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Welcome to a Sailing Paradise
The Mediterranean,
Aegean, and the Black Sea, as well as
the Sea of Marmara, surround
Turkey to the north, west and south.
With over 8,333 kilometres of coastline
and four seas, Turkey is a treasure
chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches
from which yachtsmen can choose a
different and always private anchorage
each night.
The sailing paradise
of
Turkey is home to the Blue
Voyage. This idyllic cruise
means sailing with the winds, into coves
and over the seas and becoming one with
nature. It is also an experience of the
history of man from the perspective of
the sea rather than from the land, a
journey which carries you to the private
beach of Cleopatra, the eternal fires of
Mt. Olympos and the myriad
archaeological remains of ancient
civilizations. For lovers of the active
life, sailing in clear waters provides
great opportunities for swimming,
fishing, skiing, surfing and diving.
Sailing in Turkey
also allows you to experience a truly
enriching cultural exchange with the
hospitable and gracious people of the
coastal villages and towns. The tempered
winds which generally blow from the west
and north-west make the long summers
ideal for yachting, and seem to
encourage an appreciation of nature.
From some of the turquoise coasts
unspoilt and sheltered bays you can see
mountain peaks rising to almost 3,000
meters above sea level.
Fortunately, Turkeys
modern facilities and comfort have not
overshadowed her ancient hospitality and
slower pace of life. The pleasure of
yachting in
Turkey will tempt you back again and
again, to explore yet another stretch of
coast and to relive the luxurious ease
of life on the sea. |
Marinas
|
Yachting
remains a popular activity for residents
as well as visitors to
Turkey. Over the past 40 years the
industry has grown, and today a large
number of marinas dot the coastline
between Istanbul and
Antalya. These provide supplies,
easy access to the shore at major
resorts and safe harbours, as well as
often becoming local entertainment
venues in themselves
In
Istanbul,
yachtsmen will delight in splendid
natural landscapes, open seas and
magnificent sunsets, as well as a voyage
through
Byzantine and
Ottoman
history as they sail past the impressive
castles,
palaces and
mosques. |
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After navigating the
breathtaking Bosphorus
and sailing under the two enormous bridges which
span Europe and Asia or meandering along the
mosque-lined Golden Horn or cruising in the
coves and bays of the Princes' Islands, you can
return to one of the two large marinas in the
area. Ataköy Marina on the European side and
Kalamıs (Amiral Fahri Koruturk) Marina on the
Asian side both offer 24-hour service. From the
North Sea through the European interior,
yachters can sail down the European channel
system and the Rhine and Danube Rivers into the
Black Sea harbours and to the Istanbul Bogazi
and Istanbul marinas - a safe and short way to
go to the Turkish Mediterranean coast and
marinas. The Black Sea coast provides yachters
with a lush green coastal band where the
environment is protected and virginal. There are
frequent coves and fishing harbours along this
coast, and the weather is mild during the summer
and winter.
Turkeys most established
marinas lie on the southern Aegean and
Mediterranean coasts at
Izmir,
Cesme,
Kusadasi,
Bodrum,
Datca,
Bozburun,
Marmaris,
Gocek,
Fethiye, Kalkan,
Kas,
Finike,
Kemer and
Antalya. In these well-equipped harbours,
yachters can find the services and provisions
they require.
Antalya, Dalaman,
Izmir
and
Istanbul airports provide quick links to all
of Turkeys marinas; after an easy flight you can
board your yacht and sail off all within a day.
Gulets: Enjoyment on Traditional Crafts
The singular
design of the gullets, Turkeys indigenous sea-going
vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a
relaxed style that embodies a Blue Voyage. Over
the years gullets have evolved from traditional
crafts for fishing and transport into their
present profile with a broad beam and wide deck.
Constructed mainly in
shipyards in
Bodrum,
Bozburun,
Marmaris and
Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, the
boats are equipped with motors as well as fully
functional rigging. The number of passengers a
gullet carries depends on the boats size,
although most of them accommodate between eight
and twelve people. These vessels offer their
passengers separate accommodations, and
chartering one includes services and
entertainment. Modern gullets are comfortably
equipped with all of the amenities of home and
encourage an environment in which you are
expected to do nothing but enjoy yourself. The
closeness of the small group of people on board
promotes an atmosphere of friendship and sharing;
relations among passengers and crew tend to be
relaxed and casual.
