The Mediterranean Traveller

50 Shades of Turquoise – Boutique Sailing on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is made for exploring by boat with its raggedy limestone coast that plunges into the sea, scalloped with small bays, many of which are inaccessible by road. My first experience on board a traditional wooden Turkish sailing boat known as a gulet – backpacker-style, aged 19 – had marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with sailing (one that has since seen me sail around the Med on various vessels including tall ship and ancient ships ).

But the memories of gulet sailing in Turkey stayed with me for their incomparable combination of turquoise seas, incredible food, and sense and being close to nature. I think this is because gulet trips tend to be slow and leisurely coastal cruises with plenty of swimming, and nights that are warm enough to sleep on deck and watch the stars.

Somehow, 15 years have passed since that first gulet trip. With many more sea miles under my belt, would I still love it (and Turkey) as much on my long-overdue return?

Let’s face it, revisiting beloved destinations is always a risk. But the Turquoise Coast was calling my name.

Gulet cruises in Turkey are ridiculously good value. That was true in 2004 and is still true today. The trips aimed at backpackers are the cheapest way to experience life at sea in the Mediterranean – if you want more information on these then check out my previous post ‘ Gulet Sailing for Backpackers ‘.

This time around though, I wanted to treat myself to something a little bit more luxurious.

SAILING WITH SCIC

Turkish evil eye charm

I tend to go on sailing trips where you get stuck in crewing, but last year I had various aches and pains at the time (getting old!) and fancied a proper vacation rather than a hands-on sail. I’d come across SCIC Sailing – a Dutch/English company with a small fleet of boats – on the travel blog Hey! Dip Your Toes In and was instantly smitten by the words ‘champagne and goat’s cheese’ in their brochure. SCIC is by no means the only company in this region of Turkey offering this type of gulet trip, but the little touches in their brochure stood out.

And their price was very competitive. Because the other big draw for me was the lack of single supplement – catnip to a solo traveller. As with hotels, cabin charters are often priced on the assumption they will be filled by a couple. This makes SCIC’s prices very appealing for a solo sailor – particularly when you factor in the inclusive food and drink. Unsurprisingly up to 50% of their passengers are solo travellers which ensures a sociable vibe.

(note: this was not a sponsored trip, I paid my own way)

SCIC calls itself a boutique sailing company. It’s not ultra-luxury, for that look at superyachts, but if you’re used to backpacking then it certainly feels luxurious. You could describe their aim as ‘ultra-relaxation’.

So what does paying extra for a nearly-luxury sailing trip get you, compared to the budget version?

  • A certain level of comfort and service. The boat was roomy with lots of padded seats and spaces suitable for ultra-relaxation. The sails are not just for decoration, they are put to use – whenever the wind is actually blowing. And there is AC, although you can only use it when the generator is on (not unusual for boats) and don’t expect it to be refrigerator-cold.
  • Food. It gets you a lot of food. Life on board feels like a continual banquet of delicious Turkish mezze. The food is insanely good, better than anything I had ashore, and mealtimes are a highlight. See also: cold beers/chilled rosé wine to hand at any time.
  • A different clientele. Whilst the backpacker cruises are teeming with tanned Aussies in their early 20s, on this boat I was the youngest by a few decades. There were only 7 of us, including one couple and several returnees. I’m sure there was just as much alcohol consumed on board as on the backpacker cruises – though maybe we were in bed a little earlier.

WHAT’S THE BOAT LIKE?

Wheel and aft seating area on the gulet

I sailed on Notus, a 24m long 6m wide traditional wooden Turkish boat. Cabins are ensuite with a double bed and a flushing toilet (I tell you, this is a true luxury after you’ve sailed on a replica ancient Phoenician ship with no toilet…). It even has a window that looked straight out onto the sea, which always seems to be a startling shade of turquoise. There was a crew of 3 including the cook, who somehow churns out endless meals from his galley. The anchor is dropped for mealtimes which are taken at the back (aft) of the boat. Comfy padded seating areas are found at both the front and back of the boat, as well as mattresses for sunbathing.

A note about air-conditioning: there is AC on the boat but it only runs when the generator is on. You can’t have it on all night. This is typical on sailboats.

DAILY ROUTINE

Sunrise near Oludeniz

At the start of the voyage, a rough itinerary is decided by the passengers and skipper. Our group was all in favour of sailing and swimming rather than seeing the sights ashore. I’ve been to this part of Turkey (I sailed on the Göcek-Göcek route) a few times so that was fine by me. 

Our daily routine looked a bit like this: wake up and jump into the sea. Breakfast. Refreshing post-breakfast swim. Sail to another bay. Sunbathe. Jump in the water to cool off. Eat lunch. Swimming. Try not to sink from the volume of food you’ve just consumed. More sailing. Afternoon tea (yes). Swim. Take the paddleboard or kayak out if you’re feeling energetic, or swim to a cave. Drinks and nibbles. Maybe another swim before dinner. Try to find some room for dinner. Food coma. Perhaps a skinny dip once it’s dark if you’re feeling perky. Roll down to bed.

My highlight was the sunset stop one evening at Gemiler Island near Ölüdeniz, a tiny uninhabited island with impressive ruins, where we raced up to the top to watch the sun go down (with some cold beers of course).

Turquoise bay and ruins on Gemiler Island

And the time I saw a shoal of seven squid, ethereal and purple, whilst snorkelling.

And swimming each morning in a different bay of endless emeralds and teal.

I have to say that this ultra-relaxing style of trip was maybe a little too relaxing for me, and I didn’t think such a thing was even possible. By the end of the week, I was longing to stretch my legs and do some exploring (how did I even manage a year at sea? it’s a mystery to me now). However, if you are stressed and in need of hardcore relaxation then I can imagine this is just the ticket. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

gulet sail hoisted

So what do I think of gulet sailing, 15 years on?

It’s still exceptional value, particularly since the Turkish Lira hit a rocky patch in 2018. It’s significantly cheaper than what you would pay for a similar trip over the water in Greece, and you get much more space (and food) to boot.

There’s a lot to recommend about exploring the Turkish coast by gulet sailing. One thing that I wasn’t so keen on was the amount of waste generated by the very generous – but bordering on slightly ridiculous – amount of food. It struck a strange note in these waste-conscious times.

It was also a little on the formal side for me. I’m used to crewing on boats so it felt a bit odd to be waited on and to dine separately from the crew. But this might not be a problem for your travel style.

The coastline is still just as spectacular, although it certainly feels busier – with lots of swanky Russian megayachts prowling the coast, as well as hundreds of other gulets. Don’t expect to have many bays completely to yourself, at least around Fethiye. If this is important to you then route options should be discussed before booking. Same goes if you’d rather focus on actual sailing.

But I reckon the best way to do this is to bring enough friends or family to fill the boat and charter the whole thing privately. That way you can tailor the activity levels, food, and formality to your liking – and it makes it easier to adapt to changing needs (and whims!).

What an excellent way to spend a week though.

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast – 10 Local Secrets

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Turkey

10 Best Places in Turkey for Solo Travel

A Backpacker’s Guide to Gulet Sailing in Turkey

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50 Shades of Turquoise – Boutique Sailing on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

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All-inclusive sailing in Turkey with SCIC Sailing

Sailing in Turkey with SCIC Sailing

A week sailing in Turkey around its Aegean coastline with SCIC Sailing is possibly one of most relaxing holidays you can go on. While some holidays can be so hectic you feel like you need another holiday immediately afterwards, the only risk you run from a week with SCIC Sailing – which aptly stands for Sailing Holidays in Comfort and is pronounced ‘chic’ – is that you will come to expect to live like this back in the real world.

traditional Turkish gulet wooden sailing boat

Our traditional Turkish gulet wooden sailing boat or ketch, Nemesis, our home for the next seven days sailing around Turkey with SCIC Sailing

As a break from a hectic work schedule, it is ideal – it feels far longer than a week – but the mix of cultural activities, relaxing, swimming and just spending time getting to know your fellow voyagers means the memories will stay with you for a long time afterwards.

