Broker Report: Turkey
href="http://www.interpacyachtcharters.com" target="_blank">Interpac Yachts website
Charter broker Beverly Parsons of Interpac Yachts recently returned from the annual charter yacht show in Marmaris, Turkey, where she has been in attendance all but one year since 1983. Here are her insights and observations, from an exclusive interview I conducted yesterday.
What did you see this year in terms of trends compared with years past?
A larger number of motoryachts attended this year as well as several new high-end gulets and motorsailers. Overall, the quality of the yachts available for charter in Turkey continues to become more impressive. Many of the yachts now feature state-of-the art electronics with satellite reception, flat-screen TVs, and Internet options. Sailing qualities on the newer gulets are much improved, too. Most feature beautiful mahogany interiors and modern bathrooms with stylish fixtures, spa showers, and luxurious Turkish towels.
The chefs, too, continue to broaden their skill levels. Several of the chefs are now highly trained and showcase international-quality meals—although, I must add, Turkish cuisine is very hard to beat!
I also noticed a trend toward using the central agency booking system, which will save considerable confusion in the future. This applies more to charter brokers than to charter clients, but it shows an increase in professionalism within the Turkish charter market as a whole.
Did you see the global economic downturn affecting the market for charter in Turkey?
In general, the calendars are filling up nicely compared to other charter destinations we offer. Turkey is a destination visited by vacationers from all over the world, and most of the yachts provide excellent value to the charter client.
Is there still time to book the best boats for this summer?
Some of the yachts new to the charter market still have considerable availability, but it will be difficult to find dates on the established, reputable boats.
Are yacht owners in Turkey willing to negotiate rates the way owners are in other parts of the world right now?
There can be some movement in rates, but they are not as soft as we are seeing in other charter destinations, especially for the high-season months of July and August.
Did any yachts stand out to you as being particularly great for charter?
There were so many outstanding new yachts at the show this year. The sailing gulet Daima, winner of the 2009 Bodrum Cup race, combines cutting-edge rigging and sails with absolute luxury. Another high-tech sailing gulet is the new and attractively priced Queen of Datca. The lovely new Lady Deisy offers great "fresh from the owner’s garden" meals. And the brand-new, 78-foot sailing yacht Diva is stunning with a high-gloss mahogany and cherry interior. Ubi Bene is the latest yacht from the Valena Shipyard and features a minimalistic interior.
Among yachts returning from previous charter seasons, I thought Mare Nostrum, Clarissa, Hic Salta, Blue Eyes, White Soul, Samarkand, and Sea Comet looked great this year. The culinary competition winner was the 103-foot motorsailer Getaway, followed by the gulet Baron II and the motoryacht Spendido.
To be honest, there were so many fine yachts in the show this year, this short report cannot do justice to them all.
Is there anything else readers should know about booking a yacht this summer in Turkey?
Turkey still offers some of the best values in the charter industry. Foreign guests are welcomed with great warmth and hospitality, the coastline is stunning, the water is clear, historical sites are available by yacht, and Turkish cuisine is a delight. If you’re looking for a terrific charter location, Turkey should definitely be on your list.
Learn more about charters in Turkey and worldwide from Beverly Parsons through the Interpac Yachts website.
Editor’s Note: Interpac Yachts is a sponsor of CharterWave, where this blog originates.
