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Kekova Island and the Kekova Bay area are filled with centuries of old ancient ruins of various civilizations, most easily explored, seen and enjoyed by yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.  Several days can be spent in the Kekova area, hiking over land through hundreds of ruins, Lycian style sarcophagi, and Byzantine church remains.  And for a unique view of ancient ruins, as an earthquake dropped much of the ancient Kekova Bay settled area just under the surface of the water centuries ago, snorkel over the ancient ruins of building foundations, harbor fronts, and mooring areas, littered with tile and other shard remains left on the sandy bottom of the bay, from life in that area so long ago.  This pictorial review is a taste of the ancient ruins on Kekova Islands and in the Kekova Island area of that which can be seen and enjoyed on a crewed yacht charter in this fascinating area along the coastline of Turkey. 

Statue of St. Nicholas, Myra

St. Nicholas, Jolly Old St. Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and Santa Claus are all names understood worldwide for the warm legendary spirit believed to give love, help and gifts of all sorts in late December of every year.  Today, the legend of this spirit is a conglomeration of old stories, some of which were birthed along the southern coastline of Turkey in the area of Kekova, in ancient Myra, a location well worth visiting on a crewed yacht charter today.  To learn more about the history of the original St. Nicholas, when in the Kekova area, along the southern coast of Turkey on your crewed yacht charter, slip into the dredged harbor of old Demre for a van trip to the now silted in, but once coastal town of ancient Myra where the story of Bishop Nicholas of Patara, now St. Nicholas, is believed to now be a part of the legend of Santa Claus. 

St. Nicholas Church Apse

Far from the icy chill of the North Pole, Bishop Nicholas was born in Patara to a wealthy trading family around 300 AD.  Patara is an ancient Lycian, Greek and Roman city surrounded by palm trees and sandy beaches on the southern coast of Turkey.  In the 4th Century AD, Nicholas rose to prominence in Christian history to become the Bishop of Myra.   Legend says that on hearing of a impoverished father of two daughters in Myra who was prepared, due to lack of dowry funds, to sell his daughters into prostitution, Bishop Nicholas anonymously tossed a bag of coins onto the roof of the man’s house to be used as a dowry for his oldest daughter, and then in later years, tossed another bag of coins on the roof of the same man’s house to be used as dowry for his next daughter.  As time continued, other gifts of money were received on roof tops of the needy in Myra.  Once canonized, Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, became St. Nicholas and the story of St. Nicholas was born.  Today, this story is believed to be mixed into stories from northern Europe creating the modern day legend of Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas Church frescoed dome

Myra was an important city centuries before Bishop Nicholas was born, and was one of the most prominent cities in the Lycian League.   Mention of Myra has been found documented in writings from the 5^th century BC.  In early Christian history, Myra was said to be one of the last stops of St. Paul the Apostle in Turkey before being taken to Rome for his final days.  In the local area of ancient Myra are cliff sides filled with impressive Lycian temple façade and free standing tombs overlooking the remains of a Roman amphitheater.  These ancient remains are still a highlight to see today in modern Demre along with other ruins scattered along the river side near the modern harbor of Demre.

Exterior of the Church of St. Nicholas

Ancient Myra however is probably most well known and most often visited today by those wanting to see the church of St. Nicholas.  The original church where Bishop Nicholas preached in Myra is no longer in existence.  Built in 800 AD, on what was said to be the site of the original church, is a Romanesque stone church which was restored by Constantine IX in 1043 AD.  Today the parts of this structure still remaining are being actively preserved and consist of the main church and apse area along with cloisters to the side. 

Tomb Inside St. Nicholas Church

Bishop Nicholas was known to have died in Myra, and thought to have been buried on the site, however various groups have laid claim, including a group from Bari, Italy in 1087, to have broken open the sarcophagus and taken the bones.  Today, the true story and location of the bones of St. Nicholas cannot be verified, nor the actual sarcophagus that may have belonged to St. Nicholas amongst the damaged sarcophagi still remaining inside the church of St. Nicholas.  However, while the bones of St. Nicholas may reside elsewhere, the church is still a location for religious pilgrimage.  St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Greece and Russia and the protector of children, sailors, merchants and scholars.  Today there are many visitors to the church, particularly from Russia with gift and souvenir shops close by catering to a Russian clientele.    