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crew putting up the sails on a traditional sailing ship in Turkey

The crew preparing to put up the sails

I was lucky to have been on a SCIC Sailing holiday before  and had a good idea of what to expect, but this time I was bringing my boyfriend Stephen on our first overseas holiday together – no pressure then! Thankfully within about two minutes of arriving onboard Nemesis, our traditional Turkish gulet wooden sailing boat home for the next seven nights, he was declaring it the ‘ideal holiday’ and things only got better from there. Within a couple of days he’d become more relaxed, more cheerful and more content than I’d ever seen him, and back in the real world it is the highest praise to say that something makes us feel as if we were back in Turkey.

Sailing in luxury in Turkey

The beauty of sailing with SCIC Sailing is that you can choose to do as much or as little as you like, so if historical sites and cultural tours are your thing, then your ship’s captain will take you to any number of the ancient spots which are scattered around the coastline. If you’d like to stay all week in one place, doing nothing more than soaking up the sun, then this can be arranged too. The boats can be hired exclusively for one party or you can book a berth on a group trip, meaning the chance to make new friends and share the experience with people from different parts of the world.

The ship Nemesis in the Aegean which belongs to SCIC Sailing

Our ship sailed all around Turkey’s Datca peninsula and had amazing views throughout our trip

Who travels on a Turkish sailing holiday?

There were 12 other people on our boat, varying in ages and nationalities. We were the only Brits onboard, which was a lovely change, and the other guests hailed from France, Denmark, the Netherlands, USA, Portugal and Sweden which made for fascinating conversations throughout the trip as we got to know all about life around the world. Age-wise it ranged from around 30 to 60, and while most people were in couples, there were a few travelling with friends (there are twin cabins as well as doubles, and you can travel alone as well, as I did on my previous trip – SCIC Sailing says around 50 per cent of guests are solo travellers). After a week swimming, snorkelling, eating and sailing together, many lifelong friendships were made, and I feel sure that if we were ever near any of our fellow guests’ countries, we would be welcome visitors (and likewise).

our ship moored in a harbour in Turkey

A typical day would include some swimming, snorkelling or kayaking around our yacht

Sailing in style

For people whose memories of sailing are of a fairly hectic and rough-and-ready experience, this is rather different. From the moment your bags are unloaded for you from your taxi and taken on board, you will be looked after in style. While being transported around the sparkling Aegean Sea from one beautiful bay to another, you will be provided with – if you desire – endless G&Ts and cooling beers which suddenly arrive the moment you feel like a refreshing drink.

All food is provided too, and the only decision you will have to make each day is whether to join in the various activities and excursions planned for the day, or whether to sunbathe on the front of the boat or curl up with a book at the back. Maybe you fancy a spot of swimming or snorkelling before an afternoon snooze? What about a game of backgammon before dinner on a deserted beach? It’s a tough choice.

 typical afternoon with SCIC Sailing beer and backgammon

A typical afternoon with SCIC Sailing – stunning views, sunshine, and a social game of backgammon or a good read (with a cold beer)

On board the yacht Nemesis

Nemesis was a beautiful yacht, all polished wood and gleaming brass, and she was extremely well kitted out for a relaxing week on the week. At the rear (or aft), there’s a huge comfy sunbed running across the width of the ship which was perfect for lounging on with a cooling drink or a book while you watched the ship skim across the waves.

Dining on fresh food onboard Nemesis yacht

Dining on fresh food – lots of fish, vegetables and salad – in the open air on board our yacht was a highlight of the holiday

Also at the back is a huge dining table for where we had all our meals, which was also used by the captain every morning to unroll the maps and show the plan for travel each day, and made a great spot for al fresco games of cards and backgammon.

sailing holiday turkey view from the back of the ship

We spent our days sailing around the Aegean in the sunshine

Walkways either side of the central cabin area led to ten or so sunbeds which were popular with the sun worshippers (there was enough for everyone), and there were shades overhead if the sun was particularly scorching, while at the front of the boat were more chairs and sun beds and a walkway for recreating that ‘King of the World’ scene in Titanic.

lots of comfy sunbeds on Nemesis yacht

There were lots of comfy sunbeds which could be shaded or not, depending on people’s preferences

Inside the ship was a large lounge area with a table – used on our trip for late night poker sessions and cookery demonstrations – and the ship was equipped with board games, cards, snorkels, flippers and kayaks to cover all holiday activity levels.

Cabins at SCIC Sailing

The cabins onboard Nemesis with SCIC Sailing

The cabins onboard Nemesis with SCIC Sailing were small but had lots of storage and were ideal for an afternoon siesta

Stairs leading off the lounge led to bedrooms both fore and art and are cosy but perfectly-formed for couples or friends, being either double beds or twins. The great thing about SCIC Sailing is that every cabin is en-suite, so we had our own loo, sink and shower and were perfectly self-contained. There isn’t a great deal of space but there is a lot of storage next to and underneath the bed, so it didn’t feel cramped, and the coolness of the cabin during the day made it a great spot for an afternoon nap between bouts of relaxing.

Our week with SCIC Sailing

We flew from Luton airport to Bodrum in Turkey and were met in arrivals by our taxi driver who speedily drove us the 40 minutes to Bodrum harbour where our home for the night, the 16-berth yacht Nemesis, awaited us. The moment the car pulled up we were greeted by the yacht crew who carried our bags on board and within seconds we were sipping G&Ts on deck in the sunshine.

sailing boats in Bodrum harbour

The dozens of sailing boats in Bodrum harbour made for quite a sight

As our fellow passengers – there were 12 in all, plus four crew members – were arriving at different times throughout the afternoon and evening, our ship wasn’t leaving the harbour until early the following morning, so we were free to explore Bodrum. We had a lovely walk around its shops, covered markets and historic castle before finding a restaurant overlooking the harbour and spent the afternoon tucking into plates of hummus, tzatziki and octopus in the sunshine before having drinks on the beach to the background of a live music concert across the other side of the harbour – a great start to the holiday.

The next morning the call to prayer woke us up at 6am but by then the ship’s engines were starting up making any more sleep next to impossible (I definitely advise taking earplugs and eyemasks). We were far too excited to sleep though, and were instantly up on deck to watch our captain and crew take us out of Bodrum harbour and off on our adventures.

For a week which felt so relaxing, we certainly managed to pack a lot in. Our first stop was visiting  the Ancient Greek city of Knidos , exploring its architecture and amphitheatre with a fascinating guide and his wife, who really brought the city to life and made us feel immersed in the rich past of the Datca peninsula.

Stunning views of the sky, sea and a distant church overlooking the ruins of Knidos

Stunning views of the sky, sea and a distant church overlooking the ruins of Knidos

The amphitheatre at at the Ancient Greek city of Knidos

The amphitheatre at at the Ancient Greek city of Knidos

We also explored Seder Island and the ancient city of Kedrai, also known as Cleopatra’s Island , famous for its beach made from seashells – as well as a sandy beach, said to be made from sand brought by ships from the Red Sea especially for Cleopatra.

Kedrai amphitheatre

Stephen looking contemplative at Kedrai

One memorable morning we found ourselves in open-topped jeeps which reminded us of Jurassic Park, and zoomed off across the mainland on an exhilarating drive, standing up all the way and marvelling at the stunning views from all sides.

open-topped jeep

Zooming around the peninsula in an open-topped jeep was great fun

Our jeep tour took us to a traditional Turkish farmstead; a lake teeming with baby turtles; a mosque, where we spent a fascinating half hour hearing about our guide’s view of Islam in Turkey and around the world; the Garova winery where we got to sample some delicious wine and explore the vineyard in the sunshine; finally ending up at an olive oil producers where we tasted a whole range of olive oil and had dinner in the sunshine.

Sampling wine at the Garova winery

Sampling wine at the Garova winery

olive oil tasting

There was a serious amount of olive oil tasting going on

We visited a traditional bustling market, with dozens of stalls selling clothes, olives, fresh fish, fruit, kitchenware, shoes and a whole variety besides.

scic sailing cruises

Just a tiny part of the food market

wishing tree turkey

A ‘wishing tree’ we encountered on our explorations of the mainland

In between our memorable excursions by jeep and minibus, we were exploring the coast by boat, flipper and kayak. Every day we would drop anchor in a beautiful bay for a spot of swimming and snorkelling, and there were two kayaks which were perfect for heading a little further afield.

sailing in turkey holiday kayaking

A beautiful morning’s kayaking

One night we climbed a hill to see a spectacular sunset and descended to find the crew had set up a dinner on the beach for us, another night we ventured into the village of Karacasogut near Mamaris where we drank cocktails and dined on fresh octopus, fish and courgette fritters.

