The waters of the Turkish Aegean are unique in the world, home to ancient wonders and witness to the greatest figures of antiquity. Along this coast the ancient Greeks founded civilization as we have come to know it. Alexander and his legions paused here to plunder the richest cities in the world. Not far from Bodrum, Anthony and Cleopatra frolicked on their private beach while Caesar gathered his fleet. Saint Paul visited regularly; founding the seven churches of Asia as John delivered Mary to her List refuge in the mountains above Kusadasi. In Marmaris Süleyman the Magnificent marshaled his forces before attacking the crusading knights in their stronghold on Rhodes and in the same waters, Nelson chased Napoleon retreating from Egypt.

Commerce, trade, ancient armies and a growing culture and civilization were all maintained by sea transportation. At a time when overland travel was little above the caravan stage it is obvious the extent of seaborne trade required to found and maintain the many cities of the ancient Aegean coast.

At that time small cargo ships hugged the coast, never far from shelter it the wind picked up, plying the cry same waters as the pleasure craft of today. Cities were founded and even relocated to accommodate ancient sailors, most notably Knidos: moved from a site near present day Datca a more profitable position at the end of the Loryma peninsula, where passing shipping was forced to stop and wait out the opposing northcrlies before proceeding up the coast. Numerous other examples exist of major Hellenistic cities whose importance and commerce diminished as their harbors silted, denying them life-giving maritime trade.

The era of the small, 15 to 25 meter, cargo ships is only recently passed. As few as 25 years ago a majority of all commercial transport was still carried by these locally built wooden boats. In fact the modern Turkish expression for today's scenic pleasure cruise is 'Mavi Yolculuk", the Blue Voyage, derived from the traditional name for this commercial waterway, Mavi Yol, the Blue Road.

Today, the local coastal traffic is almost exclusively pleasure craft, the big cargo ships keeping well out to sea. With the exception of the occasional fishing boat the hundreds of small Aegean boatyards devote their efforts to construction of pleasure craft. The ideal climate, inviting waters and vast numbers of pristine harbors, bays and beaches, combined with the special sights, charms and hospitality that is modern Turkey make the Turkish Aegean the most attractive cruising in the Mediterranean and have created a special name for this boating paradise, The Turquoise coast.

THE ROUTES-BODRUM & MARMARIS

The Carian coast (Caria) borders to Ionia in the north and to the Lycian coast in the east. With mountainous and green stretches of coastline - ranging from Gümüslük - Bodrum to Marmaris - the Carian coast has recently become the most popular yacht charter and gulet cruise area in Turkey. These sailors are attracted by the gentle sailing conditions, the beautiful bays, sandy beaches, the famous rock tombs and other historical records of the rich and ancient culture of the region.

Sailing Bodrum and Marmaris

The Carian coast is much indented and is tucked in between Bodrum and Marmaris, the two largest yacht charter bases in Turkey. Highlights are the ports, anchorages and historical sites of Torba, Gümüslük, Cökertme, Akbük, Gökeva, Sehir Adalari, Sögut, Digirmen Bükü, Körmen, Mersinçik, Knidos, Datça, Bençik, Keçi Bükü, Bozburun, Bozuk Bütü and Marmaris.
Furthermore, it is easy to cross into Greek waters, towards the Dodecanese; the beautiful islands of Symi, Kos, Nisyros and Rhodes are just a day sailing away.
Ports of entry along the Carian coast are Bodrum, Datça and Marmaris.
The Greek ports of entry are Kos, Symi and Rhodes.
The normal wind in the sailing holiday season is the meltemi, which blows from the NW - WNW in open waters, but nearer to shore follows the coastlines. Occasionally, in the high season gusts can reach above 6-7 Bft. Outside the season the meltemi is less powerful and even several days of light winds could be expected. Usually the wind will pick up early in the afternoon, which is ideal for anchoring. Yet, there is the possibility that the meltemi doesn't die at the end of the day and continues during the night.