Travel agencies can arrange
charters and fixed tours for a specific group of
people or for you individually. Unlike cruises
on large ocean liners, on a gullet you can
explore the secluded and often deserted bays and
coves of the coastline. The small harbours and
settlements offer an intimate view of coastal
life which large ships cannot replicate
authentically. In many ways a gullet is like a
full-service hotel where every room has a sea
view and the scenery charges constantly.
Bare-Boat Charter and
Flotilla Cruises: What a Way to Rough It!
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Bare-boat
charter has recently been introduced as
another form of yacht hire in
Turkey. The charters are undertaken
by representatives who are responsible
for putting the passengers on board,
looking after them and seeing that they
return safely to port. Maintenance crews
keep these yachts in optimum condition,
but it is the people who undertake the
charter themselves who crew the boat. Of
course, an experienced skipper
accompanies the vessel, but once on
board the people who undertake the
charter perform all of the tasks - the
handling of the sails, the seaman's
chores, meal preparation and
housekeeping. |
For those who want
to escape all kitchen duties on their holiday,
there is at least one restaurant at every
anchorage; eating out remains an option.
The more adventurous and
experienced sailors can charter and pilot
smaller (9 to 10 meter) motor yachts. Before
setting sail, bare-boat companies generally
brief their clients on the navigational
characteristics of the environment,
meteorological conditions, where and how to
restock provisions, how to act in an emergency
and any other pertinent information.
Flotilla sailing, or sailing
with a group of yachts led by one boat, is
another great adventure on the sea. Although an
experienced sailor skippers the lead boat, the
navigation of each individual boat is left to
its crew.
Sailing
Etaps:
From Izmir to Kusadasi: Like Homer's Odyssey
| Known in
Turkish as "Beautiful
Izmir", the city lies at the head of
a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships
and yachts. The climate is mild, and in
the summer the constant and refreshing
sea breezes temper the sun's heat.
Behind the palm-lined promenades and
avenues which follow the shoreline, the
city, in horizontal terraces, gently
ascends the slopes of the surrounding
mountains. A cosmopolitan and lively
city, galleries, theatres and cultural
events give Izmir its special vibrancy.
The original settlement was established
in the third millennium B.C. and
represented the most advanced culture in
western Anatolia at that time. Over the
years this thriving city and the
surrounding area had come under the
sovereignty of the Hittites, Ionians,
Lydians, Persians,
Byzantines, Seljuks and
Ottomans.
Levent
Marina provides an excellent
place to begin a yachting adventure.
|
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Sailing in and around the beautiful Gulf of
Izmir
will prepare voyagers for the wonderful sites
that lie ahead. At Urla Iskelesi,
the small islands that dot the coast will
certainly charm you. Beautiful beaches and
excellent moorings with swimming, snorkelling
and diving are all available in the area.
From Urla Iskelesi sail on to
the Karaburun Peninsula. At
Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish
restaurants sit between the beautiful mountain
backdrop and the clear, clean water. Voyage out
of the Gulf of
Izmir
around the Karaburun Peninsula to the
Cesme Peninsula, a spit of land lapped
by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Cesme, meaning
'fountain', derives its name from the many
sources of water found in the area. A l4th
century Genoese fortress, restored and enlarged
by the Ottomans
in the l6th century, dominates the small port of
Cesme. Around Cesme, the large Altin Yunus
Setur Marina complex and the berthing
places of Ilica and Dalyan are all noted for
their safety. In town, the l6th century
caravanserai built by Suleyman the Magnificent
near the fortress, has been converted into a
hotel. Excellent shopping - the finest quality
carpets, leather goods, as well as souvenir
items are available. At night, a lively, fun
atmosphere pervades, especially in the
restaurants, cafes, bars and discos along the
promenade. In July, Cesme's International Song
Contest attracts world famous performers who add
glamour and excitement to the town. The thermal
baths in the area, along with the natural
springs found right off the coast and which mix
with the sea water in Ilica Bay, provide
soothing relaxation.