It was nice to wander on and off the boat to explore a Turkish village for a change and experience the night life, but it was rather quiet and I missed the vibrancy of the Greek seaside towns we visited on my previous week with SCIC Sailing . The good thing about SCIC Sailing trips though, is that you are in charge of your own itinerary and can have as much life or quiet as you wish.

traditional Turkish breakfast at Etrim Doga restaurant

A traditional Turkish breakfast at Etrim Doga restaurant (they also have hundreds of authentic Turkish carpets for sale)

traditional Turkish breakfast at Etrim Doga restaurant

Just some of the dishes we tried in the vast Turkish breakfast

After an incredible week, we arrived back in Bodrum for one final meal in one of the harbour restaurants which was great fun, but after the peace and quiet of our week sailing around the calm Aegean waters, felt rather hectic.

four-strong crew on Nemesis

The four-strong crew on Nemesis worked super-hard to make it a memorable holiday

The following morning we all departed at various times to various airports and some were lucky enough to continue their holidays in Istanbul for a few nights before heading home. Before long, we were back in the UK with about a million pictures and videos to sort through, trying to recapture the experience.

sailing in Turkey

I could never get enough pictures of our floating home for the week

Information and book with SCIC Sailing

For more information about SCIC Sailing go to scicsailing.eu  or check out SCIC Sailing on https://www.facebook.com/ScicSailing  or https://www.instagram.com/ScicSailing/

Sailing around Turkey with SCIC Sailing pinterest pin

Sarah Bridge

Every review is personally researched and written by me, Sarah Bridge, who, when I'm not writing about leisure for a national newspaper, spends my time seeking out the best leisure experiences, from city centre boutique hotels to country house estates, Michelin-starred dining to the newest openings. Some of the links on my reviews are affiliate marketing links, which means if you click through I get a small commission if you end up buying on these sites. This in no way affects the independence of my reviews, but helps with website running costs and I just wanted to let you know so as to be fully transparent.

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Experiencing the Turkish Riviera aboard a ‘ScicSailing’ boutique cruise

scic sailing cruises

We are in a new era of travel, where the greatest luxury is not only tranquillity, privacy, and personalised attention, but also wellness. The privilege to enjoy and truly experience a destination in a healthy, safe, and nurturing way, without meeting the crowds, writes Andrew Forbes (@andrewaforbes) for The Luxury Editor.

scic sailing cruises

ScicSailing Yachting & Cruising

To capture the real essence of the Aegean and the glorious unspoilt Eastern Mediterranean, then few ways of travel can compare with being on the water. Over the past 5 years I become a convert to boutique sailing cruises offered by ScicSailing , a travel business that has for decades, fine-tuned the art of experiential travel on this spectacular part of the Mediterranean coast.

A sailing cruise aboard one of their traditional ‘gulet’ yachts (fully crewed, so you can just lie back and relax) offers the freedom to discover the delights of the Turkish coast without meeting the crowds. Instead it’s a discreet, intimate way to travel, perfect with a group of friends or for a multi-generational family holiday.

With ScicSailing , expect to have your senses intoxicated by the beauty of the Turquoise Coast; the flavours and aromas of the superb regional cuisine; and the charisma of the local people.

scic sailing cruises

Yet I warn you; a week doesn’t feel nearly long enough! It’s a seductive holiday where you are lulled by the warm breeze and the inky blue waters of the Aegean. Relaxation embraces every cell of your body. You instinctively unwind, and enjoy the moment, leaving your mundane worries onshore.

Land & Sea

Although it’s a yacht holiday, there are plenty of opportunities to leave the deck sun beds and head out on hikes, picnics, outdoor adventures and even for some chic retail therapy or lively night out at the sophisticated ports along the Turkish Riviera.

From my different trips over the past few years, I have so many recollections. Unforgettable excursions to destinations like Ephesus; sailing by an ancient underwater city, it’s foundations and ruins visible through the translucent water; pulsating party nights in sparkling ports; and gourmet dining in beautiful Bodrum.

scic sailing cruises

Yet often the most lasting memories are the magical moments created or curated for us by the superb crew – and of course for me, most of these were all about foodie experiences on board or ashore!

Bohemian Breakfast

One of the finest ScicSailing experiences is to eat breakfast at a local’s home. Leave the yacht early, whilst the morning air is still cool, and be driven inland past Byzantine villages, through rural landscapes of olive, carob, and fig trees, where the air was aromatic with sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. My favourite is at the ‘Poet´s House’, a creative, bohemian home where the host welcomes you with a warm smile, and a table laden with food. Expect a generous breakfast meze: baskets of Bazlama flat bread, perfect with the Menemen, a breakfast dish of eggs, peppers, and spices. Turkish tomatoes; plates of cheeses; and scarlet roasted peppers, drenched in olive oil contrasting with freshly chopped cucumbers. Homemade relishes and rich dark local carob syrup filled saucers; sage honey dripped from its golden, waxy comb. The room was filled with the aroma of strong Turkish coffee – what a delight for the senses!

scic sailing cruises

Dreamy Mediterranean Lunch

I also recall how one day we’d gone ashore for lunch. It was the middle of the day and the bright sunlight was making the pristine water in the bay sparkle. As we walked from the timber jetty onto the shore we were greeted by the smell of wild oregano and rosemary, together with the light scent of jasmine.

In front of us, shaded by olive, pine and fig trees was a long wooden table, set for an alfresco lunch and laden with a classic Turkish mezze, served in vintage dishes. It was just so quintessentially Mediterranean! In the distance we could make out the dark blue silhouette of a small Greek island, whilst nearby, anchored only a few metres away, was our home for the week, the 28 metre, twin-masted ScicSailing yacht, called ‘Nemesis’.

Long, leisurely lunches like this at a private yacht club on a sparkling cove are what make a ScicSailing cruise so special.

Magical Evening BBQ

One evening you can also expect an elegant beach picnic under the stars, prepared for by the friendly crew. Silver hurricane lamps are hung from twisted pieces of sun bleached driftwood illuminating low tables on the beach, set with china and glassware that had been ferried to shore to create a magical supper.

scic sailing cruises

At the water’s edge the captain and his chef will barbecue meat skewers, to be accompanied by freshly prepared Mediterranean dishes of smoked aubergine, white bean humus, Turkish salads, and local cheeses.

Turkish Delights

It is fair to say that even with the stunning scenery, Mediterranean weather, rich history, and relaxing environment, food certainly is one of the highlights of the sailing cruise. Thankfully, all onboard snacks and meals, drinks and cocktails are included. Authentic Turkish dishes are freshly prepared by the chef, who before each feast explains the menu.

scic sailing cruises

Unprecedented Access

Once you take to waters of the Aegean, you have privileged access to hidden coves, secluded bays, private picnic spots and tiny yacht clubs that are almost unreachable by any other means. It’s private, personal, intimate – everything we demand in this new era of travel focuses on well-being.

With a crew of four, and up to sixteen guests (exclusive charter is ideal for friends or family, or if you’re looking to meet like-minded people then you can book on a canon charter basis).

The ambiance is friendly and relaxed aboard thanks to the professional yet highly attentive crew.

Professional Crew

In addition to the Captain, the three sailors not only crew the yacht but also look after guests. One is the chef, the other the steward, whilst the third takes care of house-keeping, maintaining everything ship-shape.

scic sailing cruises

Double or twin cabins are certainly compact, but all eight have a private ensuite bathroom with shower, washbasin and W.C., air conditioning, and small windows offering views during the day of the intensely blue sea and unspoilt coast, or star filled skies by night. There are also 6 cabin yachts in the fleet.

Flexible itinerary

The generous teak decks of these timber ‘gulet’ schooners provide enough space for each guest to find their special spot; whether it’s tanning on deck, reading a book seated close to the bow, chatting at the bar or snoozing on the sofa in the wheelhouse.

scic sailing cruises

Days are as solitary or sociable as we wished; and with multiple sun loungers and two kayaks and water skis onboard, the days are as active or lazy as one could wish.

