Sailing through paradise: the modern history of the gulet

Gulets are traditional wooden boats, which have been built in Turkey for many years. Originally built for trade, fishing or sponge diving, a gullet, which is thought to be derived from the French word for schooner, “goulette” is a two-masted ketch or schooner, rigged with sails, a characteristically broad hull and rounded stern. It was customarily built from pine.

 The long established skills of their builders have been passed on from father to son for generations but since the latter part of the 20th century they have become a familiar sight on the turquoise coast of southwest Turkey and are increasingly popular with tourists who want to take a different kind of vacation.

 In the 1970s and 80s the adventurous and those who didn’t mind a simple holiday with few luxuries, if any, could spend time on what was little more than a fishing boat but now the modern gulet has become the height of luxury. The wood now used is exotic teak and iroko. The equipment and facilities are of the highest quality. No detail is overlooked for the benefit of those fortunate enough to enjoy their hospitality and comfort.

Modern gulet with comfort and style

 Ramazan Kaya, Fethiye businessman and owner of Ramos Yachting, has perfected the gulet and by building five luxury gulets since 2002, has cornered the market in this area. He has made many converts to this kind of holiday. “I remember the time when Turkey was unable to offer high-quality holidays – they were always exciting and fun but pretty basic” he explains. “But seeing how popular they were becoming I decided to build them with comfort and style paramount in their design.”

 The tersane or shipyard in Fethiye is the place to go to see these magnificent vessels take shape – from the single backbone, with ribs added, to the wooden construction, turning the frame into a dynamic elegance. These boats can take up to eighteen months to build from start to finish. No detail is overlooked. Below deck there are no more than eight luxuriously appointed cabins, all with en-suite facilities, crew quarters and a cordon-bleu professional kitchen.

 With an overall length of up to 38 meters for the largest gulet, the decks are roomy, an important feature in the gulet, allowing for a maximum of 16 guests to relax in a number of areas, both inside and out. They have a choice of where to sunbathe, eat meals, relax or get together for the all important “sun-downer” or cocktail. The food served on board rivals any five star hotel or restaurant and al-fresco dining invariably ensures more than healthy appetites.

 Kaya’s gulets have high-spec engines and generators for constant power and air conditioning but they also have sails, so that should the wind come up, they can sail gracefully and silently across the aquamarine waters against a backdrop of the dramatic Turkish coast. They are the last word in luxury and several have been sold to other countries, such as Spain and Italy.

 So, in the past 30 years gulets have become a famous symbol for Turkish tourism and have attracted many thousands of visitors to Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean shores. For many who chose to take their holidays onboard one of these gulets, the scenery, weather and tranquility are at the top of their list. The excellent cuisine, a chance to relax with friends and family in an exclusive atmosphere, while enjoying the proximity to the sea and natural environment, makes for a dream holiday in paradise.