Southeast of Cesme, beautiful
bays offer splendid scenery and tranquil night
moorings in complete safety from the winds and
waves. Soon you will arrive at Sigacik,
where a picturesque marina rests beneath
fortifications that date from the Genoese period.
From here, the antique site of Teos, noted for
its Temple of Dionysus, the god of wine, is
conveniently close. It is also an excellent area
in which to sample some of Turkey's superb wines.
The Kusadasi Gulf
opens to the south and south-east with some of
the most enticing beaches, bays and coves on the
Aegean coast.
Sailing
From Kuşadası to Bodrum: St. John's Heritage
Rediscovered
Kusadasi is today a major holiday resort
centre. During the summer months it teems with
swimmers, fishermen, sun-lovers and sightseers.
Once known as Scala Nova, the town boasts
wonderful seafood restaurants, cafes, beautiful
parks and superb beaches. The shopping is also
famous; everything from beads and bangles to
leather, jewellery and carpets is on offer.
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The
Kusadasi Setur Marina is one
of the best-equipped marinas in Turkey,
providing wintering for boats both
afloat and on shore. Scuba diving has
become very popular. Nightlife is
renowned along the coast with excellent
bars, jazz clubs, discos and cabarets
that promise evenings filled with
excitement, entertainment and possibly a
little romance.
Not far from
Kusadasi, the ancient site of
Ephesus,
an important city of antiquity, remains
a highlight of any visit to
Turkey. The city, whose wealth and
patronage supported its splendid
architectural program, was dedicated to
the goddess
Artemis. |
Her enormous temple, rebuilt several times,
dates in its latest form from the third century
B.C. and was considered one of the Seven Wonders
of the ancient world. The
ancient theatre
has found new life as a major concert venue.
Nearby is the site of
St. John's
Basilica and the reputed last
home of
the Virgin Mary.
South of Kusadasi, the
unbelievably beautiful waters of the Dilek
Peninsula National Park welcome
yachtsmen into its serene inlets and coves.
|
Between Kusadasi's
southern shores and
Pamukkale
lies the valley of the Menderes River (the
Meander), where several ancient
civilisations built major settlements,
including
Priene,
Milet,
Didyma
(Didim),
Aphrodisias
and
Hierapolis (Pamukkale).
The Temple of Apollo
at Didim was
one of the most sacred places of
antiquity. Many times looted and burned,
the sanctuary still impresses with its
elegant beauty. Not far from this
archaeological site, the beautiful beach
of Altınkum tempts all visitors and
offers a great opportunity for sailing,
swimming and relaxation. It is the last
stop before entering the Gulluk
Gulf.
This gulf
can provide a whole vacation in itself
with four large natural bays and
numerous coves and inlets. The whole
area has excellent moorings, and scuba
divers will be particularly interested
in exploring these waters. The
fisherman's village of Güllük has a
pretty port and numerous guest-houses
and small hotels. The mythological
Dolphin Boy is said to have been born a
little farther to the north at
Kiyikislacik (Iassos).
As you sail out of this beautiful gulf,
the
Bodrum Peninsula welcomes
you. |
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Sailing
From Bodrum to Marmaris: Blessed with the Love
of Aphrodite
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Bodrum, on the north shore of the
Guff of Gokova, was the home of the
first "Blue Voyager", Cevat Sakir
Kabaagac or the "Fisherman of
Halikarnas". It is the undisputed
"hot-spot" of the Aegean Coast. This
swinging, singing, dancing town, with
its bohemian atmosphere, gathers
together Turkeys artists, intellectuals
and lovers of the good life.
An impressive
medieval castle built by the Knights of
Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's
dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean
and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The
Bodrum Castle now houses the
Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
|
Known
in ancient times as Halicarnassus,
Bodrum
is the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of
King Mausolus's Tomb (4th century B.C.), one of
the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
The yearly throng of visitors
has encouraged small entrepreneurs who have made
shopping in
Bodrum
a delight. Souvenirs abound, and on certain
streets local artists gather to sell their works
- works that come in all forms.
The Bodrum Milta Marina
is one of the loveliest and best-equipped
marinas in the region.