Each morning, after an early swim in clear bay waters, and a breakfast of fresh fruit, crusty bread, Turkish cheese and freshly prepared eggs, the captain rings the bell in the wheelhouse, announcing the daily briefing. With his navigation charts unfurled and spread out across the outside dining table, this is the regular invitation for guests to help plan the day’s cruising ahead; a flexible itinerary that includes plenty of special and authentic experiences to be enjoyed onshore and at sea throughout the cruise. Activities include onboard cooking demonstrations, onshore lunches, or dinners, as well as guided tours of some of the impressive Roman and Byzantine archaeological sites that litter the dramatic coast.

scic sailing cruises

Smooth sailing

Each yacht in the SCIC Sailing fleet is an authentic Turkish ‘gulet’ sailing yacht. Each with elegant lines, immaculate decks, and impressive rigging. The focus is on ‘chic’ cruising through the wondrous blue waters, close to Turkey’s unspoilt south-western coast. ScicSailing maintains the essence of classic blue cruising since they are one of the few fleets that continue to genuinely sail, instead of continual motoring. Once experienced, it becomes clear that nothing can substitute the feeling of freedom one feels when the motor is off, and the yacht catches the warm wind.

Information

For further details, visit the ScicSailing website to download the ScicSailing Sailing Cruise Journal , full of photography and facts.

The ScicSailing sailing cruises are 1 or 2 weeks, from Saturday to Saturday .

Individual sailing cruise 1 week per person including breakfast/lunch/5 dinners/all snacks in-between and all drinks including alcohol is priced from from € 951.00 to € 1071.00 

Request a ScicSailing Holiday Brochure here.

Website: scicsailing.eu/en/ Email: [email protected]

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Andrew Forbes

Andrew is a Marketing Communications consultant, working within the wellness, travel & lifestyle sectors. His track record in PR, marketing and branding spans 30 years. He writes regularly on international wellness, travel, and lifestyle themes with a particular passion for the Mediterranean and the Americas. Originally from the UK, Andrew Forbes has lived in the US and France but now calls southern Spain his home, where he is a specialist in hospitality marketing and content, as well as a Contributing Editor for Spain’s leading English language newspaper. www.andrewforbes.com

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Aboard A ScicSailing Gulet Cruise On Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

A gulet cruise in Turkey is a signature experience for those looking for off-the-grid charms along the Turquoise Coast in 2021 and beyond. Davida gets onboard with ScicSailing…

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On a girls’ trip to Bodrum, a gulet cruise taster with ScicSailing proved to be the signature experience in discovering off-the-grid charms along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. The classic wooden yachts sail unique itineraries in the southwest coast of Turkey as well as some Greek islands, offering ample moments to swim, snorkel in crystalline waters, relax and explore Mediterranean delights. 

scic sailing cruises

Departure from Bodrum

The day began bright and early in Bodrum, sunlight already dancing on the placid blue of the Aegean sea with the promise of another memorable day in the heart of the Turkish Riviera. Time in Bodrum had so far been a mixture of pared-down sophistication and long drives taking in picturesque crescents and Greek-style whitewashed houses overlooking a glittering marina. Our excitement was palpable as we sped toward the gulet waiting near the Kumbahçe public beach.

Personalised Service

ScicSailing’s personalised service was a highlight throughout. We breezed through embarkation, stepping into the warm welcome of our host, Baris, and crew – Captain Recep, Suleyman and Rafik. The team guided us through every aspect of our day, ensuring a quality of service that imparted a wonderful sense of wellbeing. It infused the relaxation that comes with knowing that all your needs are being taken care of for you – sometimes even before you ask. 

Setting Sail

gulet-cruise-in-turkey

Captain Recep set a course for the day and sounded the horn. We were ready to sail. Edging out of port with the wind in my hair, the scene was reminicent of a travel dream come true. Behind us, the harbour faded into the distance; ahead lay the promise of bliss, beautiful bays and relaxation. The silhouette of a Dodecanese island in the horizon was a seductive call to return for the real deal with ScicSailing: one, two or three-week itineraries taking in unspoilt fishing villages, fascinating historical sites, rejuvenating walks, jeep rides through the countryside and much more. For today, it was all about the nearby delights of Aquarium Bay, Karaada Islands and Pabuç.  

gulet-cruise-in-turkey

Onboard Experience

Padding barefoot across the pristine wooden floors, I explored our home for the day. Compact yet charming, the gulet opened out to a spacious sun deck shaded by a softly billowing canvas. A delectable dilemma would soon play out – curl up with a book, let the gentle breeze lull me to sleep or gaze mesmerised at the pine-covered cliffs rising along the Aegean coast like a cinematic entrance? Oh, the sweet taste of enchanting decisions!

Dining on a Gulet

At the rear of the gulet, an alfresco bar and dining room was the spot of the day’s gastronomy. This is where chef Suleyman laid on a leisurely breakfast shortly after we boarded. Think a delectable spread of fried eggs, fresh fruits, warm bakes, tomatoes, cheeses, relishes, olives and the aroma of coffee. Lunch was a still-crackling hot grilled sea bream served with a variety of salads, potatoes and regional delicacies. Each meal was a fresh, tasty spread that ensured you walked on as a passenger without having to worry about rolling off as cargo. Check out the video below on Instagram for a look inside our wonderful day onboard!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Davida | Wonders of Wanders (@wondersowanders) on Sep 18, 2020 at 10:13am PDT

Cruising During Covid-19

After months of lockdown, travelling again came with rituals marked by the signs of the times. Anti-Covid measures included clear health and safety protocol communications, masks, no-contact temperature checks and ample hand sanitisers onboard. It was thorough without being irksome. Those concerned about being at sea need not worry. Sailing near the coast ensures that if, for any reason, further testing is required, shoreside medical treatment centres are within close proximity.

In a world navigating a pandemic, boutique cruise providers like ScicSailing have an edge on big adventures. They carry significantly fewer guests, making social distancing easier. Navigating smaller, more remote and exclusive ports, they also offer up-close-and-personal experiences of local cultures and cuisines. Then there’s the flexibility to make swift changes to itineraries or adapt to passengers’ interests with minimum fuss should the need arise. It’s a winning package for the current direction of travel in which small is the new mighty.

Future Travel Dream

The Mediterranean will seduce you every time.

gulet-cruise-in-turkey

Take a look at the holiday wish list you’ve mentally drawn up for the future and add ScicSailing. There’ll be food for the body, nourishment for the soul and plenty of awe-inspiring moments to renew your spirit of adventure. So, start dreaming; a gulet cruise in Turkey with ScicSailing is something to experience again and again.

Best time to go : The sailing season is from the end of March until early November. Each ScicSailing yacht sails its own itinerary along the south west coast of Turkey and some of the Greek islands. 

Best for solo, couples, family or group getaways : ScicSailing caters to everyone. Solo travellers will especially love that there’s no single supplement. You may also charter a whole yacht for a group of people – perfect for special occasions.

Further information : Visit the ScicSailing website at www.scicsailing.eu .

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Cruise Review: SCIC Sailing’s Nemesis in Turkey

Llm’s mark hodson enjoys a seven-day journey around the gulf of gokava on a 12-passenger gulet, exploring ancient sites, remote coves and rural villages..

SCIC Sailing’s Nemesis

Words by Mark Hodson

In the busy cosmopolitan port of Bodrum the boats jostling around the harbour are packed in as tight as sardines in a can. There are rusted ferries bound for the Greek islands, grizzled old fishing boats, gleaming white super yachts with blackened windows, and traditional wood-built gulets. Turkey in a nutshell: a mix of ancient and modern, modest and opulent.

Over the past few decades Bodrum has emerged as one of the hot spots of the Eastern Mediterranean, attracting well-heeled visitors from Russia, Brazil and the Arabian Gulf. There’s a Mandarin Oriental resort nearby and on my visit in early May 2023, Roman Abramovich’s mega yacht was in town. Along the palm-lined marina, bars with suited bouncers boomed out dance music, while the faithful were hailed by the cry of the muezzin.

Bodrum is fun for a day, but the real appeal lies beyond, along the beautiful unspoiled coastlines of the Datça and Bozborun peninsulas, which poke into the turquoise waters of the Aegean like long knobbly fingers. 

Nemesis in water

I was joining a week-long cruise to explore the Gulf of Gokova, not on an oligarch’s floating palace, but aboard the Nemesis, a beautiful 25 meter-long wooden sailing yacht with a four-strong crew and space to comfortably accommodate 12 passengers. 

