Marmaris, Turkey, Yacht Charter Show

At the Marmaris Yacht Charter Festival, we inspected Gulet after Gulet and yacht after yacht. The luxury level Gulets and yachts all had wireless internet connection available throughout the yacht via a GSM cellular signal, for no additional charge for on board unlimited use during the charter. We were thrilled and amazed. We cruised on board the luxury Gulet Mare Nostrum along the southern Turkish coast from Marmaris to Bodrum and always had a strong GSM cellular signal and wireless connection. While we have seen some wireless internet connection available in some luxury yachts in other worldwide locations, rarely is there NOT an additional charge to the Charterer for on board use. The charter fleet in Turkey is at the forefront of worldwide yacht charter in on board wireless internet connectivity.

During our travels in Turkey, we stayed in hotels in Istanbul, Marmaris and Bodrum. At each hotel, on request, we were given a password for free internet wireless unlimited use from the comfort of our hotel rooms. We stayed in both high level and moderate level hotels and were offered free wireless internet. After charges incurred in other locations staying in hotels for wireless internet use charged by the hour, half day and day, we were very pleased with this amenity now being offered in Turkey.

Spice Bazaar, Turkey

Take advantage of visiting both countries on a yacht charter between Turkey and Greece as both are delightful cruising areas and very welcoming. Shop in a Turkish bazaar in the morning, and have grilled octopus and ouzo in a Greek Taverna in the evening. It is the best of both worlds.

The best of both worlds does require clearance for customs and so the itinerary does need to be coordinated between entrance ports. For instance, there is a clearance port in Marmaris, Fethiye, Datca, and Bodrum, Turkey. And a clearance port on the islands of Rhodes, Symi, and Kos. There are costs for clearance into and out of the two countries, which you should be aware of, and most nationalities must buy a Visa for entry into Turkey for each person. However, in our opinion, spending a little time in the best of both worlds is worth the additional clearance costs.

Accomodations

Mare Nostrum is comfortable for a total of 12 guests in 6 guest staterooms, all with ensuite bath. Mare Nostrum is one of the few luxury Gulets with 6 guest staterooms, and each of the staterooms are equal in size so there is no dominant master stateroom, which is perfect for charterers who are sharing the cost. The Gulet is built in various types of mahogany, with very nice inlays of little woods throughout. There are 5 guest staterooms with double beds and one guest stateroom with two singles. The linens and bath products rival any luxury charter yacht in any other worldwide location. The baths are modern, each with two raised bowl sinks, marble tiled floor and a shower with numerous spray nozzles.


Master Bath

Mare Nostrum charters for euro 45,000/week for 12 guests. This price includes the 18% Turkish VAT, find gourmet dining, all domestic beverages, wines and beer, and all fuel for the main engines and generators. In addition is fuel for the water toys and tender, non domestic alcoholic beverages requested, and fees for private marinas, if requested by the Charterer, as town quays and anchoring is free. A crew gratuity is also customarily left at the end of the charter.

Rug Merchant in Turkey

When you are shopping, casually enter a particular store and start to look at the wares. If asked what you are looking for, do be sure to answer, as there is always something more in the back. And only ask the price after careful consideration, but never accept the first price. Feel free to even leave, as usually another price is given as you walk out the door. If you want to reduce the price further, say that you must think and will return later to talk again. Generally purchasing on the first visit will not get you the lowest price. There is a dance that should take place where you think, consider, and think some more for each price given.

If you are rug shopping, prepare to settle in, as the merchant will offer you something to drink, and then the rugs will start to appear. Each rug merchant has a series of young strong Turkish boys who haul the rugs into the room and then with a flourish reveal the rug in its entirety. Switching the rug to be looked at from either side, as the colors do change, is also a flourish. The rug merchant will tell you the weaving information and story on each rug. Again, be prepared to negotiate. And do not worry, the rug merchant can ship any rug home to you, and will take most currencies, including Turkish Lire, Euros, and USD, and of course, credit cards.


Turkish Bazaar Pottery

80% of the yachts that are part of this Marmaris Yacht Charter Festival are new to the charter market place. For the Gulets that are new to the charter market place, either these Gulets were just built, or have been in private use and are now being made available for charter. We are seeing Gulets with wireless internet available throughout the yacht with a GSM cellular connection, which means that the signal is reliant on a GSM signal, however this signal is strong off of the coast of Turkey. And the internet use is free, included in the charter cost. Free wireless internet connection is not offered anywhere else in charter, that we are aware of, in other worldwide locations, so this is a true step up for the Turkish Gulet

The new Gulets are being built out of mahogany, rather than Turkish pine, with beautiful interior woodwork. Modern bathrooms, with separate dry showers and raised bowl sinks are now a common feature. And the crew have become more professional each year. Many of the larger Gulets also have at least one female in the crew for interior service. We were pleased to see some of our favorite Turkish crew members on the various new Gulets.

