There are differing opinions about the history
of gullet that take the Turkish name "gulet" from the Italian word "guletta". There is still
some controversy about whether or not the schooner,
which has long been used as a sweeping net, trawl net or sponging vessel in Turkey in the Aegean and Mediterranean
shores and as a freight vessel in the Black Sea, originates from the fisher vessel "guletta" ("goelette"
in French) that has come up with the evolution of the word "galer" for the old Italian naval vessel
The origin of the Bodrum type gulet vessels falls to a nearby date, the beginning of 1970's. .
The Bodrum type gullet (gulet) started to meet the demand in parallel to the development of tourism in the beginning
of 1970's. This development caused the growth of the boat construction sector as well and especially the successful
gulet examples made by the local boat masters increased the interest in such
types of boats.
The first samples of the vessels called "Bodrum Gulet" are seen in those years by adding chambers and
seating on the back of the boat. There has been a long boat construction process from antiquity to the Ottoman
times; despite certain interruptions due to the geographic and historical position of Bodrum
As the gulet construction methods in Bodrum are observed, it is seen that the basic construction approach has not
generally been subject to great change.
The gulet construction of which takes 9 to 12 months in accordance with the method employed, is launched to the
sea over skids oiled with melted suet. The gulet constructed in shipyards away from the sea, sledged through narrow
straits with the help of skids and brought to the shore make up scenes that in turn makes Bodrum unique.
The investment approach to boat construction has changed in time, construction of other types of boats other than
gulet have started and this sector specialized from boat design, materials, construction techniques and construction
teams have turned into one of the most important economic sectors in Bodrum. today
The boats used for the Blue Cruise are wooden
boats, traditionaly they are hand made by master craftsmen from Bodrum area of Turkey. That's why they are referred
often as "Bodrum type " yachts or Gulettes.
This classic Gulet was once used by fisherman and sponge divers to transport their catch. They are now purpose-built
for the charter market with fittings and equipment designed for guests' comfort, all of which come under the collective
description of wooden Gulet.
A Gulet is typically built
of pine wood and styled with a pointed fore and round aft. The major difference between the Turkish and western
boats is that the Turkish boats are designed to allow passengers more space on the deck. The Bodrum built boats
take as much advantage as they can of the pleasant climate of the South. An aft deck for dining and lounging in
the shade of a sun awning and a forward deck with numerous sunbeds. Large living areas, spacious cabins, WC, shower
and a sun deck furnished lounge area are typical in Gulettes.
Most have double cabins with en-suite facilities.
On deck there are sun lounges for sunbathing and relaxing as well as dining areas under sun awnings. Gulets range
in size, accommodating from 4-16 people. It is possible to book a cabin only joining other guests or you may charter
the whole gulet. The crew, a captain, cook and 1 or 2 deckhands are very experienced at handling the boat and catering
to all your needs.
All yachts have a tender with either oars
or an outboard engine. Those yachts that offer optional water-skiing have a powerful out- board engine, while the
outboards of others are designed purely for getting to shore and back.
Nowadays all gulets are equipped for safety, have a VHF radio, a stereo cassette player and a selection of cassettes.
Many of the newer vessels have a cellular telephone, a TV, a video player and a CD player.
They might not all be experienced to sail,
but when the wind gets strong enough they will, if the clients insist.
If snorkeling is one of your favorite pastimes,
we suggest you pack your own set of gear, then you wont need to adjust the mask size every time you wish to explore
the depths.
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