The boat is owned and operated by SCIC (pronounced “chic”) Sailing, a small Dutch-Turkish company with an international clientele and a unique policy that promotes the experience of sailing over the certainty of a fixed itinerary. 

Its founder Loes Douze explained: “Most cruise companies have set itineraries, so they don’t actually sail any more. They need to turn on the motor to get to the next harbour. Some crews don’t even know how to sail.

“We think it’s more important to open the sails and enjoy the elements, rather than stick to a prescribed route. We have a plan of where we want to go, but we can’t guarantee it.”

Nemesis at dawn

In practice, that does not mean the boat drifts aimlessly. Rather, each morning after breakfast, Captain Recep would unfurl a map and suggest a proposed route to the passengers. If conditions were right, the smartly-uniformed crew would unfurl the sails and we’d lie back in the sun listening to the flap of the canvas and the creaking of the timbers. If there was no wind, he’d resort to the motor.

With a diverse group of passengers from the UK, Denmark, South Africa and Austria, all dining al fresco around the same table, there was a lively house-party atmosphere. Douze is careful to match groups of passengers, putting together well-suited groups. Families with young children are not matched with adult groups, for example.

The Nemesis is pure elegance, all polished wood, coiled ropes and plump cushions. Below deck, the cabins are modest and small, but we were after a different type of luxury – not helipads and caviar, but the luxury of privacy, a pristine natural environment and splendid isolation.

Early on the first morning we left the bustle of Bodrum for the ancient site of Cnidos, an abandoned city that dates back to the 4th Century BC with a well-preserved 5,000-seat amphitheatre set in a steep hillside overlooking a natural harbour. Getting to Cnidos by road involves a long journey from Marmaris. As a result, it only sees 15,000 visitors a year. By contrast, Turkey’s most famous ancient site, Ephesus, gets 3 million.

dinner/lunch on Nemesis

After a private tour of Cnidos, we returned to the boat for a quick swim in the cool crystalline water, then lunch. I have to say here the simple word “lunch” can barely do justice to the ever-changing menu of delicious healthy homemade dishes laid out before us.

At breakfast there would be eggs, warm bread, creamy yoghurt, local honey, plump green olives, sweet tomatoes and three types of cheese. Lunch might be beetroot, pomegranate and yogurt salad, samphire, shepherds salad and roast aubergine with yogurt. All drinks – including wine and spirits – are included.

Each dinner would be prefaced by an array of colourful mezes, followed by a different main course. One evening we had prawns sautéed with mushrooms and peppers, then a whole fried mullet served simply with lemon, rocket and onion. We invited the chef, Sezer (pronounced “Caesar”), to take a bow but he just raised an eyebrow and smiled modestly as if to say: “What’s the big deal? We’ve been cooking like this for hundreds of years.”

Each day we would set sail towards a small port or a deserted cove where we would drop anchor, often the only boat in sight. Sometimes we saw dolphins. As the pink light of dusk fell on the verdant hills, the silence would be broken only by the slap of waves on the hull and the chime of distant goat bells. 

sunbathing on board Nemesis

At one spot, Seven Islands Bay, we hiked along the shore and watched a Turneresque sunset, then the crew set up a table on the beach and served us cocktails and snacks. No aircraft flew overhead. Looking around, we could not see evidence of the 20th century, let alone the 21st. Stars glittered in a velvety black sky.

A lot of time on the boat was spent eating, drinking, napping, and chatting with new friends. I was pleased to find that the wifi was intermittent and the 4G signal was patchy. Just enough to exchange messages with loved ones at home, but not enough to waste pointless hours scrolling phones.

There were excursions too. One day we stopped for lunch at Sedir Island, a national park set amidst turquoise and cobalt seas, which is home to the white-sanded Cleopatra Beach (it is claimed the Egyptian queen bathed there). The beach is worth a visit, but the whole island is beautiful with boardwalks winding amidst fields of wild flowers, bees and butterflies, an amphitheatre and a Sanctuary of Apollo that dates back 2,400 years.

Another morning we strolled around the morning market at Oren where village women in head scarves and long skirts sold fresh fruit and vegetables from makeshift stalls – fat strawberries, shiny aubergines and farm-fresh cherries. We drank Turkish coffee and cherry juice on low chairs beneath ancient olive trees. It was a slice of old Turkey, unchanged for centuries. 

The Gulf of Gokova

The week went all too quickly. On the last day I got up early to watch the sun rise over another deserted bay. One of the crew appeared with a cup of coffee as the sunlight sparkled off the mirrored surface of the water. My reverie was broken by the ringing of the bell that signalled breakfast. 

I’ll admit I’m a sucker for all the opulence and pampering that we so typically associate with luxury, but for me this experience of nature undisturbed, the elegance of a sailing boat, simple delicious food, the company of good people, no tasks on my to-do list, that’s real luxury. 

What it costs

A week’s charter of the Nemesis for up to 14 passengers costs between €6,110 and €9,834, depending on the season, excluding meals and drinks. For individual bookings, a week’s cruise costs between €1,107 and €1,390 per person, including meals and drinks and based on two sharing a cabin. For solo travellers, there’s a single supplement of €250.

Contact:   SCIC Sailing

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Forbes Travel Notes – Reviews, features & travel notes

Chic mediterranean sailing with scicsailing.

Aug 29, 2014 | Andrew Forbes | Greece , Turkey 0

The elegant way to island-hop, and discover the Greek Dodecanese archipelago

Entering the sheltered island harbour of Symi is a memorable experience. The historic Venetian-style architecture of pastel coloured houses that surround the bay are a romantic snapshot of an era long gone in most of the Mediterranean.

Part of the Dodecanese archipelago, the Greek island of Symi is close to the Turkish coast and is one of the hundreds of islands found in the legendary Aegean Sea. Its cultural and political history, embracing the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and more recently the Italians, is as colourful as the sight of the neoclassical houses that greet visiting yachts.

…this is sailing for those that prefer cocktails on deck rather than ‘all-hands-on-deck’…

It was the end of our fifth day exploring the islands on an elegant private cruise aboard Naviga 1, a classic gulet yacht. Sailing the Greek islands is nothing new; yet i f your idea of enjoying sailing is more cocktails on deck rather than ‘all-hands-on-deck’, then a larger, fully-crewed private yacht like this one might just be the thing.

Our vessel, ‘Naviga 1’ is part of the SCIC sailing fleet of authentic Bodrum gulets. She has a combination of seven double or twin, air-conditioned cabins, each with a private, ensuite shower. She was certainly a comfortable and relaxing home for a week exploring the less visited of the Greek islands.

Remarkably a crew of just four keep things shipshape. In addition to the friendly and humorous Captain, the three additional sailors not only crew the yacht but also look after the pampered guests. One is the chef who prepared fresh, healthy and creative Mediterranean dishes for each meal; the other the steward, always on hard to serve a chilled glass of wine or prepare a gin & tonic with a fresh twist of lemon; whilst the third sailor took care of house-keeping.

Acrobatic dolphins

As we arrived in Symi, lounging on the aft deck following an afternoon swimming in the crystalline waters of a nearby cove, the crew energetically worked together to lower anchor, and secure our mooring.

Then the table was set for cocktails, a daily pre-dinner ritual. It’s an intimate atmosphere that is not only ideal for private family holidays, and get-aways with friends but also for solo travellers that might want to join a group for a relaxed and fun escape.

The itinerary combined island hopping with time to relax on-board.  Each day the crew sailed for a portion of the cruise. So when the warm wind obliged, the motor was cut and the white sails hoisted, pulling our elegant schooner gracefully through the water. On the way to the island of Kos, a pod of Risso’s dolphins suddenly appeared in the yacht’s wake acrobatically darting and diving amongst the surf, becoming ever more exuberant as we laughed, shouted, and reached for our cameras. That’s the beauty of taking to the waters in a privately crewed yacht – one has magical experiences that are out of reach of the over-sized, fixed-itinerary cruise liners.

…a pod of Risso’s dolphins suddenly appeared in the yacht’s wake, acrobatically darting and diving amongst the surf …

Being aboard a 24 metre boat also allows you exceptional access to islands and bays well off the tourist trail, and as a small group the itinerary can be refined or tweaked to suit the weather, or your whims. Each morning, after a breakfast of fruit, crusty bread, and freshly prepared eggs, the captain would ring the bell in the wheelhouse, announcing the daily briefing. With his navigation charts laid out across the outside dining table, this was the regular invitation for guests to help plan the day’s cruising ahead.