Statue of St. Nicholas at Church

Stop into Demre harbor either by yacht or ship’s tender for a drive into the center of ancient Myra to visit the Romanesque church said to have been built on the location of the church where Nicholas, once Bishop of Myra and now St. Nicholas, is said to have preached and tended to his flock, while on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.

Demre Myra - Harbor

Letoon Ruins

Considered a sanctuary city in ancient Lycia, the ruins of Letoon remain today as a testament to the strength of the Lycian civilization and are well worth a visit when on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.  Located near Xanthos and linked together with Xanthos as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Letoon has been under excavation for the last 60 years.  A visit today provides an outstanding glimpse into the Lycian culture and the ruins of Letoon can be visited now when on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.

Letoon was the sacred cult center of ancient Lycia, its most important sanctuary, and was dedicated to the three national deities of Lycia; Leto and her twin children Apollo and Artemis. Letoon was not a commercial city, but rather was the spiritual heart of Lycia and a place of national festivals. It was the center of pagan cult activity until the fifth century AD, first falling victim to Arab attacks and then covered in sand and silt from the Xanthos River.  Shards found on site have been dated back to the 8^th century BC.  However just as other Lycian cities along this coastline were overrun by various civilizations after the creation of Letoon by the Lycian civilization as a sacred city, so too did Letoon pass from Lycian rule to other rule, during the long history of the existence of this city in the ancient world.

Partially Reconstructed Temple, Letoon

When visiting Letoon today, remains of the three temples dedicated to the three major deities, Leto, Apollo and Artemis, are located in the center of the site. Most of the blocks for the Temple of Leto have been preserved. This was the largest of the temples and is considered one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world.

Submerged Temple Remains, Letoon

To the southwest of the temples are the ruins of a nymphaeum connected to a sacred spring. Today, the waters around the almost submerged ruins are full of terrapins and frogs, some say in fulfillment of an ancient prophecy.  This site was perhaps used in religious immersion ceremonies and was built during the Hellenistic period with the Roman addition of a semi-circular pool.

Letoon Amphitheater Entrance

A Hellenistic Amphitheater remains largely intact on the site, carved into the hillside with an entrance gate and tunnel on each side.  The amphitheater is built in more than the normal semicircle and there is no sign today of a staging area in front of the seating area. It is believed this amphitheater was used for religious performances and ceremonies only rather than plays for entertainment.

Carved Lion Detail, Letoon

Towards the end of the history of Letoon, a Basilica is believed to have been constructed in the 6th century AD but was destroyed around the mid-7th century, possibly by the Arab attacks during that period.  The nave and aisles were decorated with floor mosaics depicting geometric designs and animal figures, and while the ruins of the Basilica remain, the mosaics have now been removed off site for safe keeping. It is thought that there was a monastic community associated with the church and, due to the large number of drinking vessels found during excavation, they were dubbed “the Drunken Monks”.

Letoon, Carved Column Details

A stone carved inscription has been found by the current day archeologists on the site, which has been carved with inscriptions in three languages; Lycian, Greek and Aramaic.  This stone carving is now offering archeologists additional clues to the history of this area.  Lovely stone Ionic column capitals from the Hellenistic Period and other carvings show the special attention focused through the centuries by various ancient civilizations on Letoon, particularly considering the small size of the site and number of quality artistic stone carvings and artifacts remaining. 

Letoon was a location of national festivals in ancient history and was considered a significant sanctuary with priests living in Letoon at the highest level of the Lycian League.  Probably, Letoon continued as a sacred city through further centuries of dominance by various civilizations, through which much of the Lycian culture or influences were felt to have been left intact.  Visiting Letoon is a natural inclusion on a crewed yacht charter when on a crewed yacht charter from Gocek to Kekova, especially if interested in the extensive ancient history present along the southern coast of Turkey, which was a busy ancient trading route. 

Patara Amphitheater being reconstructed

When sailing along the southern coast of Turkey on a crewed yacht charter, a visit to see the ancient site of Patara should be part of a yacht charter itinerary when cruising in the Kekova area. At one time an important harbor trading city with Lycian roots, the ruins of this city have now silted and drifted into the countryside, leaving a large and lovely beach area between the ruins and the sea.  The beach is one of the nicest in the area with miles of sand and dunes, however this beach area no longer offers safe harbor for visiting charter yachts, as the harbor in ancient Patara once did.  Now, from a safe harbor along the coast, asking your Captain to organize a van and guide is recommended to bring you to Patara via land to explore this ancient site while on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.

