Yachting in Turkey in light of recent events.

[Sea Frog]

I love sailing in Turkey, and I asked my Russian sailing friends who live there, they say everything is just fine now. BUT. It may change in a second. You never know. Just be aware and be ready to run away in case of serious stuff. Good thing is that Greece is very close so it doesn't take much time.

[boatman61]

LMAO...
Turkey is just fine.. Tunisia does not bother me overmuch either..
There's a few types of cruisers.. the lifestyle cruisers and the 'two years to tourists..' and the dreamers who'll never leave local waters..
The life styler will just get on with it.. its life.
The tourist is paniced because the schedule and bucket list is in danger of being disrupted.. and finally.. there's the bullshitters who are hugely relieved theres yet another excuse to stay home.
So they inundate forums with red flags..

������

[K_V_B]

Originally Posted by Dave22q

Just looks at the incoming oil trucks.

I'd love to look at the incoming oil trucks. Everybody seems to be talking about them, but for some reason nobody has pictures of them...

[conachair]

Originally Posted by boatman61

There's a few types of cruisers.. the lifestyle cruisers and the 'two years to tourists..' and the dreamers who'll never leave local waters..
The life styler will just get on with it.. its life.
The tourist is paniced because the schedule and bucket list is in danger of being disrupted.. and finally.. there's the bullshitters who are hugely relieved theres yet another excuse to stay home.
So they inundate forums with red flags..

������

Bang on.

You're more likely to get shot by your dog

[Boatguy30]

Was thinking of possibly heading to the med this summer or next. My son wants to check out a lot of the maritime historical sites in Greece which tend to be in the eastern parts I believe.

Had not really considered going to Turkey, but I guess it's right near by. I had heard that prices had really spiked there, but with all these folks reporting being in marinas for the winter I guess it must be somewhat reasonable.

I would look to store my boat for the winter to return to FL either in Greece or Turkey and spend 2 summers in the med.

[fupisana1]

I'm in Akbuk, Didim, Turkey on a 9 m sailboat. Don't see any changes here. As usual, the Turkish citizens have been nothing but kind and helpful.
Would recommend Turkey as a sailing destination.

[Sea Frog]

Originally Posted by K_V_B

I'd love to look at the incoming oil trucks. Everybody seems to be talking about them, but for some reason nobody has pictures of them...

Google has 'em!

[athene]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Was thinking of possibly heading to the med this summer or next. My son wants to check out a lot of the maritime historical sites in Greece which tend to be in the eastern parts I believe.

Had not really considered going to Turkey, but I guess it's right near by. I had heard that prices had really spiked there, but with all these folks reporting being in marinas for the winter I guess it must be somewhat reasonable.

I would look to store my boat for the winter to return to FL either in Greece or Turkey and spend 2 summers in the med.

If your son is interested in classical Hellenic maritime history (I presume you mean that rather than the 19th century war of independence), there's much more to see in Turkey than Greece - especially the former Hellenic settlements on the Carian and Lycian coasts. It's generally better preserved as well.

Kusadasi is a good base and centrally located for cruising the historic areas - we spent six years based there and it was arguably the best marina we've found anywhere in the Med. Presumably it still is, though others on the forum can give you more up to date info.

GORDON KNIGHT

[boatman61]

A1 on Kusadasi.. very helpful staff and townsfolk were great.. only there 3days sadly but would not hesitate to go back..

[Zai]

Just watch out for the "Smetlivy"!

[pyroray]

Of course it had to get political!!! Those that believe big bro is there to make the world a better place and that only one news media lies, will never hear the truth.
Thanks for the positive input on cruising Turkey. I can't wait to get away from here to somewhere safer.

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by boatman61

LMAO...
Turkey is just fine.. Tunisia does not bother me overmuch either..
There's a few types of cruisers.. the lifestyle cruisers and the 'two years to tourists..' and the dreamers who'll never leave local waters..
The life styler will just get on with it.. its life.
The tourist is paniced because the schedule and bucket list is in danger of being disrupted.. and finally.. there's the bullshitters who are hugely relieved theres yet another excuse to stay home.
So they inundate forums with red flags..

+1

I call topics like this popcorn topics; very entertaining.

[K_V_B]

Originally Posted by Sea Frog

Google has 'em!

Interestingly google doesn't. Most of the pictures that are trotted out as "evidence" don't show tanker trucks...

[pbmaise]

I think it important to realize that Daesh has a goal of driving a wedge between the Muslim and Western worlds. Therefore, what helps prevent such an incident is making sure they know that the sailing community is not going to bolt for the doors the second anything goes awry.

This type of mentality was ingrained in me as a teenager when living in London during car bombings. I was proud to continue to school right past one bombing and lived on a street where an embassy was bombed.

It takes away their power if they know you will not cower.

In the same way I have taken a pledge that if I was ever kidnapped or harmed I will not pay any ransom. Instead my family will post large rewards for capture of those involved and trial for their crimes.

I certainly live, it sounds, in a far more dangerous place than Turkey.

[Lammert]

Two more issues could be added to the original list in the opening post: (i) the Kurdish problem and (ii) the huge number of refugees crossing the narrows between the Turkish coast and the nearest Greek Islands.
We have sailed two seasons in Turkey. We have sailed from Istanbul in the north to Mersin in the far east. Will we continue? YES. Both seasons we have participated in the EMYR (Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally). I was leader of this year's 'Mini' EMYR. I strongly advise those that are new to Turkey to enter this rally (Web Page Under Construction). It gives you an unparalleled overview of all that Turkey's cruising has to offer. From enjoying the great sailing, to inland excursions to the many ancient sites, to meeting other cruisers during the many BBQ's and cocktails that are thrown in and finally the warm welcome you get from a huge cross section of the Turkish marinas that are complimentary to participants.
Am I worried? NO, but I will keep a weary eye on developments and just move on if necessary.