Turkey : Profile

Facts

Turkey has more coastline than any other Mediterranean country - some 8400 kilometres. There are so many bays and coves, one can almost always pick a pretty anchorage within minutes of deciding to drop the anchor. Its diverse terrain covers nearly 800,000 square kilometres and shares borders with Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq and Syria.
Marinas are generally first class with technical support and repair and haul-out facilities. Istanbul and Marmaris offer the most extensive technical support, though technical service is available almost everywhere. Some of the finest marinas are Park Kemer, Gocek, Bodrum and Atakoy.
There are many pretty small harbours, such as Kalkan, where one can Med-moor to a quay or jetty with electricity and water. Overnight fees are less than half those of first class marinas.
In recent years there has been a considerable easing of formalities for yachts.
Most cruising yachts sail in the southwest of the country, along the Mediterranean coast and the Aegean Sea, although the Sea of Marmara is also worth exploring and a sail through the heart of Istanbul is an exhilarating experience.
Charter companies, Stardust and Sunsail, are based in Bodrum, Gocek and Marmaris.
Turkey's history spans almost 10,000 years. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts there are acres of ancient remains - many world-renowned - from the ruins of Greek cities to sunken Roman harbours and crusader castles.
Although the Black Sea coast of Turkey lacks natural harbours, there are several sheltered ports while the spectacular coast can be enjoyed when day sailing from one such port to the next. Some of these ports tend to be crowded with local craft, so it pays to be there during the closed season for fishing, in July and August, when most trawlers are hauled out.

Fuel - Diesel is difficult to obtain as tanker lorries can no longer supply small ports. New regulations require tankers to have a specific (and expensive) license to supply yachts, as opposed to gulets. Plan fuelling stops well ahead and carry spare cans. (as at July 2008)

Weather

Turkey's climate is varied, but typically Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. Lighter winds prevail along the Mediterranean coast and nights are usually calm. There is a heavy swell along this coast. In summer, the Aegean is dominated by the northerly Meltemi wind, which blows from May till the end of August and at its peak can be very strong. The Black Sea has more extremes and is more humid with the most rain.