Patara Sand Dunes

Patara, situated close to Letoon and Xanthos, is known for its archaeological treasures and it’s beautiful, 12 km long beach, which is an easy 15 minute walk from the major ruins. Patara was a very wealthy Lycian city and its oracle at the temple of Apollo rivaled that of Delphi. Once an important Lycian city, Patara, like its sister city of Xanthos, eventually surrendered to Alexander the Great. Besides having a distinguished place in ancient history BC, Patara was also a noted city in Christian history.  Patara was the birthplace of St. Nicholas, an esteemed Patron Saint for many cultures and part of the legend of Santa Claus.  St. Paul, the Apostle also visited Patara on his third missionary journey. 

Patara Gates

Unfortunately, much of the glorious past of Patara remains buried in the shifting coastal sands, however modern excavations are ongoing and are now revealing many previously hidden structures.  The excavations include an ancient lighthouse, bathes, the main avenue, the amphitheatre, and the Roman Ante Temple.  On arrival by land, all are met by part of the ancient city gate still standing along the roadside with a lone Lycian Sarcophagus standing sentinel beside.

Patara Lycian Sarcophogus

The stunning beach of Patara is part of a national park, which is rich in birdlife and the breeding ground of the loggerhead turtle. In fact, the beach is closed after sunset from May to October to give the turtles peace when nesting. While visiting the ancient city of Patara, it is well worth the walk down and across the sands on the pathway through the dunes to enjoy this long expanse of white sandy beach. 

Patara Beach

Ask your yacht chef to pack a picnic lunch and bring your bathing suit, and after visiting the ancient site of Patara, head down to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand and seas for lunch and a refreshing swim, while on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.

Xanthos Amphitheater

Visiting the ancient site of the city of Xanthos, one of the largest and most prominent cities of the Lycian Federation, should be included in any yacht charter itinerary while cruising on a yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey, especially for those with an interest in history, archeology, or just a plain interest in life.  Xanthos as an inhabited city dates back to at least the 8^th century BC and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  If your yacht charter itinerary includes a visit to Kas, Kalkan or the Kekova area, it is just a short drive to visit the ancient site of Xanthos while on a yacht charter cruise in this area. 

Pillar tombs at Xanthos

The Lycian Federation, a group of democratic city states, flourished along the southern coast of Turkey during BC history in the area predominantly between Dalyan and Antalya for many centuries until being overrun, city by city, by Persian, Greek, and Macedonian forces under Alexander the Great. And although under various different rulers of various different invading forces, the Lycian culture continued in this area for many more centuries, left fairly undisturbed other than each city paying tithes or supplying men for battle.

Located on a serene hillside overlooking the Esen River, the ancient site of Xanthos offers a stunning view of the Xanthos Valley and Taurus Mountains.  The Xanthos valley was considered the center of the ancient Lycian Civilization; however, the history of Xanthos is a violent one. Lycians were a very independent democratic people.  In 540 BC when the Persians invaded under Harpagos, rather than surrender, the people of Xanthos chose mass suicide over defeat by setting fire to their homes and treasures, and leaping off of the nearby cliffs to die in the river below, leaving nothing for the conquering Persians.  About 80 Lycian families that were elsewhere during this invasion returned after the destruction and were able to build Xanthos once again.  However in 309 BC Xanthos fell under the rule of Alexander the Great, then under the Ptolemy dynasty, the Syrians, and finally while under siege by the Romans under Brutus in 42 BC, history repeated itself in 42 BC with another mass suicide. This is said to have so shocked Brutus he offered money to his soldiers to save citizens, of whom in the end only 150 were rescued.  However this group rebuilt Xanthos again, under various rulers into a strong city until around the 7^th century AD when the city lost prominence after the Arab invasion

Xanthos Obelisk

Xanthian Site Highlights

View the fifth century BC Xanthian Obelisk, a tall pillar tomb with the longest Lycian inscription in existence on all four sides, which helped modern scholars break some of the code of this archaic, difficult language.