Hidden Anchorages

Using his expert knowledge of the Greek islands and the Turkish Datça Peninsula, the captain was able to suggest hidden anchorages and peaceful bays, often only accessible by yacht; perfect for alfresco lunches, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking.

One evening the crew prepared an enchanting beach picnic, on a protected beach. A Greek-style meze was careful laid out on small tables surrounded by cushions and rugs, whilst aboard the captain barbequed chicken skewers and steaks which were swiftly ferried to us on the yacht’s tender. The subtle glow of the hurricane lanterns and tea lights allowed the full moon and stars to bathe the small cove in light, our view from the pebbly beach back out across to the yacht was perfectly framed by the bay’s steep, craggy edges and scented pine trees.

…discover hidden anchorages and peaceful bays…

On the island excursions one discovers equally unspoilt scenery. As we tucked into breakfast on day three, accompanied by either rich, eastern Mediterranean coffee or amber tea, served in iconic Turkish tulip glasses, we approached the verdant, volcanic island of Nisyros. Favoured for its healing sulphurous waters, the island still has an active caldera, venting steam and gas.

Tilos is similarly unspoilt and peaceful, and a notable bird sanctuary for rare and migratory species. At one of the island’s highest points, hanging to the edge of a precipitous mountain is an ancient monastery. A Greek Orthodox monk, dressed in black, with a full, white beard, greeted us with a broad smile, whilst a few cats rolled over in the sun and then rubbed themselves against our ankles. The small chapel was breath-taking in its detail; historic frescos decorated the walls, and the floor was an intricate combination of river pebbles, stone and terracotta. The artisan design spilled out into the tiny, yet elaborate courtyard of black and white river stones, typical of the Dodecanese art of ‘Hokhláki’ pebble mosaics.

By week’s end, the list of memorable, magical experiences is a long one, but for me watching the visual delight of Symi harbour unfold before us, from the teak deck of our schooner, as the warm Mediterranean sun began to slip down below the horizon, was truly unforgettable.

 —————

For more information about themed sailings for 2015, take a look atthe SCIC Sailing Calendar here .

TRAVEL FACTS Yacht Charters SCICSailing offers weekly and fortnightly sailing cruises: Greek Dodecanese islands, and the Turkish Riviera. Prices from €926.00 to €1043.00 per person, inclusive of meals, refreshments and alcoholic drinks, for a week (no single supplement). Exclusive yacht charter also available, including meals and drinks. www.scicsailing.eu Flights Turkish Airlines operates flights from Malaga to Bodrum, via Istanbul.

www.turkishairlines.com/

Disclaimer:

I was hosted by SCIC Sailing  but this has not influenced by piece. I had an excpetionally good experience and would really recommend the company.

Please bear in mind though that this site and my articles are intended as entertainment only and not a definitive resource for purchasing decisions. Before making any travel or purchasing decision I recommend that you seek as much information as possible from various sources including review sites, guide books and other blogs. If you act based on my writing you do so at your own risk. If you wish to add anything to this piece, simply comment using the WordPress or Facebook plug-in.

Tags:   Greece , island-hopping , sailing , SCICSailing , Turkey , yachting

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About the Author

Andrew Forbes Travel and Lifestyle Marketing Communications Consultant | Travel Editor and Content Writer Web: www.AndrewForbes.com Twitter: @andrewaforbes Instagram: @andrewaforbes and @luxurynavigator View all posts by Andrew Forbes »

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' class=

Thanks in advance

' class=

We have booked with SCIC Sailing and leave in 3 days. They have been a delight to deal with very efficient, friendly and quick responses to any queries. We are really looking forward to our holiday with them and will report back on our return.

Thanks for that- I’d love to hear how it goes

' class=

We have just returned from a week Scicsailing on Naviga I with 8 girlfriends and in one word its was:

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!

A very professional crew, excellent sailors and more than excellent cook. The ship was very well maintained.

Thanks for the responses- we have gone ahead & booked the Notus for September next year & cannot wait

' class=

Hi Everyone,

We are booked to travel with SCIC in May 2019.

Dreadful. Boat dirty and very smelly toilets. Captain was drunk and aggressive and really not interested in sailing at all. Could not even be bothered to get out of bed on the Saturday to see us off the boat. We had to organise transfers and our luggage, crew nowhere to be seen! Captain shouted at his crew and the food as not very nice. This was on board the smaller boat Nemisis, it as very hot and there was no air conditioning. I complained when I got back to SCIC and was fobbed off with contacting the people who own the boats and employed the captain. No apology, no follow up, nothing. Sorry to say that SCIC brochure sounds very nice but the reality is very different. I will never use them again and I do like to sail and dive a lot.

Sorry not to be more positive but there are many more companies that sail. I hope you find something really good.

Can you remember the name of the Captain. We are due to sail on the Nemesis mid May

My daughter and I just finished a week long sail with SCIC, and the crew, boat, food were outstanding. We have begun making plans for our next trip.

scic sailing cruises

Good day , we are looking at booking SCIC sailings boat Notus for next year, I would love some feedback on Notus please.

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Island Windjammer Cruises

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Island Windjammer Cruises

If you’re looking for a sailing vacation ruled by the sun, moon, and tides, you’ve found it!

Island Windjammers offers six, ten, and twelve-night sailings aboard our classic clipper ship Vela, schooner Diamant, and sailing yacht Lyra! Vela hosts twenty-six guests, Diamant accommodates ten guests, while our new addition Lyra has room for eight. This is small ship cruising at its finest.

Our Island Girls are fully-crewed and feature air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, portholes, and all modern comforts.

Your Captain sets the course. Each day is a new adventure. Free your mind from schedules, and savor each moment as the crew hoists the sails, the trade winds fill the canvas, and you set off to your next secret island destination.

There’s no rush. You’ll have plenty of time ashore to explore vibrant villages, sip rum at quirky beach bars, or laze the days away on pristine beaches.

Even the nights are magical. Shipmates gather on deck to dance, share a joke or tell tales of the day’s adventures. Lean on the rail, and steal a kiss under a canopy of stars.

Live in the now, and breathe it all in. This is island life--and you’re living it!

scic sailing cruises

ALWAYS ON ISLAND TIME

These 3 lesser-known cruise lines offer amazing voyages on sail-powered ships

Gene Sloan

There is nothing quite as magical — or romantic — as a cruise on a sailing ship.

To stand on the deck of a vessel topped with dozens of billowing sails, propelled through the waves by the power of the wind alone, is to go back in time to an earlier age of travel, when crossing the world's oceans was as adventurous as it was challenging.

It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves (which is actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship).

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

In contrast to what you'll find on so many motor-powered ships, cruising on a masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about all the many attractions you'll find on board.

Only a handful of small cruise brands — so small that you might never have heard of them — offer trips on sailing ships. Here, we look at the three biggest players in this niche subset of the cruise industry.

Sea Cloud Cruises

scic sailing cruises

If it's an authentic, old-style sailing experience you want, then Sea Cloud Cruises is the line for you. The Germany-based company operates three large sailing ships where the sails are unfurled by hand, just as they were on sailing ships centuries ago.

On the biggest of these three vessels, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , 18 deckhands scurry high into the rigging on sea days to manually untie and prepare the sails, an amazing sight. Unveiled in 2021 , it's a full-rigged, three-masted sailing ship of the sort that hasn't been common on the world's oceans for more than a century.

Related: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is a sailing vessel you'll want to try

Sea Cloud Cruises' two other vessels — Sea Cloud 2 and Sea Cloud — are smaller but offer a similar show as the sails are set by hand the old-fashioned way. The former is a 23-year-old, three-masted barque propelled by 23 sails (five fewer than Sea Cloud Spirit); the latter is a 93-year-old, four-masted barque with 30 sails and a storied past.

scic sailing cruises

Now configured to carry 64 paying passengers, Sea Cloud was originally the private yacht of Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband, the famed financier E. F. Hutton. At the time, the vessel was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the U.S. Navy as a weather ship during World War II, after which it became the presidential yacht for the Dominican Republic. It only began sailing as a cruise vessel in the 1980s.

