Gocek Flotilla Sailing Vacations Essential Information

Essential Information

Address & Map

Address

Sunsail Göcek
Marin Turk - Village
Port Bungus Koyu
Göcek 48310
Fethiye - Mugla - Turkey

Base Manager: Ercan Can
GSM: 00 90 (533) 773 7379
Tel: 00 90 (252) 645 2825
Fax: 00 90 (252) 645 2465
Email: goceksunsail@turkeyyachtsoperation.com

Location

The town of Göcek lies in a wooded bay at the northern end of Skopea Liman. It is an attractive town, situated in the well sheltered Bungus Bay.
Club Marina is situated at the northwest point of the Fethiye Gulf on the stunning southwest coast of Turkey, the marina is set in landscaped gardens and flanked by steep, pine-clad hills. The marina is 22 kilometers from Dalaman Airport and 33 kilometers from Fethiye.

Base Open Hours

8am until 6pm

Base/Shore Facilities

Club Marina has all the modern facilities including: restaurant, bar, café, showers, toilets, Turkish bath, sauna, fitness center, market, boutique, telephone booth, currency exchange, showers and toilets.

Arrival & Departure

Time difference

Time difference between the UK and Turkey is + 2 hours

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.

Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Airport

Dalaman International Airport
Dalaman Airport has a full range of facilities; these include fast food outlets, duty free, bars and cafés, as well as a 24hr medical center and two banks (Vakifbank & Denizbank). Car Rental: Avis, Hertz and Europcar have rental companies at Dalaman airport.

Transfers

Dalaman airport to Gocek base: 22 km. The transfer takes approximately half an hour.
Costs: Taxi 1- 3 persons – 50 Euros,
Mini-bus 4-12 persons 65 Euros,
Midibus 13-19 persons – 100 Euros.
Please pre-book & pay at the base on arrival or choose to get your own taxi at the airport:
Bodrum airport to Gocek base: 180 km. The transfer takes approximately 3 hours.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

Customs and Immigration

Before leaving the airport you will have to clear Customs and Immigration. Customs and Immigration do work on a spot check basis.
Gocek base: Gocek is not an entry harbour. To clear out of Turkey you must go with the boat to Fethiye (12 NM from our base) and do the formalities yourselves. When you come back to Turkey please clear customs again in Fethiye or in another entry harbour in the area: Datca - Marmaris -Bodrum - Turgutreis.
Turkish charter permits do not allow you to enter Greek waters unless you have followed the legal clearance procedures

Your Flotilla Lead Crew

Your lead crew is a qualified and trained team consisting of a Skipper, Engineer and Host (ess). They are on hand to help you with everything from advice on where to visit, to physically helping you moor up when you have reached your destination for the night. Never very far away on a Flotilla, you have a specialist team on call 24 hours a day by radio contact.
The Skipper holds informal chart briefings to help you get the most out of your sailing day. Every morning they will decide, based on the weather and the number of yachts in the Flotilla, where best to head for the night. You can follow as closely as you like or take your time reaching the destination.
Your Host (ess) is there to make sure you get the best out of every day. They can give handy tips on where to go to find the best attractions or where to dine ashore. Often they will arrange dinner for the flotilla and it’s up to you whether you want to join in or not.
With an expert Engineer nearby at all times, you can relax and enjoy a carefree holiday, knowing that if any problems do arise, your support team is never far away!

On Arrival Flotilla

Your yacht will be ready at 6pm for boarding.
Upon arrival at your base you will be greeted by a member of our flotilla team who will show you to your boat. Once there you will be given a basic welcome brief demonstrating the essentials you need to know, before heading out for dinner at your leisure.
Your flotilla crew will carry out chart and flotilla briefings describing the cruising area, facilities at each stop and any potential hazards. Yacht briefings introduce you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Please Note: Briefings are mandatory.

Out of hours arrival procedure

Should you arrive out of hours, please contact the staff at the Yacht Classic Hotel who will locate the lead crew for you.

On departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 9am.
Before departing the boat please collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.
In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

Sailing Information

Gocek: Sailing Experience Level 0
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Start and end of season flotilla routes

Please note that on early and late season flotilla routes the start or finish base may differ from the normal route.

Sailing Licenses

The Turkish Port Authorities require all skippers to hold proper sailing ability licenses. We therefore strongly advise that you take any sailing certificates on vacation with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. If you have not already done so then both the Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Cruising Permits

The Transit Log is charged to bareboat and flotilla clients for sailing in Turkish waters and is approximately €85 per yacht. This cost may change.

To sail in Greece and Turkey the cost is as follows:
In Turkey
Clearing out formality    €75
Clearing in formality       €75
Port tax (per person)      €14
In Greece
Clearing in formality         €115
Clearing out formality      €60

If you wish to sail between Greece and Turkey then please inform the base or the booking office in advance as original boat papers need to be obtained for the Greek Authorities.

Night Sailing

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Cruising Area Limits

You may cruise anywhere between the ports of Kusadasi in the North West, and Antalya in the East.