A yachting tour of the
Gulf of Gokova starts in Bodrum. The
translucent and deep waters of the Gulf on the
southern shore of the Bodrum Peninsula vary from
the darkest blue to the palest turquoise, and
the coastline is thickly wooded with every hue
of green. In the evening, the sea reflects the
mountains silhouetted against the setting sun,
while at night it shimmers with phosphorescence.
One of the best anchorage is
the splendidly scenic Akbuk,
hidden behind a forested promontory. The
excellent cozy restaurants are as good a reason
as any to linger for a tasty meal after an
afternoon of snorkelling and diving. Sedir
Island (ancient Cedrai)
boasts an incredible beach with fine sand
composed of fossils, and a splendid view of the
Kıran mountains across the bay.
As you sail along the
island's south-western coast, forests stretch
out to meet the deep inlets of the bays. The
jagged coastline, known as the Bay of Sixty-Six
Inlets, seems to have emerged from the oft-told
tales of pirates.
The waters of the Gulf
of Hisaronu lap the breathtaking shores
that hold the legacy of both ancient and modern
civilisations. At the end of the Datca Peninsula
stands the ancient Carian city of Knidos,
described by Strabo as "a city that was built
for the most beautiful of goddesses, Aphrodite,
on the most beautiful of peninsulas." Famous as
a centre of art and culture in the fourth
century B.C., the city had two harbours: one on
the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean.
The remains of a circular temple dedicated to
the goddess of love overlook remains of the two
harbours; the arcade way was built of white
marble heart-shaped columns. The legendary
Aphrodite of Praxiteles statue, reputedly one of
the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once
graced this temple.
The town of Datca
has become a popular stopover for yachtsmen, and
offers many colourful seafood restaurants, pubs
and discotheques.
In the Gulf of Hisaronu is
the peaceful Keci Buku Bay; the Bay Marina
is rich in natural beauty: the surrounding
mountains and forests, and the long "Kizkumu" (sunken
'pier'), a natural sand formation. Leaving the
Gulf of Hisaronu: hidden away in its own
exclusive inlet is the town of Bozburun,
famous as one of the gullet-building centres of
Turkey. Loryma, at the tip of the
Bozburun Peninsula where the ruins of the
ancient harbour and castle remain, can only be
reached by boat. Kumlubuk, a
turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of
the bay; on the north side, above the water,
stands the ancient Rhodian city of Amos. At
Turunc a natural harbour opens out
into a wide expanse of spectacular blue water.
The next port is
Marmaris.
Sailing
From Marmaris to Fethiye: In the Steps of St.
Pacil
Marmaris Bay resembles a calm lake and
offers ideal mooring for yachts. Ancient
Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on
the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the
l6th century, Suleyman the Magnificent had a
citadel built on a hill just behind the harbour;
today, its remains house the Marmaris
Museum. Pine forests cover the mountains
which surround
Marmaris; on shore a white line of sand and
rock separates green from blue. The beach areas
sparkle, and provide visitors with a perfect
opportunity to dive, snorkel and swim in
relaxing conditions.
Yachts and boats decorate the
coast of this lovely tourist centre where
thousands converge to enjoy a fun-filled, self-indulgent
holiday. Those who surf and water-ski will
thrill at the conditions in Marmaris. Energetic
entertainment at a lively bar, or dancing until
dawn at a sophisticated discotheque can end an
ideal day.
There are many good buys in
Marmaris's boutiques, colourful bazaars and
markets. You can find excellent leather and
suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery,
and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets,
textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted
souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented
honey called cam bali is superb.
The Marmaris Netsel
Marina, one of the largest and best-equipped
marinas in Turkey, and the Marmaris
Albatros Marina, one of the best for
wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris
an excellent starting point for the Blue
Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast. In May,
the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show
provides an opportunity to meet the captains and
their crews. With plenty of provisions aboard,
you set sail in the craft of your choice and
languidly explore the spectacular beauty of
southern
Turkey.
At Ekincik, a
delightful yacht-mooring, you can enjoy the
breathtaking beauty of this area and the
friendly hospitality of its people.
