Salute to Capitan Yavuz Kose and Cook Serkan Babayigit (nicknamed Captain Cook by our group).
Along with Boating Turkey they were responsible for one of the most enjoyable weeks we as a family with our in law children have had in our lives.
This was a dream come true to us as we have been dreaming about this cruise for 6 years as we did plan a similar trip 6 years ago, but had to abandon it as 2 of the couples pulled out. My first contact with Boating Turkey for this trip was already in May last year and I had a very responsive feedback from Necmi on every e-mail that I have sent to him. He was very helpful in assisting us in all the arrangements.
Due to a limited budget we chartered the smallest boat that we could get hold of, but we were pleasantly surprised with the spaciousness of the interior of the boat. The two smaller cabins were a bit uncomfortable but fine for the two younger couples in our group. We fortunately experienced excellent weather and could therefore spend all the time on the deck. Gathering as a family on the foredeck while cruising was a real family binding experience.
Our captain and chef were excellent hosts as they were always there but never intruding into our privacy despite the limited circulation space. Yavuz gave us a feeling of having everything under control at all times even during a very rough spot on the open sea when we were cruising against a very strong wind. Compliments to our wonderful chef Serkan who had the ability to prepare the most wonderful meals in his small kitchen. Lunch and dinner was always a pleasant surprise with the fresh fish speared by then at night something very special.
Even to us as South Africans with a very weak currency the trip was very affordable and goes highly recommended. It was an unforgettable week on the Turkish coast.
Carl and Santjie Geldenhuys and their three children and three in-laws.
Pretoria
South Africa
carlg[at]ssi.co.zaWe initially found the Boating Turkey website just by trawling the internet but once Necmi has responded to our first enquiry, we never looked any further. He was so helpful in helping us choose a route, answering all our questions and providing advice. In fact, he gave us travel tips for Istanbul and arranged many of our transfers and recommended hotels etc. Pretty much whatever we asked for - a great add-on service. There were four couples on our Gulet (Albatross A) together with three crew members. Our cruise departed from Fethiye and ended at Marmaris. We pretty much left everything to the crew on the basis that they had done it a few times and would know what worked. We were not disappointed and had a wonderful holiday. The crew were very good at keeping a low profile on board but at the same time maintained excellent levels of service. The food is legendary and we looked forward to every meal - full board is a must. I would have no hesitation in recommending Boating Turkey to anyone.
Mike Reid
Durban
South Africa
reidm[at]telkomsa.net
During August/September 2015 we enjoyed a sailing holiday in Turkey and Greece which we started planning in November 2014. Quite a few friends showed an interest and we had to find a yacht for bare boat charter which answered our specific requirements for a two week period at the right time to suit 7 couples and at the right price. I sent out several inquiries to a number of charter companies found on the internet and Necmi from Boating Turkey was prompt in responding with a number of options for us to consider. It also was the only response which fully answered all our requirements.
This was our first sail in Turkish waters, in an area we know little of and also the first time crossing international borders sailing. These, together with the idea that I am dealing with a company of which the reputation can only be gauged through previous reviews, raised many questions. Although all of these were promptly and efficiently answered by Necmi during the months long planning stage of the trip, I was still a little apprehensive about what we would encounter once we got there.
On arrival in Bodrum, we received clear directions to the marina in Turgutreis where all the formalities were handled in a very friendly, yet professional manner by SHY, allowing us to depart on an unforgettable holiday experience. Additional information on custom agents on the Greek islands were accurate, but at the same time could not match the excellent service we received from all the officials and the charter company throughout the trip. Everybody really went out of their way to ensure we felt welcome and without any need to worry about anything. Any problems encountered with the boat were dealt with efficiently and we were refunded for any interim expenditure to get us going again.
Thank you Necmi, for your patience with all our questions and for organising the ideal boat! I am not sure what your involvement was with the organisation of the perfect weather we experienced, but thank you for that too! Also pass on our gratitude to Cigdem Ulu from SHY for her assistance and efforts in making sure that their services were tailored to our needs. Also to Vassilis Kapadakis from the Kalymna Yachting Club and Dimitris Kastis from Greek Yacht Services on Leros, for their assistance with moorings, supplies, custom clearance, immigration and general advice.
From the entire crew of Carmen, thank you all for making our holiday a very special experience. We certainly hope we will be able to do this again in the not too distant future.
Sincere regards
Henk Lourens
South Africa
henk[at]glarch.co.za
Thank you very much for your very professional organization of our blue voyage. From the first e-mail you understood our needs and found for our family the best possible gulet. We enjoyed it thoroughly: the itinerary, the crew, the food, the cruise companions and we appreciated your assistance before and after the cruise. The Okan was clean and comfortable and its Captain made us always feel safe. We definitely recommend Boating Turkey and we will ask you to organize for us another cruise soon!