If you have money to spare, you can still book Post's opulent private quarters on Sea Cloud, now its owner's suite. It'll set you back around $5,000 per day per couple. Her husband's slightly smaller quarters are also available to book at a similar rate.

Post, the wealthiest woman in the U.S. during her lifetime, notably also built Mar-a-Lago, the massive estate in Florida that is now the official residence of Donald Trump.

Sea Cloud Cruises is the most all-inclusive and upscale of the three brands listed in this story, with pricing to match. Expect to pay nearly $1,000 per person per day or more for many sailings.

Sea Cloud Cruises' three vessels offer a diverse array of sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Cruising Costa Rica, Panama with Sea Cloud Cruises

Windstar Cruises

scic sailing cruises

Founded in the 1980s, Windstar Cruises got its start as a sailing ship line. While it now operates traditional motor-powered ships, too, voyages on sailing ships are still a big part of its business.

Three of the Seattle-based brand's six vessels — Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf — are sailing vessels, and they all offer a similar yacht-like, small-ship experience.

Two of the three vessels (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are particularly intimate, measuring 5,407 tons and carrying just 148 passengers with every berth full.

Related: The 2 types of Windstar ships, explained

The line's third sailing vessel, Wind Surf, is nearly three times the size at 14,745 tons. It's one of the biggest sailing ships in the world (only a sister vessel that sails for Club Med is bigger). Wind Surf carries 342 people, an enormous number for a sailing ship.

scic sailing cruises

Unlike on the vessels operated by Sea Cloud, the sails on Windstar's sailing ships aren't unfurled by hand in the old-fashioned way but by the push of a button from the bridge. It's a fully automated system that is much more modern, if less dramatic.

Still, the experience of slicing through the waves by the power of the wind alone on Windstar ships is as glorious and romantic as it is on the Sea Cloud ships.

Windstar Cruises is less all-inclusive and pricey than Sea Cloud but still offers a relatively upscale experience. Its dining program is done in partnership with the food-focused James Beard Foundation, which also brings James Beard Award-winning chefs to the ships regularly for food-themed itineraries.

For an extra $89 per person per day, passengers can also make the experience more all-inclusive with included Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails, and gratuities (three things that aren't included in regular fares).

The line's three vessels typically spend nearly all of their time sailing in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Read more about Windstar's itineraries

Star Clippers

scic sailing cruises

Like Sea Cloud and Windstar, Star Clippers operates three sailing vessels that are among the biggest and most elegant sailing vessels in the world.

The belle of the ball at the line is Royal Clipper, a stunning five-masted ship that is billed as the largest square-rigged ship in the world. Its enormous array of 42 sails has a sail area of 56,000 square feet — significantly more than the sails atop any of the Sea Cloud or Windstar vessels. (Only Sea Cloud Spirit comes relatively close with a sail area of 44,100 square feet spread across 28 sails.)

Built to resemble Preussen, a legendary tall ship of the 19th century, the 24-year-old Royal Clipper shares the spotlight at Star Clippers with two smaller sister vessels, Star Flyer and Star Clipper.

Carrying 166 passengers apiece, the smaller vessels were designed to resemble the speedy clipper ships of the 19th century, which were known for their narrow profile and large sail area. Each vessel has a sail area of 36,000 square feet spread across 16 sails, a large amount for the size.

scic sailing cruises

When it comes to the setting of sails, Star Clippers vessels offer a level of old-style authenticity that is in between the ships of Sea Cloud and Windstar. Like on Sea Cloud vessels, the sails are pulled into position by a team of deckhands using hand power and winches to tighten the "sheets," or ropes.

Unlike on Sea Cloud vessels, the deck hands don't climb high into the rigging to untie and prepare the sails for winching. That part is done automatically at the push of a button from the bridge, as it is on Windstar vessels.

In one key difference, though, Star Clippers lets passengers harness up and climb into the crow's nest of its vessels — a thrilling experience. Just be prepared for your knees to go a bit wobbly as you get to the top; it's way up there.

Star Clippers sailings are the most affordable option among the three sailing brands, in part because the onboard experience is less all-inclusive and upscale.

The three Star Clippers vessels mostly operate sailings in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and along the west coast of Central America.

Bottom line

It's still possible to get a taste of what traveling the world's oceans was like in the days before motor power. Three small cruise companies — Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers — offer voyages on large sailing ships that are as majestic as anything that has sailed the seas in centuries past.

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  • ScicSailing
  • Press Reviews
  • Reservations

Who is ScicSailing

Answered simply, ScicSailing is a Dutch/English organisation that organizes sailing holidays on a small quality fleet, so called 'gulets', currently based in the environs of Bodrum, the centre of what might be viewed as some of the most beautiful coastline in the Aegean. All yachts sail along the south west coast of Turkey and some of the Greek islands.

With ScicSailing you get it all in sail fulls!

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scic sailing cruises

Lead the way, Captain Selo! Cruising the Mediterranean on a glorious gulet voyage

By Imogen Rowland

Published: 07:26 EDT, 19 July 2013 | Updated: 07:26 EDT, 19 July 2013

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If ever there was a compelling reason to take to the waves in Turkey, it's that taking to the roads can be hair-raising. Even late at night on the short journey around the coast from Bodrum airport.

By contrast, when we arrive at the small bay village of Gümüşlük, on the western edge of the country, our dinghy ride under pitch-black skies to our awaiting vessel is more like something dreamed up by Enid Blyton.

The second we hit the water, everything lifts – our journey is forgotten, and, as we climb aboard our floating home for the next week, a sense of calm seems to envelop us.

It is only the following morning, in the bright sunlight, when we see the beautiful craft and our beguiling surroundings properly, that we truly appreciate what we have found.

Ship Ahoy: The wooden Nemesis sails the waters off the Turkish coast and is manned by a friendly crew of four

Ship ahoy: The wooden Nemesis sails the waters off the Turkish coast, and is manned by a friendly crew of four

And relax: The crew, led by Captain Selo, takes care of everything from hoisting the sails to supper

And relax: The crew, led by Captain Selo, takes care of everything from hoisting the sails to supper

We are here for a week’s sailing along the Turkish coastline, touring the glittering Aegean on a traditional gulet – a sailing yacht – that will go wherever the wind takes it.

Our first day aboard is spent getting to know our fellow passengers. It’s an unusual holiday in that, unless you hire the whole boat, you travel with a group of strangers.

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For us, that makes it all the more interesting. We are a mixed group of nationalities, from Spanish to Norwegian, South African and British, but we all seem to gel quickly.

The company we are travelling with is SCIC (pronounced 'chic'), and co-owner Loes Douze says she is careful to mix together people who share common plans for their holiday. If there is a group of younger passengers who want to go to bars and stay up late, she will match them with those sailing with the same intention.

Likewise, if a family is aboard, she won’t place them with single travellers who are specifically looking to avoid the noisiness of a beach resort.

Our boat is called Nemesis, and she is a 25-metre long wooden yacht with three sails.

Built from glossy timber, she has room for 16 of us in eight cabins, each with its own en-suite toilet and shower, plus air conditioning to cool us during the warm nights.

Bodrum

Into the blue: The Nemesis sails past Bodrum, where a splendid Crusader castle keeps watch

Soothing: The sound of the wind in the sails is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of British towns and cities

Soothing: The sound of the wind in the sails is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of British towns and cities

Supper club: Guests can help the crew prepare meals - if they can tear themselves away from the sun deck

Supper club: Guests can help the crew prepare meals - if they can tear themselves away from the sun deck or the charms of swimming in the open sea

We are joined on-board by a crew of four, led by our captain, Selo. Each of them, in addition to sailing during the day, performs another role, be it steward, chef or housekeeper.

Despite their dual roles, they – as you might expect – run a tight ship, and the result is delicious home-cooked food and hotel-standards throughout.

When the wind is right (not too light, not too strong, Selo explains) he cuts the engine, and the crew jump into action hoisting the sails.

As the winds whip at them and the canvas smacks its lips in anticipation, the sails scale upward, finally stretching out and billowing gently. The silence once they are up, and we are at the mercy of the wind, is mesmerising.

The company’s raison d’etre is to – wherever possible – sail rather than motor. As other gulets hum their way past us we are smug, gliding smoothly along the water.