This is a whole new charter product that we are very pleased to offer in a very competitive pricing range in a great charter location.

The Blue Mosque (Above and Below)



Within the Old City are numerous historic sites, which include the famous mosques of the Blue Mosque, so called because of the interior sheathing of blue tiles, and the Hagia Sophia. However this location along the Bosphorus Straits has been hotly contested for centuries, and Byzantine ruins remain within the Old City, the most famous being the underground cisterns, that remained in use well beyond Byzantine occupation. These cisterns are open today and are a fascinating feat of engineering. And, of course, the famous Topkapi Palace is close by. Put aside a full afternoon to visit the Topkapi Palace with the many exhibits, including the Imperial Treasury and the Harem.


The Grand Bazaar

And how can anyone leave Istanbul without visiting the bazaars? There is the Grand Bazaar that is countless hallways all leading into the rabbit warren of small corridors inside the original old bazaar. All along the hallways are over 4000 booths, with various wares colorfully displayed, and of course, the bazaar merchant hawking his wares. In another area is the famous Spice Bazaar, with spices available for purchase in big bins, bought by weight. Turkey is well known for at least five different types of pepper berries and Green Cardamom pods. And of course, there are various fruit teas, including apple tea, which is such a favorite in Turkey. Up over one of the main entrances is an age old renowned restaurant, offering a view of the busy Spice Bazaar while you dine.


The Spice Bazaar

Certainly at least two to three days can be spent in Istanbul to gather a feel for this city, and to have time to bargain with the bazaar merchants.

Genoa, Italy

The history of Genoa goes back to ancient times, with archeological evidence of inhabitation in the area by Ligurians, Greeks, Etruscans and Phoenicians; however it is the history from Medieval times forward where Genoa emerged as an important and wealthy seaport. Genoa developed into an important independent city state before the 1100's and was governed by several powerful ruling families. At Genoa's financial and powerful peak in the 16th centuries, large family fortunes were amassed, and important Genovese Families had a large impact on world politics and economics.

Left from this time period is an "Old City" of wandering stone paved walkways and narrow streets, lined with buildings with outstanding architectural detail as befitted a wealthy city. Each ruling family built a large palazzo, reflective of their power and wealth, most of which are still standing today, especially on Via Garibaldi, which was established as a World Heritage Site in 2006.

In an afternoon walking tour of Genoa, explore the Old City shown through the architectural monuments of palazzos and churches still standing today. The variety of detail and design from the 16th century of the building facades is a fascinating period of architecture caught in time and still the heart of the city today.


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Dining on T.J. Esperanza

Mojito

Ice
A pinch of mint leaves
20ml fresh lime juice and wedges
25ml simple sugar syrup
50ml Havana Club White Rum
Dash of Angostura Bitters

In a tall glass muddle the mint, lime juice and sugar. Add the rum, then fill the glass with crushed ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves and lime wedges, making sure all is mixed together. Add a dash of Angostura Bitters

Green Island Fragrance
60ml vodka
30ml Midori Melon
40ml pineapple juice
40ml lemon juice
2 dashes of sugar syrup
Crushed ice

Combine the vodka, Midori and shake. Add lemon juice and pineapple juice into the shaker with ice. Add sugar syrup and shake. Place crushed ice in a tall glass and pour the cocktail over the ice into the glass. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Dining on Galaxy

We have known Captain Dughall and Poppie for a number of years as they were previously on the charter yacht Talon and always created a great charter experience. Coupled with Chef Hamish, and 10 other crew, the food and service is top notch.

Following is the crew profile for Chef Hamish:

Head Chef Hamish Watson
New Zealand

Hamish is an exceptional Chef; his food is of the very highest standards. He is a fully qualified and experienced London City and Guilds Chef. Amongst his qualifications he has won several awards including NZ South Island Chef of the Year Award, and he came 4th in the Chain des Rotisserie World Championships in South Africa. Hamish is calm, organized, and is a popular crew member. He has travelled many places including Africa where he trekked through the forests to spend time with giant gorillas. He is adventurous and loves his sport. Hamish is a New Zealander and loves to spend time at home with his family and friends.

When we were on board today, Hamish had made Truffled Egg Custards served inside the hollowed shell of an egg perched in an egg carton. Not only was the presentation fun and very inventive, but the Truffled Egg Custard was terrific, with a light consistency that melted on your tongue. This could be a very hard charter experience to pass up, if you are thinking about a charter in the Western Mediterranean for this coming summer.