Delikli Island
lies right off the coast, south-east of
Ekincik. Yachtsmen enjoy a change of
pace when they anchor at the island and take a
smaller craft excursion into the Dalyan
Delta. The Delta, with a long, golden,
sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature-conservation
area, and a refuge for sea turtles (caretta
caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river,
high on the cliff face above the fascinating
ancient harbour-city of Caunos,
magnificent tombs were carved into the rock.
From Delikli Island, sailing south-east, you
arrive at Sarigerme with its pleasant holiday
complexes, nestled in cozy pine forests.
Yachtsmen will want to anchor at Baba
Island, across from the pristine sandy
beaches.
The Gulf of Gocek,
with the friendly Club Marina set in a beautiful
pine forest, is one of the Mediterranean's best
sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented
with many coves, its land and seascapes are
irresistible. The ruins of Arymexa,
an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf,
lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on
Tersane Island, stand
Byzantine
ruins, including those of the ancient
shipyards. From the Gulf of Gocek sail on into
Fethiye.
From
Fethiye to Kas: A Lycian Dream (Sailing Etap A:
Dolphin's Playground)
The secrets of the ancient
gods of mythology still lie hidden in the
secluded coves and bays around the Gulf of
Fethiye. This is truly paradise for
those who want to sail through history. The
resort town of
Fethiye has an important marina and
overlooks a beautiful bay strewn with islands.
Above the town, called
Telmessos in antiquity, numerous Lycian
rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient
buildings, were cut into the cliff face. Explore
the Belcegiz Bay and the beautiful
Blue Lagoon (Olu Deniz),
where the calm, crystal-clear water is ideal for
swimming and other water sports. On
Gemiler Island,
Byzantine
ruins lie tucked among the pines.
Go ashore at Kinik
(65 km from
Fethiye) where the ruins of Xanthos,
the ancient Lycian capital, lie in a splendid
natural setting. At the holy Lycian centre of
Letoon, three temples dedicated to
Leto, Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of
mythology, await the intrepid tourist. Mythology
records that Apollo was born at Patara, a
principal harbour of ancient Lycia, south of
Letoon and Xanthos. The ruins are of course
numerous and fascinating. Its 22 kilometres of
pure white sand stretch as far as the eye can
see, making it a natural choice for all types of
beach sports.
A short sail to the east
brings you to Kalkan, a lovely
small hilltop town that overlooks a tiny bay.
Narrow, winding streets lined with souvenir
shops lead down to the charming marina. Every
morning, boats busily take tourists to one of
the nearby beaches or small bays. As the sun
sets, it is Kalkan style to meet on the roof-terraces
for a drink before dinner, and enjoy the comings
and goings of the yachts, the business of the
marina and the panoramic view.
From Kas to
Antalya: A Lycian Dream (Sailing Etap B: Coast
of Light)
Like most towns on the Lycian
coast
Kas
lies wedged between mountains and sea.
Kas,
once ancient Antiphellus, still exhibits a few
remains of the old settlement. An ancient
theatre on Kas's long peninsula is within
walking distance of the town.
Kekova, "home
of the sun", is an island an hour from
Dalyanagzi by sea, as well as the name of a
whole ensemble of picturesque islands, numerous
bays and ancient cities. These bays provide
natural harbours in all seasons, and yachtsmen
particularly enjoy exploring the unspoilt
landscapes. Along the northern shore of Kekova
Island, at Apollonia, earthquakes have disturbed
the land causing some of the ancient houses to
sink under the clear water, creating a sunken
city. Kalekoy Castle (ancient
Simena) offers a bird's-eye view of
the bays, inlets, islands and colourful yachts
sailing peacefully on the glassy water. The
colours in a Van Gogh painting, blue skies,
orange sunsets, starry, starry nights, peace and
tranquillity, playful dolphins, mythological
mysteries, and the sparkling sea - Kekova
provides all this and more.
At Demre (Kale),
the ancient Myra,
(25 km west of Finike), many splendidly carved
rock tombs overlook the magnificent Roman
theatre. St. Nicholas (Santa
Claus) was the bishop of this
Mediterranean city during the fourth century and
died here in 342. An official entry-port, Finike
is surrounded by citrus trees and gardens.
Thirty-two kilometres from the Finike Marina lie
the remains of the beautiful and ancient Lycian
city of Arikanda. This excursion inland, a
mountain trek, rewards you with superb views,
fabulous ruins and fresh mountain air.
