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
It’s been a smooth and trustful relation from the very first mail with Necmi Artar to the final check of our perfect sailing boat in Göcek. This also goes for the choice of our skipper Mustapha, professional and discrete, as well as the chartering partner. I do recommend Boating Turkey.
Thierry Garnier
Sweden
familygarniermail[at]gmail.com
Dear Necmi
We were very pleased with all your efforts about booking services and chartering services.
Not only that, even arranging transfers with shuttle and hotel booking, everything went well !
Everybody was helpfull, kind and always ready to assist us.
So if we are going again (and I don't see why not) sailing in Turkey, we will definetley do it through you.
Thanks again.
Andrej Milovanovic
Slovenia
andrej.milovanovic[at]alterna.si
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.