The Harpy Tomb, of the same era, sits upon a massive base, and is a grave-chamber. Its’ name is derived from the Greek mythological harpies, creatures with the head of a woman and the body of a bird, because of the winged women figures in the frieze.

The Pillar Tomb is unique in Lycia with a normal Lycian sarcophagus standing upon a shorter pillar tomb. This tall tomb dates to the 4^th or 3^rd century BC.

The Amphitheatre dates from the 2^nd century AD. Only the upper rows of the structure are missing and the stage building is still partially standing. It was once two stories, decorated with columns.

Amphitheatre

The Acropolis, situated above the amphitheatre, includes ruins of a temple dedicated to Artemis and the foundations of a large structure thought to be a palace that was destroyed by the Persians. The Acropolis offers grand views of the entire valley and river.

The recently excavated Roman-Byzantine Street behind the amphitheatre outlines an area once lined with shops and thought to be the Agora area.  Within the many foundation outlines, mosaic floors and other stone work have been found. 

Xanthos Agora Ruins

Much of Xanthos is still to be excavated as this area was extensively settled and inhabited over many centuries, however a visit today especially when in the area on a crewed yacht charter is well worth the time to see that which has been excavated and to understand the extent of the site still to be excavated.

Regina Chef Cracks Open Salt Encrusted Baked Fish

Recently, Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters was on board Regina, a newly launched 185’ sailing yacht built by Pruva in Bodrum, Turkey and now available for crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey for a total of 12 guests.  We can personally attest to the outstanding on board cuisine to be enjoyed by all charter guests when on board sailing yacht Regina for a crewed yacht charter.  Chef Sezgin Topkara under Captain Yusuf Kalmaz, is a terrific Chef, especially for his specialty, fresh Turkish food, which is a must try for every one as part of the charter experience while on a crewed yacht charter along the ancient trading route in Turkey.  On boarding, we were delighted to be heralded by the Chef with a special Turkish dish, fresh grouper baked in a salt casing which is not only an outstanding presentation, but is also a wonderful way to cook fresh fish and one of our favorites.  When the fish is baked encased in the thick salt crust, the fish is steamed within the casing, becoming beautifully moist, very flavorful, and hard to beat.

Fresh baked for breakfast, black olive rolls and filo stuffed with spinach and feta

Each morning for breakfast on deck, we were greeted with fresh squeezed orange juice and a full complement of fresh fruits, vegetables, olives, cheeses, fresh baked breads, including homemade Kalamata Olive rolls which were to die for, and thick Turkish yogurt served with wild cherry jam and local honey.  Of course, fresh eggs cooked any way you wanted and other hot items were always available.

Lunch on board S/Y Regina

In Turkey, the fresh fruit, which includes melons, peaches and various varieties of figs, is all vine ripened, sun kissed and exudes a fresh fruit perfume when brought to the table.  The vegetables, including cucumbers and tomatoes, are also always vine ripened and outstanding.  Within the great variety of vegetables available locally grown in Turkey, we had fava beans, homemade hummus, water spinach in yogurt, green beans in fresh tomato sauce, eggplant salad, and stuffed peppers.  All accompanied great main dishes such as grilled lamb ribs, calamari stuffed with shrimp, fresh sautéed fish, and grilled steaks.  Desserts served included hot chocolate lava cakes, fruit tarts, crème caramel, and chocolate soufflé along with a selection of the beautiful local fresh fruits.    

On Board S/Y Regina, fresh shrimp

Every meal, while we were on board cruising along the southern coast of Turkey, which is one of our favorite charter locations, was exceptional.  Chef Sezgin will be on board the sailing yacht Regina for the next summer season for crewed yacht charter for a yacht charter itinerary in the beautiful clear turquoise waters of Turkey and the Greek Islands, and will continue, we are sure, to present great outstanding on board cuisine not to be missed. 

Turkish Metzes on board S/Y Regina

Demre Lycian Tombs

Demre, once known to the ancient world as Myra, was an important Lycian, Greek and Roman city, remains of which can be seen today when visiting on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.  While the ancient area now stretches out away from the silted harbor, the harbor remaining today allows for at least the ship’s tenders to come in for land transportation to the ancient areas.  At the mouth of the Demre River, the harbor area drifts back along the river with ancient ruins evident as you drive along the riverside including the remains of a large Roman grainary.  However for anyone interested in a show stopping display of Lycian cliff tombs reflecting the ancient art and spiritual world of the Lycian culture, there are several extraordinary areas of hand carved and built tombs left in the cliff sides in the Demre area of ancient Myra that should be visited while on a crewed yacht charter on the southern coast of Turkey. 

