The 43-metre Mare Nostrum, built in 2008 in Bozburun, Marmaris, is an authentic gulet or traditional Turkish fishing boat. Lovingly built by Galip and Kadir Turhan, owners of Turhan Yachting, with the help of designer Alex Banakis, the boat was built using a variety of exotic woods, in particular mahogany and teak fittings from South Africa. Since completion she’s been available for cruises along the Southwestern coast of Turkey.
With a crew of eight, and with room for up to 12 guests, the Mare Nostrum runs a number of routes, the most popular being a trip from Gocek Harbour in Turkey’s Muğla Province running southeast toward Fethiye, Kalkan, Kas and Kekova. The Mare Nostrum is a well-known feature of the Turkish yachting scene and, according to Kadir Turhan, “There is much interest in the Turkish coast, bookings for 2011 are already coming in.”
Despite being inspired by humble fishing vessels, the Mare Nostrum caters to refined tastes, the meals cooked by the onboard chef are sumptuous fusions of Turkish cuisine and influences from further a field, Turhan enthuses about the barbeque, “Moist, tender lamb, beef or chicken is grilled over charcoal, before being stuffed into floury pita bread, and you may finish with the chef’s own version of sweet and sticky baklava.” International dishes are also available, however we’d recommend opting for the fabulous local fare.
Below decks there are five double cabins and one twin, all appointed in teak and mahogany, and a full range of modern audio-visual gear to keep yourself entertained, from satellite TV to onboard Playstation, and WiFi. Should you decide to ditch the electronics, the Mare Nostrum’s fully equipped to enable you to water-ski, wind surf, wakeboard, canoe and much more.
The Mare Nostrum offers a window into the past where sailing was a relaxing, man and nature affair. Of course given that this is the 21st century you won’t have to raise a finger yourself, rather it’ll be a fabulous chance to get away from it all, while offering a range of waterborne activities and tantalising food. In short, it’s an endeavour worth savouring.
WHAT Mare Nostrum
WHO Turhan Yachting own and manage the vessel
SINCE Has been sailing since 2008
WHY The Mare Nostrum harks back to a time when yachting was altogether more natural, without cutting corners on luxury
www.bluevoyagegulet.com
