WHAT IS GULET? 

A Gulet, from the French golette (schooner) is a traditional design of a two-masted wooden sailing vessel from the south-west coast of Turkey, although frequently found all around the eastern Mediterranean (Croatia). Today this type of vessel, varying  in size from 14 to 35 metres, is now very popular for tourist charters although, for considerations of crew economy, diesel power is now almost universally used and many are not properly rigged for sailing. These days Turkey's wooden gulets are mostly configured as motor-sailers, with powerful diesel engines to provide primary power, and sails to provide additional power, or primary power in strong winds. This means you can sail silently when the wind allows, but go wherever you want reliably with motor power. Gulets are particularly good as pleasure sailing vessels because of their broad beam, and plenty of rooms for spacious cabins belowdecks.

Turkish and Croatia gulets come in many sizes, from small 15-meter (50-foot)-long craft with the necessary equipment to large, luxurious 33-meter (108-foot) luxury vessels luxury.  A gulet may have from 3 to 12 two-person cabins (for 6 to 24 people), but 5- and 6-cabin vessels capable of sleeping 10 to 12 voyagers are most common.  The 2- or 3-person crew usually sleeps in a lazarette at the bow.

The stern deck of a gulet is broad, fitted with a low, wide cushioned bench all around which is perfect for lounging, reading, relaxing or napping. The stern deck area, shaded by an awning if the sun is hot, is large enough for a small table for games, drinks or simple meals. For sun bathing, the foredeck is the place. A gulet's main cabin is fairly spacious, high enough for the tallest voyager to stand erect, with provisions for tables to seat all the voyagers for meals, meetings or evening entertainment. Fittings and furnishings range from pine and stainless steel to rich mahogany and burnished brass.