Demre Roman Amphitheater

Demre Roman Amphitheater Stone Carvings

Demre Roman Amphitheater Decorative Carving

Remains of a Roman Myra is spread out in front of this spectacular cliffside display of Lycian tombs with a huge amphitheatre in the process of being restored.  Scattered around the area are sculpted and other marble and granite rock pieces that are marked for future restoration.  As you can see, when visiting, the rock carved art work displayed suggests a very wealthy and large city area at one time.  The finished restoration of this Roman amphitheatre should be a spectacular and educational display of an amphitheatre of a large wealthy Roman city. 

Demre Lycian Tombs with relief carvings

Prior to either Roman or Greek habitation of the area, Myra was a significant Lycian city believed to have been established at least by the 5^th century BC.  There are several cliff faces filled with Lycian tombs in a stunning display of this ancient civilization, with both the flat temple faced tombs and several free standing house tomb buildings. 

Demre Lycian Tomb Remains

Many of the tombs are decorated with relief stone carvings and originally were painted in bright colors of red, blue and yellow.  In reports even from as late as the 19^th century, the tombs were said to be covered with bright paint colors, and in protected rock crevices on the tombs today, in some areas, these colors can still be seen.  In many instances, the relief carvings depict the family life of the tomb holder, which provides an interesting snapshot of ancient Lycian life.  The Lycians, who held their ancestors in high regard, believed that departed family members were carried into the afterlife by a winged creature, and therefore, placed the tombs high up in the cliffs to speed that journey.  Inside were often stone benches on which the bodies of the dead and various offerings were placed.  Across the face of the cliffside temple façade tombs and temple house style tombs grooves have been found to suggest a large flat rock that could be slid across as a door to seal the tomb after each burial, but allow continued family use. 

Grave Robbed Lycian Tombs of Today

Today, virtually all of the tombs have been opened throughout the centuries by grave robbers and the contents are long gone, however the tombs themselves with the stone reliefs can still be seen as a resplendent display of Lycian culture and the quiet strength this civilization showed of family honor for their departed family members and ancestors those many long centuries ago.  Along with seeing the slowly rebuilt large Roman amphitheatre, this site in Demre that was part of ancient Myra, is well worth visiting while cruising on a yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey.  

For More Information Visit Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters

]]> http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2011/10/3033.html/feed 1 http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2011/10/3021.html http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2011/10/3021.html#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:08:10 +0000 admin http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/?p=3021  

Gemiler Island Snorkel over Ancient Harbor Ruins

Located just a stone’s throw off of the mainland along the southern Turkish coast between Olu Deniz and Gocek Bay, Gemiler Island is a must do stop on a charter yacht itinerary along the Turquoise Coast of Turkey.  With a protected anchorage between Gemiler Island and the mainland, Gemiler Island is also a natural stop on a charter yacht cruise along the Turquoise Coast of Turkey.  On a crewed charter yacht itinerary, stop and anchor at Gemiler Island either for an afternoon or an overnight for a snorkel over ancient sunken ruins in the anchorage or a hike ashore through the plethora of ancient ruins littered across the landscape. 

Gemiler Island Byzantine Church Ruins

Gemiler is quite a small island, really one big hillock almost straight up and down, in easy swimming range of the mainland.  Tucked in behind Gemiler Island and the mainland is a natural protected anchorage, which is a great location for a refreshing swim over ancient sunken ruins before climbing along the paths of the island to explore the Byzantine ruins, or to cool off in the waters after a vigorous island hike. 

Gemiler Island Byzantine Arch Overlooking Anchorage

Gemiler Island, for such a small island, has been well inhabited during ancient and Byzantine times, and although uninhabited today, the ruins of these many centuries of life on the island are very much in evidence today, both on the island and sunken in the waters of the anchorage below.  Much of the known history of Gemiler Island is the Christian History from around the 4^th century A.D. to the 12^th century, which would have been the end of the Ancient Period and into the Byzantine Period of history along this coastline. 

