Sail a Wooden Gulet Through the Turkish Mediterranean

Join Jale Boga and Perry Robertson, the Turkish-American team owning and operating Blue Odyssey, a small company offering exotic sailing trips in the Turkish Mediterranean on classic gulet ships.

Perry and Jale’s trips are the favorites of seasoned travelers who have sailed, kayaked, canoed and rafted all over the world – in addition to seven days on the Turquoise Coast swimming, snorkeling and kayaking in secluded bays, guests spend three days exploring ancient Istanbul, as well as touring Cappadocia – known as the Land of Beautiful Horses – and Antalya, an ancient city surrounded by mountains and perched on a steep cliff over the Mediterranean.

Being aboard a wooden gulet, the traditional Turkish craft built in a style unique to Bodrum, adds to the experience. A classic gulet takes one and half years to construct and among the master-crafters who build them, are said to be unsinkable. In a perfect gulet the bottom of the hull is in the form of a reversed S and cross-timbers laid on the slant. Guests on board Perry’s gulet will find two kayaks for exploring hidden passageways and a windsurfing rig.

Perry, a former white water rafting river guide, and Jale, herself a guide with a master’s degree in political science, have created a boating tour far removed from the “float and bloat” trips sometimes found where luxury boats are involved. An educational journey as much as an active exploration, their trip along the “Turquoise Coast” can be arranged for groups up to 12 and honeymooners. They also offer cooking tours and custom itineraries.

Contact: Tel: 415-332-3811; robertson@blueodyssey.com or visit www.blueodyssey.com. Cruise Only Cost: $1795; Full Tour Cost: $3250