ENTERING TURKISH WATERS

Flags flying on Moody B'Lou

As we left the Greek Island of Kos we began to follow Turkish coastline eastwards, never quite sure whether we were in Greek or Turkish waters.  The Greek flag was replaced with the Turkish Crescent and Star, we also flew a yellow pennant which demonstrated that we were in transit and yet to clear with Turkish Customs and Authorities.

DATCA

Forty nautical miles later we entered the port of Datca – a small harbour town on the Resadiye Peninsula, where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean Sea.  Datca proved to be a great entry point, a thriving small Turkish town, all formalities were sorted out promptly and we were set with our visas for a 90-day stay.

Here was our first encounter with the infamous GULETS, large wide wooden yachts built in Turkey and because of their generous deck space, they are widely in demand for short-term charter work.  The Turkish crews can be quite cavalier in their boat handling skills so we gave them a wide berth, much better viewed from a distance but they are worth viewing……..  

One final note on Datcha from the Information Centre – 'Datcha has 300 sunny days moreover plenty oxygen and sweat-free holiday are available…………. '

My rough map, red line showing our travels

We sailed eastwards from Datcha visiting towns, villages and many overnight anchorages, our final destination being Kemer which we wanted to inspect with a view to 'winterising' Moody B'Lou.

Our next stop was at Bozuk Buku.  This was a remote protected bay on a very bleak headland dotted with a few goats and scrub like trees.   We anchored in a quiet spot in company of a few gulets and other yachts, however the bay was large with plenty of space.  A small shack beckoned from the beach for a lunchtime break – 'said shack' was adorned with rugs, klims and cushions and we nestled down to a relaxed mezze with beautiful views. 

MARMARIS

The next day we headed 30 miles, NE up along the headland toward Marmaris, the barren rugged peaks became greener as pine forests covered the hillsides.  Our chosen marina was way outside Marmaris which was a good decision since Marmaris itself looked large and busy with modern concrete buildings.  

ECINCIK

The next stop of Ecincik, some 20 miles away, was quite stunning and a real delight to us all.  We opted to stay at My Marina, which consisted of a couple of pontoons in a very discrete setting, again pine covered hills and pristine waters.  

Sophisticated facilities such as showers and a restaurant were hidden away in the pines and the few buildings surrounding the marina were built of old stone or wood.  

It was all so tasteful with minimal intrusion on this magical location.   Just meters from the boat was a cordoned off area for swimming which we promptly made use of.   There are very strict rules about boat waste in Turkey, boats must use holding tanks for all sewage - so swimming areas around the boats remain clean, clear and inviting.......   


From Ecinca  we took a trip up the Dalyan River - next BLOG