Located just eight miles from the Greek Island of Chios at the western tip of Turkey’s Izmir Peninsula on the shores of the Aegean, Çesme Marina is fast becoming a priority destination for international yachtsmen. A yacht charter bound for destinations on the Aegean Sea offers an experience of spectacular beauty as well as inspiring cultural and historical significance. Plus, onsite customs and immigration offices at Çesme Marina facilitate smooth sailing between Turkey and the Greek Islands.

Çesme Marina, located in a naturally protected harbor, can moor 350 yachts with a 200’ LOA. Marine facilities include a full-service boatyard with 80-ton travel lift and ships store. The marina also features a boutique hotel and yacht club, and an enticing selection of restaurants and retail outlets. Incorporating architectural elements that reflect Turkish civilization within an upscale context gives the marina an overall ambiance of exotic luxury that is aesthetically delightful.

Highlights of the area include some very beautiful, white sand beaches and nearby Çesme Hot Springs. The calm shallow waters of the beaches are ideal for families and the hot springs are said to cure just about anything that ails you.

For more information on chartering in Turkey – please see our Turkey yacht charter guide.

Although a relative newcomer in the shipbuilding business, Dunya Yachts is certain to command significant attention at their Monaco Yacht Show display this year. Cutting-edge designs from the yard include a 213’ eco yacht, designed to incorporate the latest trends in green technology, two 236’ yachts under construction and a 289-footer in the works.

236′ Red Square has a voluminous six-deck floor plan with notable features that include a health and beauty spa, a sea-level gymnasium, a sizeable swimming pool, sweeping 50-foot balconies and a dedicated owner’s deck. Interiors by celebrated designer Alberto Pinto juxtapose modernism with Old World elegance to achieve a plush yet vibrant style. Also under construction at the yard is 236’ Warrior, described with even greater interior volume. Both yachts are scheduled for launch next year.

Visually even more radical is 289′ Blade, an appropriate monicker given her dramatic axe-bow. The design represents a collaboration between Dunya Yachts and renowned Ken Freivokh Design. The use of unprecedented amounts of glass results in a daring profile and stunning, ultramodern interiors. A triple-height glass atrium, all-glass swimming pool, seamless panoramic windows and seven guest suites that can be converted to create additional cabins are a few of Blade’s innovative features.

Dunya Yachts is located in Istanbul Turkey, a country that has witnessed tremendous growth in the past decade in yacht design, build and repair. The well-equipped shipyard sprawls over 330,000 square feet including sheds, construction halls and boasts the only climate-controlled dry dock in the country. The shipyard exhibit at the Monaco Yacht Show will be situated at stand QC13 on the Quai Chicane. Please contact Esra Tarlan PR & Marketing of Dunya Yachts for additional information.

The main lecture at the MYBA Yacht Charter Show on Tuesday featured knowledgeable captains discussing some of their favorite destinations.  Their recommendations:

Corsica to Sardinia.

By capt James Pitman, HEAVENLY DAZE

These two amazing mediterranean islands offer great beaches, chic and glamorous restaurants and nightlife for where celebrities and the rich and famous hang out. They also offer incredible beauty and solitude.  And, because they are in close proximity to the French and Italian Coasts, they are easy to get to and offer a full array of luxury yachts.

See our Corsica Yacht Charter Guide and our Sardinia Yacht Charter Guide for further information and itinerary ideas.

Greece – Kalamaki to Kithira

Everyone has heard of Santorini, but for a different experience featuring ancient history and quiet beaches, try Kalamaki to Kithira. Simplicity is the key word says captain Berdos Evangelos, SUNCOCO, meaning relaxation, beauty, and calm.

We have an excellent itinerary for this area starting in Kalamaki.

Turkey

Turkey has vast shoreline and charter areas. Here’s an extended luxury yacht tour of the highlights.

Istanbul and the famous Bosporus is great for larger yachts. Atakoy marina is just 8km from airport.Make sure you have some time to spend exploring famous Istanbul.

Cesme offers white beaches nightlife.

Bodrum on the southwest tip of Turkey is hot spot for charterers, especially luxury Gulets for Blue Cruises. It offers nightlife, good restaurants and history. Bodrum features a classic wooden Gulet regatta 19 – 24 Oct 2010 – Bodrum cup – a sight to behold!

Delikada has mud baths and sea turtles only local tenders are allowed in the area.

Gocek quiet unspoilt 12 islands in the area. Simple local restaurants for essence of Turkish culture.

Fethiye. Rafting and river fishing as well as the Butterfly valley

Kalkan. Three ancient sites to visit.

Kas. Fishing village. Best diving in the region.

Kekova. Sunken city take a boat drop anchor. Glass bottom boats take you to see the sunken city. No diving or snorkeling without escort.

Finike. Home of St Nicholas. Santa claus.

Ending Antalya. Beautiful resorts. 40 mins from marina to city. Preserved antique theatre for 1500 people.

Boatbookings has experts on all of the above charter regions, and shares the captain’s love for them! We’d be happy to discuss a luxury charter in any of these regions.

In a 14 February 2010 article in the New York Times about chartering with large groups, Boatbookings.com was featured both for its Gulets and experience with large group charters.  You can see the Article here: Is This How Cleopatra Felt? and you can read about Gulet Chartering in our Gulet Charter Guide. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in arranging a group charter in Turkey (or just about anywhere, for that matter!)