Slipping around the
Kirlangic Peninsula brings you into the
Gulf of
Antalya. The first sight you come to
is the ancient city of Olympos, on
the southern side of Mt. Tahtalı (Mt.
Olympos). Oleander and laurel bushes
shade the Olympos Valley, which you can approach
by land as well as by sea. Nearby at
Yanartas (at a height of 300 meters),
according to mythology, the Lycian hero
Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus
slew the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera. Gas
which seeps from the earth burns brightly at
night. The
Byzantines also considered this place a
religious area.
Alexander the
Great's favourite winter resort was at
Phaselis, the famous ancient
commercial harbour north of Olympos. South of
the harbour, look up at Mt. Tahtalı for a
spectacular view. Sail on to Kemer,
a resort town carefully designed to blend in
with the surrounding scenery, that offers an
ideal environment for a wonderful holiday. The
fully equipped Kemer Türkiz Marina
has facilities for all activities so that
yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoilt bays and
beaches south of the town. Shoppers will delight
at the wonderful range of high quality souvenirs.
April is the month of the colourful Kemer
Carnival. Also in the spring are the
yacht races between Kemer and Girne in the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Sailing around this coast
towards
Antalya will give you a glimpse of
some of Turkeys most modern and luxurious
holiday villages.
Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort
city on the Mediterranean, embodies the contrast
between the majestic coastline of beaches and
rocky coves, and the towering Taurus Mountains.
The ancient Attaleia, named after King Attalus
II of Pergamon,
Antalya was founded in the 2nd century B.C.
Today palm-lined boulevards, beautiful parks,
historical buildings, monuments, museums and the
picturesque old quarter Kaleici, (with the
Kaleici Turban Marina) blend together
to create an ideal holiday atmosphere. The
Antalya Marina and Leisure Centre,
which has won several awards, is considered one
of the most beautiful marinas in Turkey;
Setur Marina, the other marina in
Antalya, is, on the other hand, quiet and
peaceful; but both welcome you after your
unforgettable voyage in the turquoise paradise
of Turkey's
water.
Some
Regulations Concerning the Use of Foreign-Owned
Yachts in Turkish Waters and Leaving Them in
Turkish Marinas
ENTRY
Yachts entering or leaving
Turkey shall make their entry or departure at
frontier ports.
Ports of entry along the
Turkish coast are listed below:
Trabzon, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, Hopa, Rize,
Sinop, Zonguldak, Tekirdag,
Istanbul,
Canakkale, Bandırma, Akcay,
Ayvalık, Dikili,
Izmir,
Cesme,
Kusadasi, Didim (Söke), Güllük,
Bodrum,
Datca,
Marmaris,
Fethiye,
Kas,
Finike, Kemer,
Antalya,
Alanya,
Anamur, Tasucu, Mersin, Iskenderun.
Formalities concerning the
documentation of the yachts departing from the
last port of call or entering port or mooring-place
for winter lay-up shall be carried out at the
port of departure or winter mooring place.
Upon entry into Turkish
Territorial Waters, the foreign yacht will be
recorded in the yacht owners' or captains'
passport by the customs authorities. This record
should be cancelled by the customs authorities
upon departure for foreign ports or when leaving
the yachts for winter lay-up in Marinas.
IMPORTING YACHT PARTS
Foreign yacht-owners can
import duty-free spare parts and equipment for
use on their yachts under customs authority
control.
These spare parts and
equipment will be recorded in the inventory of
the yacht.
For detailed information
please contact the marina management.
ARTICLE 40. CRUISING
- Both Turkish and foreign yachts are
required to have authorisation on their
"Transit Log" only from the harbour-master
while sailing between Turkish ports.
- If leaving for or returning from foreign
ports, Turkish and foreign yachts are
required to complete the full clearance
procedure with the customs, health and
passport police authorities.
- Yacht owners or captains must surrender
their transit to the harbour-master when the
cruise is completed.
ARTICLE 46. LEAVING
YACHTS IN TURKISH MARINAS
- Foreigners may leave their yachts in
Turkey at a licensed yacht harbour or yacht
docking area for the purpose of storage,
maintenance or repair, for a period of 2
years, and may leave the country using any
form of transportation they choose.