Gemiler Island, Remnants of Byzantine Tunnel

When entering the anchorage between the mainland and the island, ruins of many structures can be seen sprinkled along the top and hillsides of the tiny island.  Along the anchorage side at the base of the island, are the remains of what was a busy little harbor front, with building walls dug into the rock base of the island and ruins of foundations extending into the waters today, very reminiscent of the Lycian, Greek, and Roman ruins found further along the coastline towards Kekova.  Snorkeling over these ruins is a treat, as the water is shallow, very clear and warm, and when swimming over the area along the shore, foundations of small rectangular rooms in interconnected buildings that were jumbled along the harbor front can clearly be seen.  Here and there when snorkeling in this area, one can see old terracotta tile shards, maybe from old jugs, or maybe from roofing tiles, however, as always, best left in situ in the water as telling remains of civilizations long gone. 

Kayakoy, abandoned Greek village of Levassi

Gemiler Island was a very important Christian Island, and contained, at one time, 4 Byzantine churches bunched together in this small space.  It is said that St. Nicholas lived and preached on this island in his lifetime, and that this island was an important stopping point for religious crusaders heading east towards Jerusalem.  Around the 8^th century AD, the villagers on Gemiler Island living in the town of Levissi, after repeated pirate attacks, started moving to the mainland and established the new town of Levissi.  Levissi, now called Kayakoy was a prosperous Greek town with approximately 2000 inhabitants when in 1923, at the end of the Greco-Turkish War, all Greeks were required to leave Turkish land and swap living locations with Turkish people required to leave Greek land, no matter how many centuries the families had been living on that particular land.  Initially, disposed Turkish families that moved from Greece inhabited Kayakoy, however none stayed and eventually Kayakoy became the ghost town that it is today, totally abandoned, except for a few goats.  If wanted, when anchored off of Gemiler Island, you can visit the ghost town of Kayakoy, as long as you are prepared for a good uphill hike along the mainland from the anchorage area between Gemiler Island and the mainland, in order to see the remains of the town where the inhabitants of the ruins of Gemiler Island relocated for a number of centuries before being required in the 20^th century to relocate again.

Anchor at Gemiler Island while on a crewed yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey, and snorkel over ancient ruins, explore ruins, including that of four churches and a tunnel still standing across the island and hike to the ghost town of Kayakoy to trace the movements of the people of the ancient island town of Levissi from the 4^th century AD to 1923 to enjoy a great bit of history and cool refreshing waters, along the southern coast of Turkey    

Visit Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters For More Information

]]> http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2011/10/3021.html/feed 0 http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2011/10/2910.html http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2011/10/2910.html#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:07:26 +0000 admin http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/?p=2910  

The launching of 184’ charter sailing yacht Regina in Bodrum, Turkey, video credit Contact Turkey

At 184’, the crewed charter yacht Regina was just launched in February of this year, 2011 in Bodrum, Turkey in time for the summer charter season along the southern coast of Turkey. Built by Pruva in Bodrum, as of this fall, Regina has already completed over ten weeks of crewed yacht charter, sailing along the ancient trading routes of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The crewed sailing charter yacht Regina is now available for charter out of Bodrum and Marmaris for up to 12 guests in 6 guest staterooms, for true performance sailing through the lovely crystal clear waters of southern Turkey from April through November each year.

Regina has a steel hull and cabin house giving the 184’ crewed charter sailing yacht massive strength. The cabin house is sheathed in cold molded mahogany with the beauty of a varnished mahogany wood deck house and teak deck providing a classic yachting feel. However Regina is a strong ocean going sailing yacht, schooner rigged with two aluminum alloy masts and a standing rigging created by Christopher John Mitchell.

Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters was recently on board Regina sailing along the southern coast of Turkey. We were very pleased with the nicely balanced comfortable sailing experience offered and we were happy to see that Regina sails along at 6 or 7 knots in just a few knots of wind. The southern coast of Turkey offers excellent thermal sailing winds, and according to the Captain, in good winds, the crew have had Regina sailing up to 12 knots this summer.

