Gulet Charter
Explore these traditional wooden motor-sailors
What is a Gulet?
A gulet (Turkish pronunciation: goolet) is a beautiful traditional design of a two-masted or three-masted wooden sailing vessel from the southwestern coast of Turkey, particularly built in the famous coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris.
The popularity of gulets means they have now spread far and wide, and similar vessels can now be found all around the eastern Mediterranean, from Croatia to Greece and beyond.
Gulets vary in size from 14 to 35 metres and are an immensely popular way to enjoy a fully crewed yacht charter at a much lower cost than a motor yacht.
Gulets are typically made of wood, and they are often decorated with traditional Turkish or Greek motifs. They have a long history, and they have been used for centuries for fishing, trade, and transportation.
Why Choose a Gulet Charter?
Great Value
Comfortable
Great for exploring
Local knowledge
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Do gulets have a crew?
Yes, Gulets typically have a professional crew of 3-5 people, including a captain, a cook, and a few sailors. The captain is responsible for the overall operation of the gulet, including navigation, sailing, and safety. The cook is responsible for preparing delicious meals for the guests. The sailors help with the day-to-day tasks on board, such as cleaning, provisioning, and mooring.
The crew is essential to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gulet cruise. They are experienced and knowledgeable about the area, and they are dedicated to providing guests with the best possible experience.
Here are some of the duties of the crew on a gulet:
- Captain: The captain is responsible for the overall operation of the gulet, including navigation, sailing, and safety. They are also responsible for making sure that the guests have a comfortable and enjoyable cruise.
- Chef: The chef/cook is responsible for preparing delicious meals for the guests. They will often use fresh, local ingredients, and they will be happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
- Steward(ess): The stewarding team are responsible for making and serving drinks, preparing snacks, serving chef-cooked meals and making you comfortable on board.
- Deckhand: The sailors help with the day-to-day tasks on board, such as cleaning, provisioning, and mooring. They are also responsible for helping the captain with sailing and navigation.
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Is Food Included?
Yes, food is typically included on a gulet charter, and you usually have the option of full board or half board catering.
They offer different levels of flexibility and convenience, so it is important to choose the option that best suits your needs.
Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is the most popular option for gulet charters, as it provides guests with all of their meals for the day. Full board catering is also the most convenient option, as guests do not have to worry about finding restaurants or provisioning food.
Half board includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This is a good option for guests who want to have some flexibility in their dining schedule. Half board catering is also a good option for guests who want to experience the local cuisine.
The food on a gulet is typically prepared by the cook on board. The cook will often use fresh, local ingredients, and they will be happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Here are some of the food options that are typically included on a gulet charter:
- Breakfast: Breakfast is usually a buffet-style meal that includes eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, yogurt, fruit, and pastries.
- Lunch: Lunch is usually a more casual meal that might include sandwiches, salads, or grilled fish.
- Dinner: Dinner is usually a more formal meal that might include grilled meat or fish, pasta, or rice dishes.
- Snacks: Snacks are usually available throughout the day, and they might include fruit, nuts, or cookies.
- Drinks: Drinks are usually included with the charter, and they might include beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water.
If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to let your broker know in advance.
Where to Charter a Gulet
Things to Consider
- The cost of a gulet charter will vary depending on the gulet, the time of year, and the length of the charter. In general, gulet charters are more expensive during the peak season (June-August). However, you can often find good deals during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October).
- The number of cabins on a gulet will also affect the cost. The larger the gulet, the more cabins it will have, and the more expensive it will be.
- The type of catering you choose will also affect the cost. Full board catering is typically more expensive than half board catering.
- You will also need to factor in the cost of shore excursions, drinks, and tips. Shore excursions are not typically included in the cost of the charter, so you will need to budget for them separately. Drinks and tips are also not typically included, so you will need to budget for them as well.
Any More Tips?
- Start planning early: The best gullets book up quickly, so it is important to start planning early.
- Do your research: There are many different gulet charter companies out there, so it is important to do your research and find a company that you trust. HELM's experts can help pick the the best options and plan your perfect escape.
- Be flexible: Things don't always go according to plan, so it is important to be flexible when planning a gulet charter.