- In such cases, arrangements should be
made to take the documentation supplied by
the yacht harbour (i.e. contract copy and
letter of authorisation), to the relevant
regional customs office.
- Yacht owners may leave their yachts for
longer periods, up to 5 years, provided that
the yacht sails from the harbour at least
once every 2 years. (R is not necessary to
leave Turkish waters).
- At the end of 5 years, the Ministry of
Tourism has the right to extend the
permitted duration of stay.
ARTICLE 47. USE OF
FOREIGN YACHTS IN TURKISH WATERS
- Foreignbwned private yachts are
permitted to sail in Turkish waters and into
Turkish harbours from a foreign port,
provided that the owner is on board.
- Yachts owned jointly or owned by yacht
clubs or associations can be sailed with any
one of four nominated joint-owners.
- Turkish or foreign private yacht owners
may have foreign or Turkish guests on board
for the purpose of travel, sport and leisure
as long as there is no commercial
undertaking.
TRANSIT LOG - YACHT
REGISTRATION FORM
The Transit Log is a permit
to sail in Turkish water and to enter Turkish
ports. Formalities are completed on this form at
the first port of entry.
Validity: 3 months
Cost: $ 25 U.S. for foreign yachts
The Transit Log will be
cancelled under the following circumstances:
- After 3 months
- Departure for foreign ports
- For charter yachts, at the end of the
cruise
- Replacement of the person who has
completed the Transit Log
- When new crew join the yacht
- When the yacht owner or captain leave
the yacht in a marina for laying up under
any of these circumstances, a new Transit
Log will be required.
NEW REGULATIONS FOR
TAX-FREE DIESEL FUEL FOR FOREIGN YACHTS
Foreign-registered yachts may
obtain tax-free diesel fuel subject to the
conditions set out below:
- Tax free fuel will be available for use
only in foreign yachts and will be
obtainable only from marinas and shipyards
licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism.
- The owner of the yachts may be Turkish
or foreign but must be a person having a
permanent place of residence outside of
Turkey.
- The yacht may be brought to Turkey with
the owner or may be brought two months
earlier or later than the owner's arrival in
Turkey.
- The yacht may receive tax-free fuel only
in the presence of the owner.
USE OF VEHICLES BY
FOREIGN YACHTSMEN
- Foreign yachtsmen are allowed to use
their foreign-registered vehicles in Turkey
for 6 months in any one year. At the end of
6 months their vehicles must be taken out of
the country.
- If the yacht owner or captain takes over
the yacht, their vehicles must be put into
the marina customs bond under the
responsibility of the marina.
- The vehicles may be left in bond for up
to 4 months. Before expiry, an application
may be made to the chief customs authorities
of the district for an extension of this
period for a further 2 months.
- Regulation No.120 dated July 12,1985
states that foreign yacht owners cannot keep
their yachts and their vehicles on their
passports at the same time. It is advisable
that on entering
Turkey,
the yacht owner's wife or friends have the
vehicle recorded in their passport.
STAYING IN TURKEY FOR
FOREIGN YACHTSMEN
Regulations for foreign
yachtsmen wishing to stay in Turkey differ
depending upon the nationality involved.
Yachtsmen may obtain a visa from the Turkish
embassy or consulate in their country, or upon
entry to Turkey.
Yachtsmen who enter Turkey
without a visa:
- If they are from South Africa, a 21-day
visa is obtainable for tourism purposes free
of charge.
- If they are from England (5 pounds),
Ireland (5 pounds), Austria (150 Sch.),
Italy ($ 5 U.S.), visas are valid for 3
months (a 3-month visa will be given on
entry).
- From other Western European and North
American countries, yachtsmen will be issued
a 3-month visa free of charge.
Yachtsmen who wish to stay in
Turkey for more than 3 months, should apply for
renewal of their visa to the district centre
office before the expiry date of their visa.
If a renewal is required for
longer than 3 months, the district centre office
will have to obtain confirmation from Ankara
before it can be issued. (There may be a delay
of up to 2 months to receive this renewal).
If yachtsmen leave Turkey for
a foreign port and later return, a 3-month visa
will automatically be issued.
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