Other Sailing : Turkey 2012

Turkey – Marmaris

September 2012

This is a brief retrospective record of a week spent on flotilla in Turkey sailing from Adakoy and heading northwards although to go north we also had to go west. Most overnight stops were in small bays near villages of only a few houses on in a number of instances in bays where there was a single building normally a restaurant / bar which had a small wooden jetty onto which a few yachts could tie up.

There were 8 yachts in our flotilla. The weather was great with moderate winds most days that came and went a bit depending on the time of day.

We flew to Turkey from Manchester. Arriving at lunch time at ??? from where we took the transfer bus to the town of Marmaris. From Marmaris we took the 20 minute water taxi to Adakoy a small “near” island joined at its east end to the mainland by a natural causeway. Neilson operates a “Beach Club” resort hotel on Adakoy offering different water sports to people staying there. To be honest it looked like the most boring bit of water in the Med – a water sports holiday there cannot be too exciting!

After dumping our bags on board our designated yacht we took a water taxi back across to Marmaris to do a bit of local exploring and to find dinner.

Marmaris is a large and lively resort with a vibrant nightlife. The traditional harbour area is lined with restaurants catering to all tastes and tucked behind the waterfront is the "Old Town" with its bazaar area selling leather, jewellery and carpets.

Day 1

Adakoy to Turunc

Setting off late the next morning I managed to establish publicly my sailing credentials as I failed to let go the second stern rope. This brought us to an abrupt stop only feet from the harbor wall. As this was seen by all and sundry I could happily go forth in the knowledge that no one would have any great expectations of our abilities and no one would bother us by asking for advice!

With the wind blowing generally from the east we headed westwards on a run around the end of Adakoy before we turned west towards Turunc.

The wind conditions were ideal with easy reaches and runs that would take us right into the small harbor at Turunc. Surprisingly a number of boats chose to motor there – guys it is a sailing holiday – the big white things need to go up in the air!

Miles sailed 9

Day 2

Turunc to an un named bay

In the morning we had clear blue skies and sunshine with a moderate southerly wind that would carry us all the way to our planned overnight stop in a un named bay some 16 miles away.

Miles sailed - 16

Day 3

Un named bay to another un named bay (2nd bay located at lat 36 deg, 35 min, 7.25 sec, long 28deg, 02 min, 56 sec)

The bay at Kordon is completely surrounded by very steep hills that rise from the water’s edge. This must be one of the most sheltered harbors in the Med. The small village consists of little more than a seaside restaurant (with it’s own wooden jetty) and a few houses. Arriving mid afternoon we went for a long walk up the valley and ended up climbing up the hill at its head which offered us spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and of the coastline that we would be cruising for the next few days.

Miles sailed - 24

Day 4

Bay to Merkez

Miles sailed - 18