What is a Gulet?

A gulet is a modern interpretation of the graceful and elegant old sailing vessels which plied their trade around the Turkish and Greek coasts. The name gulet is thought to have evolved from the French 'goulette' which was a fleet support vessel in Napoleonic times. The Greek caique is a close relation. Modern gulets are mostly 2 masted and are designed for gulet holidays. They are generally built in pine as local wooden boatbuilding skills are still prevalent, although modern interpretations are sometime built in laminated timber and even steel. Salamander was built as a sailing gulette in one of the most respected boatyards in Bodrum, home of the best gullets for gulet charter. 

What about Salamander?

Look at the photographs of various gulets, Turkey has many of them. Then compare with pictures of Salamander and see for yourself! Salamander is a beautiful 85 foot (26 metre) traditional sailing gulet for gulet sailing holidays with the now rare classic profile. Many modern interpretations have surrendered all grace to fit in more guests for sailing holidays, Turkey. Salamander, although only built in 1996, combines space above and below decks with real charm and style. She is also over 20 feet broad in the beam, creating loads of sunbathing and shaded spaces (There is ample room for all the guests to sleep on deck if sleeping under the stars appeals, but the 6 double airconditioned cabins provide great comfort below for anywhere between 6 and 12 guests. All the cabins are en-suite with toilet, basin, and shower).

Does she operate as a sailing boat or a motor yacht when offering Turkey cruises?

Well, both actually, and is rather closer to a small ship than yacht. How much of each (sailing & motoring) you do depends largely on your choice, the weather, and of course the Captain's professional view as to when sailing is suitable. Most gulets keep their sails furled, and use them for show only. Salamander prides herself on sailing when the guests wish to do so, providing the wind direction and weather conditions are suitable. We feel sailing is a vital ingredient in providing the best gulet holidays. We welcome guests who enjoy the gentler way of life travelling with the wind. Salamander can set up to 5 sails on 2 masts (ketch rigged), but 2 or 3 are easily sufficient for most weathers, and do not upset the sunbathers in your party! Sailing Turkey should always be fun. Sail handling systems are traditional, more fun but harder work than on a modern plastic yacht or conventional charter yacht- Turkey still respects the power of man over machine where possible. Under motor she uses 2 x 240HP turbocharged 6 cylinder MAN diesels. She cruises at around 8 to 9 knots. There is also a 35kva John Deere generator to power the airconditioning and other electrical systems, not least your hairdrier! We tend not to run the airconditioning all night as the noise disturbs the peace for both you and any other boats nearby. As you will realize when voyaging in gulets, Turkey has a vast unspoilt coast line and surely noise should not be allowed to disturb your rest!