Mooring Fees and Taxes

Mooring fees are charged in marinas and harbours, not in bays, and range from about €8 to €40 per boat. If you stop free of charge at a private jetty, it is expected that you will eat at that restaurant. Shower facilities are available at most restaurants for a small charge.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.
For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.
The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.
The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore. The skipper must have his own cabin.

For one-day check out skippers it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back.
The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Fuel

Cost Guide £1.35 per liter
Fuel Station location 50 metres from the Sunsail quay

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The local money is the Turkey New Lira (TRY).

Banks

The banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 12:00 am and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Due to the constantly changing exchange rate, we would not recommend that clients change currency until they are actually in Turkey.
There is no bank in Club Marina. You have to go to Göcek to the Yapi Kredi Bank or Garanti Bank. There are ATM’s open 24h/7.
There are no limits on the amounts you can take in and out of the country, but the exchange rates are often more favourable in Turkey. Please note there are very high charges applied when changing traveler’s checks in Turkey.
It is possible to change money at the airports.

Credit Card Information

Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted throughout Turkey for making transactions and payments, but may be subject to a surcharge. Credit cards can be used for cash withdrawals at ATM machines, but expect to incur a charge for this service. However, small retail outlets and private restaurants may not accept credit cards
In addition, most ATM cards can be used at all Ziraat Bankasi and Common Point ATMs. The shared ATM network for all banks in Turkey is the Tel Nokta ATM network, which is similar to the Link Network in the UK.
Credit cards are not widely accepted in smaller villages and towns. Please be aware that Debit Cards are not accepted at the base for security deposits/deductible or any other transaction. Only credit cards can be used at the base – they accept MasterCard or Visa but do not accept American Express).
Please Note: Bases are unable to accept personal checks and cannot give cash back on credit or debit cards.

General Information

Language

The official language is Turkish, but you will also hear people speaking Kurdish, Armenian and Aramaic. In the tourist resorts you can usually get by with English and/or German.

Cost of living in Turkey

Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant $6.41

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant $20.80

Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar $6.84

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) $2.80

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) $3.61

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) $1.37

Water (0.33 liter bottle) $0.53

Restaurants

In Gocek there is a very large choice of restaurants:

Göçek Restaurant – Tel: 252-645 1313
Liman Restaurant Bar - Tel: 252/645-1898
Can – Skopea Marina Liman -Tel: 252/645-1507 – busy harbourside fish restaurant.

Similarly, the bustling, large market town of Fethiye offers a large choice of shopping and restaurants.

Tipping

Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Shopping

When shopping in Turkey you may be offered receipts in shops far lower in value than the amount paid. Shops do this so that they can declare less tax. The Customs Officers at your home airports are well aware how much carpets, leather goods, and copperware are worth. If you declare a lower value, you may have the goods seized and a heavy fine imposed.

Gocek Town is five minutes by water taxi from the base.

Shopping in Turkey is great, with open-air markets, covered Turkish bazaars and chic boutiques everywhere. To name a few worthwhile purchases, brass, copper, ceramics, carpets, jewelry, kilims, leather apparel, meerschaum, silk and inlaid wooden items.
Turkey produces a lot of wool and cotton, and manufactures a lot of excellent clothing from it.

Hotels

Villa Danlin Hotel
Gocek
(+90) 252 645 1521
A charming little hotel located in the center of town, only a few steps away from the marinas. They offer 13 comfortable rooms each with air conditioning, mini-bar, TV and direct dial telephone. WIFI access is also available as well as a swimming pool.

Swissotel Gocek
Located in the quiet picturesque fishing village of Gocek offering a choice of luxurious hotel accommodation. All rooms have a private balcony or terrace with stunning views. Facilities include an outdoor pool, private beach, massage and beauty treatments and a variety of watersports.as well as a choice of restaurants.

Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Turkey is 220 Volts, and uses the standard European 2 pin plug.

Mobile phones

Mobile phone coverage is excellent on the Bozburun Peninsula but calling the UK from a UK mobile phone is very expensive.
Three companies have GSM mobile phone networks in Turkey - Turkcell, Vodaphone and Avea. All three companies have nearly complete signal coverage of the country. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.

Internet Connectivity

Broadband ADSL (DSL) and WIFI is available in Gocek. Most cafes and restaurants offer free wireless internet and there is also a free Wi-Fi service near the marina.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD while sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

Activities

Car Rental

For those wanting to explore the interior of Turkey, cars may be hired in some of the larger towns, namely Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye. For those wishing to explore famous archaeological sites, cars can also be hired in Kalkan and Datca. Generally speaking, car rental is not cheap, prices being similar to standard European prices.

Watersports

Fishing

Fishing can be done without a license in non-prohibited and non-military areas as long as you’re an amateur using amateur equipment. There are no rental facilities in the area.

Scuba Diving

The Lycian region has some splendid scuba diving due to its warm, calm, tide-free sea and clear waters with great visibility. This makes the area ideal for both beginners and more experienced divers. Ask at the base where the best place is to hire equipment.

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Walking

There are some very popular trekking routes in the area with high plateaus, mountain ranges and spectacular views.

Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location. More information on provisioning.

Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either the lead boat or at the Sunsail base.
If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.
Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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Gocek Flotilla Sailing Vacation