While Turkey has been building yachts for thousands of years, at 184’, the crewed sailing charter yacht Regina is certainly the leader in large performance sailing yacht building for the southern coast of Turkey. Charter yacht Regina is a high technology sailing yacht launched by Pruva out of a traditional yacht building yard in Bodrum and successfully melds performance sailing with beautifully varnished mahogany woodwork and teak decks to offer crewed yacht charter on a large sailing yacht in southern Turkey with a traditional classic look and feel.

]]> http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2011/10/2910.html/feed 0 http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2010/06/gulet-yacht-charter-queen-of-datca-northrop-and-johnson-yacht-charters-review.html http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/2010/06/gulet-yacht-charter-queen-of-datca-northrop-and-johnson-yacht-charters-review.html#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:27:12 +0000 admin http://www.njcharters.com/nj_charters_blog/?p=1730

Queen of Datca

Just launched, Queen of Datca, a luxury Gulet available for crewed yacht charter, was premiered at the Marmaris Yacht Charter Festival in May 2010, and Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters was on board and thrilled with both the Gulet for luxury crewed yacht charter, and of course, the crew. Queen of Datca a 115’ charter Gulet, has 5 very comfortable guest staterooms for a total of 10 guests, all with ensuite bath. Queen of Datca, is one of the latest launches of the new luxury level Gulets available for crewed yacht charter, now being built along the Turkish coast. Built out of mahogany, the interior gleams with beautiful varnished woodwork throughout and is extremely spacious inside. The exterior living area correspondingly is extremely spacious as well, with outdoor dining and the lovely large sun pad area on the stern for relaxing that is part of every crewed charter Gulet experience. Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we highly recommend this luxury crewed Gulet available for charter with the crew ably lead by Captain Hakan, for your next crewed yacht charter along the Turkish coast.

Saloon

On board there are two master staterooms, each with a king size bed, one double bed stateroom with a queen size bed and two staterooms with two twin beds each. All staterooms have a full luxury bathroom with electric flush toilets and large showers finished in tile and stone. Quality sheets, towels and bath products round out this luxury Gulet with interior nautical style décor in navy blue and white ala Ralph Lauren. The main salon is very comfortable with two white duck slip covered club chairs along with an interior dining area. And as always on a Gulet, there is a large exterior on deck dining table for on deck dining either under the sun protection or under the stars at night. Across the stern covered in inviting terry cloth are the large sun pads for relaxing for an afternoon nap after a lovely lunch and sun pads are again available on the cabin housing forward for ample sunning area.

Master Cabin

While on board, we were served the famous Turkish dish of fresh fish baked encrusted in a layer of sea salt by the very able young chef on board, which was presented with the normal flourish of the full salt encrusted baked fish brought to the table and “cracked” out of the salt casing to reveal a lovely moist and delicate fresh baked fish.

Aft Deck

Guest Cabin

There are a total of 6 crew including Captain Hakan, a private Chef, engineer, and 3 stewardesses/mates on board to provide full service during your luxury charter. Please inquire with us, Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charter for more information and pricing on this lovely crewed charter Gulet. And be sure to include Datca on your charter itinerary to cruise into this little village along the southern coast of Turkey on the “the Queen”.

Queen of Datca

Queen of Datca Specifications:

Yacht Name: QUEEN OF DATCA
Total Number of Cabins 5
Type Motor Sailor
Total Guests (Sleeping) 10
LOA 36 mt
Number of Master Cabins 2
Beam 8 mt
Number of Double Cabins 1
Draft 4,5 mt
Number of Twin Cabins 2
Year Build 2009
Number of Triple Cabins 0
Number of King Beds (180+) 2
Builder Yener
Number of Queen Beds (160-180) 1
Hull Construction Wood
Number of Single Beds 4
Number of Convertible Beds 0
Rig Schooner Number of Pullman Beds 0

Accommodation Description
2 Master Cabins
2 Twin Cabins
1 Double cabin
Flag Malta AC Run All Night Select
Port of Registry Valetta
Wi-Fi Connection on Board Yes
Engines & Generators
MAN 2 times 400 HP and Kophler 35 KVA

Tender & Toys
joker boat with 100 HP Yamaha
Water ski
Sea Kayaks
Snorkeling gear
Fuel consumption 50 litres/hr

On board Entertainment
Sonos system
Databank of 1000 CD en 800 DVD
Each cabin and salon has own remote control.

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