View of Lionshare's Aft Deck

Lionshare is offered for USD 125,000/week for July and August and USD 110,000/week for June and September. This pricing is for the yacht and crew, and in addition are all expenses and crew gratuity. There are five guest staterooms on board, each with ensuite bathroom, so comfortable for 10 guests. Lionshare is located for charter in the south of France, but will travel anywhere for an extra positioning fee for charter in the Western or Eastern Mediterranean as they are very interested in charter this coming summer. With lots of water toys on board and a great sundeck, this is a yacht to consider with a great charter pricing.

We first met Alberto in the early 1990's when he was the Captain of a 90' powerboat in located for charter out of San Remo, Italy. Alberto had worked with others to bring that motor yacht and several others to French Polynesia to the Society Islands for charter. Sadly the yacht sold before it could be brought to the Society Islands; however Alberto returned and stayed home for a number of years.


A Vanilla Plantation in Tahaa

In Tahaa, Alberto has both a Black Pearl Farm and a Vanilla Farm, manned by his family and local workers. Five years ago, he left Tahaa and returned to the yachting world and has been working since as a Yacht Captain. Alberto showed us his personal vanilla bean stash on board Impulsive, which he keeps in a humidity controlled locker.

Charter guests enjoy a little extra on board Impulsive, such as vanilla bean coffee made with vanilla infused from Alberto's home grown vanilla bean pods from his vanilla plantation in Tahaa. You never know when you charter a yacht, what other great adventures and experiences you will encounter. Charter Impulsive, and be served true vanilla bean sorbet made from Captain Alberto's vanilla bean pods.

The world is truly your oyster, which is made ever apparent in the mobile and international world of yachting and yacht charter.

Seaflower's Dining Room

Chef Malin has been in the yachting industry for four years. Her cuisine is Asian continental, light and well flavored.

Our lunch today started with:
Mille Feuille with Char Grilled Vegetables with a Lemon and Rosemary scented Feta Cheese Cream
This was nicely presented with ringed with fresh herbs and was a nice light starter.

The main course followed with:
Fillet of Dorade on a Fresh Herb Bed with Grilled Mini Asparagus, and Roasted Fennel and Parma Ham Bundles with a Lemon Tarragon Sauce
The fish was very nicely prepared with a salt herb crust that melted into the fish. Served with the fish was a nice dry rose wine.

The dessert was outstanding:
Semi Freddie with Honey and Pistachio Nuts served with Crunchy Praline

And of course after, we had cappuccinos and chocolates. Any charter guest will be very happy both with the yacht and the cuisine while on board. We were very pleased that this yacht has entered the charter marketplace.

Motor Yacht NATORI

With exterior styling by Francesco Paszowski and interior design by Bannenberg, this new avant garde build is distinctive and very well done. With 5 guest staterooms for accommodations for up to 10 guests, Natori boasts a full width on deck master suite, with white gold leaf tiling, suggesting the silvery flash of swimming fish. Both the main and sun lounge deck have huge windows in the salon and lounge areas providing a very light and airy interior with modern touches. And of course on the top sun deck is a large Jacuzzi with ample sunning area, a bar and comfortable seating area.


NATORI

As a new build, this yacht has all of the latest technology with Wifi on every deck, Vsat, sky television and the ability the Newspaper Printer software that can access any worldwide newspaper, download and print for the guests interest. A large selection of water toys rounds out the package for a fun filled charter vacation.

The yacht will be in the Western Mediterranean this summer and charters for Euro 135,000/week in June and September and euro 150,000/week in July and August, plus all expenses and crew gratuity.

Marmaris International Yacht Charter Show

Information, Information, Information. As a Yacht Charter Broker, we are really all about information, and, our goal at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters is to have the BEST INFORMATION.

The following are very important questions that we hear from our clients:

- What is the best yacht and crew for our upcoming charter?
- What will we do and see while on our charter?
- My favorite Captain is Captain Ron, is he still running a yacht for charter?
- We have important food requirements, what are the qualifications of the Chef?
- Is this charter location safe?

These questions, and many more, are all important questions to ask about your yacht charter interest, and we want to have the best answers. Yacht Charter is not a product that can be stored on the shelf, so we travel to find those answers. At the opening of the main yacht charter season for each worldwide area, our industry organizes "industry only" Yacht Charter Shows. Entered into the show are yachts for charter that will be available for charter in that area for the upcoming season with their Captain and full crew on board. Also attending the show are various industry members that are have support business for yacht charter, such as location ship agents, marina operators, provisioners, etc. with whom we can meet during the time period to hear new news, discuss upcoming charters, and make any final arrangements needed on a personal basis.

The attending yachts are all lined up along the quay and open for Charter Broker visits, with the yacht and crew outfitted as they would be when you, the Charterer are on board. As the Charter Broker, we see old friends, meet new friends, talk about previous charters, plan upcoming charters, and check condition and maintenance. All the while making sure that yachts we see should still be on our list of recommended yachts for charter or are, perhaps, a great new addition to our list.