What is a Blue Voyage?
“The weekly crewed yacht charter”
The famous Turkish writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı has given its name to the Blue Voyage. The writer, known among the public as the “Fisherman of Halicarnassus”, popularized the Blue Voyage with his writings.
Bodrum is considered as the starting point of the Blue Voyage not only for that reason but also due to the fact that since the days of Halicarnassus dated back to 15. Century B.C., wooden boat building has always been an important economic activity and Bodrum has always been an important port. Do you know that two of the ancient seven wonders of world are in Türkiye?
The Mausoleum in fact was in Halicarnassus, Bodrum! Bodrum was famous for the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, also known simply as the Tomb of King Mausolus, whose name provided the origin of the word, “mausoleum”
Once sponge diving boats, up to early 1980’s, had been converted into leisure comfortable boats, known as “gulet”. Bodrum holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the renowned Turkish gulet. These traditional wooden sailing vessels have been a fixture of our coastal waters for centuries, embodying Türkiye’s rich maritime heritage. Gulets offer a unique blend of authenticity, comfort, and charm. Today, they remain a popular choice for leisurely cruising along Türkiye’s picturesque coastline, allowing travelers to soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean or Aegean Sea while relishing in the timeless allure of these iconic vessels.
Nowadays gulet has become a generic name but as a technical term gulet and ketch style boats are different.
The Blue Voyage covers all tourism activities from the arrival of the guests to their departure from the port after staying on the boat for a certain period of time.
There are basically three types of yachting activities: Crewed, Fleet and bareboat yachting.
Crewed Yachting: Traditional wooden yachts offer this type of yachting in our country. In crewed yachting, all services are provided by the crew and we call it “Blue Voyage”. Yachts have 2 to 18 cabins that can accommodate 4 to 36 people per boat. This type of yacht is much more comfortable and enjoyable than other types of yachts.
Flotilla Yachting: Usually, 7 or fewer boats formed behind a leading boat. There is a qualified local or foreign yachtsman who acts as captain. Direct charter brings amateurs who participate in a one-week sailing trip included in a planned travel program.
Bareboat Yachting: A type of yachting that does not include charter aircraft organization. Crewless charter service is provided in boats for 2-6 people. One or two boats can be rented. The charterer chooses his/her own route and returns the boat on time at the end of the contract.
With its mountainous coastline extending to the sea, fertile valleys, pine and olive forests, and countless historical ruins of ancient civilizations of 16.000 years passed through Anatolia, this coastline always continues to offer new surprises. You can anchor alone in any of the countless secluded coves or retreat to various coastal villages for an intimate taste of Turkish culture.