We are in no hurry – something that all of us, regardless of age or nationality, find utterly indulgent. We simply watch the beautiful mountainous coastline of Turkey and the rambling shrubbery of the nearby Greek Islands pass us by in a rolling cinematic panorama.

After a few nights on the water, the days begin to blend into one long, hazy blur of relaxation. Each morning, after an early swim followed by a sprawling breakfast of fresh fruits, pillowy bread and Turkish cheeses, Selo rings the ship’s bell to signal morning briefing.

We gather around as he spreads a map across the deck table. Ostensibly, this is where he outlines where we will sail and what we will do that day, but what makes the holiday unique is that he asks us if we have any special requests, and our daily itinerary is built upon that basis.

If we fancy going onto land that evening, we will head toward a harbour. If we want to try out the kayaks or water-skiing on offer, he will sail us to a cove with the right conditions.

But even these plans are made with a shrug of the shoulders and a knowing smile – because, as ever, we will ultimately see where the wind wants to take us.

Of course, we do occasionally nip onto dry land.

On our second morning, we moor at Bozburun and visit a small market where locals buy their fresh fruit and household items, and we snack on powdery soft Turkish Delight, and honey-sweet baklava.

Midweek, we awake to find ourselves moored near Knidos, the ruins of an ancient settlement complete with a towering amphitheatre, and we enjoy a tour of a site  - knowing that those who travel to the site by car take hours to reach it.

Comfortable: The cabins are compact but well appointed and each has its own ensuite bathroom

Comfortable: The cabins are compact but well appointed, and each has its own ensuite bathroom

Alfresco dining: Breakfast and other meals are served on deck unless Captain Selo has a beach in mind

Alfresco dining: Breakfast and other meals are served on deck - unless Captain Selo has a beach in mind

One night, towards the end of the trip, we drop anchor by the town of Datçha and visit a bar where a musician is playing traditional Turkish songs on a bağlama .

It is wonderful to stop and see some of the country and culture up-close, but we are always content to return to our boat and set sail again for the next mystery destination.

On our last evening, we drop anchor in an impossibly beautiful bay near a short stretch of pebble beach known as Kislebuku. As we dive into the glassy water for our late-afternoon swim, the crew begins to ferry a barbecue, cushions and crockery across to the beach, where our evening meal will be served.

By the time we are showered and transferred across to the beach, lanterns are aglow, low tables are beautifully set and the chef is hard at work.

It is a five-star castaway experience. Our glasses are constantly topped up with chilled rosé, and our bellies are soon filled with delicious morsels – lamb koftas, chargrilled chicken kebabs, fresh vegetable dips and meze.

It seems fitting that our final evening is spent with our splendid yacht in full view, as it if she is daring us to jump back on-board and see where she will go next.

If this is what life at sea is like, I might just make a sailor yet.

Travel Facts

SCIC Sailing, (+44 758 300 1766, www.scicsailing.eu ) offers one-week cruises with prices starting at €899 (£775) per person.

The price includes breakfast, lunch, five dinners, all snacks and drinks including alcohol.

Exclusive charter prices offer good value and are available on request.

Share or comment on this article: Turkish cruise holidays: Sailing the Mediterranean on a gulet

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COMMENTS

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  2. Introduction

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  3. 50 Shades of Turquoise

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    Sailing in the Aegean with SCIC Sailing. In fact, I think it is possibly the most relaxing holiday I've ever been on. It wasn't just that with a cruise - I think I can call it that, even though our beautiful twin-mast 90ft Turkish gulet sailing ship was the polar opposite of a mega cruise ship - you can travel all around the region without fighting with hoards of tourists, but the fact ...

  5. All-inclusive sailing in Turkey with SCIC Sailing

    Prices for a individual sailing cruise for one week per person including breakfast, lunch, five dinners, all snacks in-between and all drinks including alcohol is from € 951 to € 1 141. Exclusive yacht charter for a Comfort Yacht: one week excluding meals & drinks on board, start from € 3875 to € 8890, depending on the date and the size ...

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    A quick Google search turns up dozens of companies offering charters. ... 20 years after they originally met on board as solo travelers on their first-ever sailing voyage with Scic. ...

  9. Why Greece Is Best Seen by Boat

    Why Greece Is Best Seen by Boat. A traditional Turkish gulet allows a lot of freedom and flexibility. By Imogen Rowland. August 13, 2017. SCIC Sailing. The summertime appeal of Greece —languid ...

  10. Cruise Review: SCIC Sailing's Nemesis in Turkey

    A week's charter of the Nemesis for up to 14 passengers costs between €6,110 and €9,834, depending on the season, excluding meals and drinks. For individual bookings, a week's cruise costs between €1,107 and €1,390 per person, including meals and drinks and based on two sharing a cabin. For solo travellers, there's a single ...

  11. Yachts

    Throughout your luxury sailing cruise you can expect the ScicSailing signature hospitality for which the company has become renowned. Your uniformed crew will be professional and friendly, indulging you with attentive service, beautifully presented dining tables and freshly prepared cuisine, as well as daily servicing of your cabins.

  12. Sailing holidays in Greece and Turkey with SCIC Sailing

    ScicSailing also offers special, 'themed' sailing cruises focusing of specific activities. Maybe you'd love to improve your artistic skills with an on-board painting tutor; hike the pine-clad hillsides of the coves and islands; explore with a guide the unique Greek and Turkish historical, archaeological sites; or focus on your well-being with a yoga and fitness sailing holiday.

  13. Chic Mediterranean Sailing

    It was the end of our fifth day exploring the islands on an elegant private cruise aboard Naviga 1, a classic gulet yacht. ... Our vessel, 'Naviga 1' is part of the SCIC sailing fleet of authentic Bodrum gulets. She has a combination of seven double or twin, air-conditioned cabins, each with a private, ensuite shower. ...

  14. The Best Luxury Turkish Gulet Cruise around the Turkish Riviera

    Each yacht in the SCIC Sailing fleet is an authentic Turkish 'gulet' sailing yacht. Each with elegant lines, immaculate decks, and impressive rigging. ... Individual sailing cruise 1 week per person including breakfast/lunch/5 dinners/all snacks in-between and all drinks including alcohol is priced from $1071.00 to $1271.00 .

  15. SCIC Sailing

    Answer 1 of 17: Hi We (group of 5 couples) are looking at using SCIC Sailing for a private cruise in September 2019, and whilst everything looks great on paper, I would love to get some feedback re anyone's first hand experience. Thanks in advance Regards...

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    Sailing trip on the Turkish Coast. July 8, 2023. It was 3 or 4 years ago when I first came across SCIC sailing, and I thought to myself I would love to do that. Then in 2022 we booked a once in a lifetime trip with friends around Svalbard, the most northerly populated island close to the North Pole. It was to be a fascinating cruise around this ...

  18. Island Windjammers Cruises

    Island Windjammers offers six, ten, and twelve-night sailings aboard our classic clipper ship Vela, schooner Diamant, and sailing yacht Lyra! Vela hosts twenty-six guests, Diamant accommodates ten guests, while our new addition Lyra has room for eight. This is small ship cruising at its finest. Our Island Girls are fully-crewed and feature air ...

  19. These 3 lesser-known cruise lines offer amazing voyages on sail-powered

    The 342-passenger Wind Surf is one of the biggest sailing ships in the world. WINDSTAR CRUISES. Unlike on the vessels operated by Sea Cloud, the sails on Windstar's sailing ships aren't unfurled by hand in the old-fashioned way but by the push of a button from the bridge. It's a fully automated system that is much more modern, if less dramatic.

  20. Who is ScicSailing

    Who is ScicSailing. Answered simply, ScicSailing is a Dutch/English organisation that organizes sailing holidays on a small quality fleet, so called 'gulets', currently based in the environs of Bodrum, the centre of what might be viewed as some of the most beautiful coastline in the Aegean. All yachts sail along the south west coast of Turkey ...

  21. scicsailing • Instagram photos and videos

    Something went wrong. There's an issue and the page could not be loaded. Reload page. 2,071 Followers, 252 Following, 693 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from @scicsailing.

  22. Turkish cruise holidays: Sailing the Mediterranean on a gulet

    SCIC Sailing, (+44 758 300 1766, www.scicsailing.eu) offers one-week cruises with prices starting at €899 (£775) per person. The price includes breakfast, lunch, five dinners, all snacks and ...