade of a sun awning and a forward deck with numeroes sunbeds which can be shaded by a canopy when the yacht is not sailing. All gulets have a bar where you will buy all your alcoholic and soft drinks for reasonable prices,lounge/dining area,music system,sun deck and sun beds. The rear deck of the Gulet is the lounge and dining area where you will be served freshly prepared breakfast,lunch and dinner meals,including grilled meats,fish dishes,salads and fruits and Turkish specialities.All meals are suprisingly good,healthy and nutritous.Dinner on the aft deck is usually the highlight of the day : a long leisury meal sitting under the stars and listening to the water lapping at the hull of the Gulet. Gulets are excellent watersportsplatforms with windsurfer,fishing and snorkeling equipment,canoe fro your pleasure.If snorkeling is one of yopur favourite pastimes,we suggest you pack your own set of gear,then you won't need to adjust the mask size every time you wish to explore the depths. All gulets have a tender with either oars on an outboard engine.Those gulets that offer optional waterskiing have a powerful outboard engine,while the outboards of others are designed purely for getting to shore and back.
All gulets are equipped for safety,have a VHF radio,a stereo casette player and a selection of casettes.Many of the newer vessels have a cellular phone,TV,videoplayer and CD player. |
