What is a Turkish Gulet?

 

A turkish Gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel historically used in the Aegean, Mediterreanean and Black Seas for fishing, sponging and cargo transport.  The word “gulet” most likely originates from similar French, Italian and Spanish words such as gołéta, goletta, gouëlette, goélette.  The root word comes from the word “gull” as in Seagull.  A gullet is a Schooner type sailing vessel usually with two or more masts.  The true gulet style has a graceful sweeping stern (back of boat).  Recent design changes have created a newer style known as a “ketch” which has a high flat rear with windows on the stern.  This design has become popular to provide more interior room allowing for two master suites.  While a ketch falls under the general classification of gulet, it is not technically a gulet.

 

It is quite an experience to visit the Turkish shipyards of Bodrum, Marmaris, Bozburun or Fetyihe, to watch the construction and repairs of these beautiful classic wooden ships.  Construction methods haven’t changed all that much over the years, with the exception of the use of electric power tools, addition of diesel engines and the installation of high tech navigational equipment. These vessels are still built by master ship builders using skills that have been passed down from generation to generation.  Much of the work is done by eye and without plans.  The 9 – 12 month construction process begins with the iron spine or Keel.  Then the oak, mahogany or pine timbers and ribs are put in place.  The skeletal structure is then covered with planks of the same woods.  The shell is then coated and painted.  Modern gulets are fitted with spacious cabins, large salon and full kitchen, often with a bar.  Decks are covered with teak planks and stainless steel railings, hardware and rigging add shimmer to the sleek lines of the gulet which is dressed up with canvas sun shades and sail covers.  When construction is finished the ship is transported on metal skids across oiled logs until it slides right into the sea. It doesn’t matter if the gulet is 15 meters or 45 meters in length, the process is the same.

 

Although gulets are usually equipped with mast, boom and sails, they have developed a reputation for hardly ever using them.  It is more common to see a gulet traveling by motor rather than by sail.  If by chance, a sail goes up, it is usually only the genoa which is the big sail in the front because it can be furled in and out quite easily.  However, with the institution of the annual Bodrum Cup Regatta since 1989, sailing competition among gulet owners has kept the sailing spirit alive, motivating gulet captains and crews to hone their skills and improve their sail rigging.  Gulet construction began to grow more rapidly during the early 1970’s coinciding with increased tourism in this region and an awakening for the appeal of the “Turkish Riviera” and the “Blue Cruise” voyage.  The mild weather and spectacular landscapes found along the Turkish coast encourages passengers to spend as much time as possible up on deck. The appeal of large exterior dining areas, unobstructed sunning spaces and comfortable on deck lounging has attracted tourists to this unique style of yacht.  Turkish ship builders have been quick to meet this demand and continue striving to provide more comfort on Turkish gulets.  As a result, the traditional open-hulled work boat of the distant past has become more like a floating luxury hotel with a view that changes daily.