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Mediterranean Cruising September 2026

Join KSC for an unforgettable sailing adventure around  the stunning Turkish Coast. Departing from Göcek,  this trip takes you through one of the worlds most sought-after cruising grounds — a perfect blend of turquoise waters, charming villages, and rich history. Not to mention the culinary delights, which are absolutely incredible.
Ready for your next unforgettable sailing adventure? 

This 1 week Club cruise is aboard 40-45’ monohulls. The exact timing is flexible in the planning stage so we can find the best week that works for all members interested. We are aiming for one of the last two weeks in September.

Budgetary pricing is $3900/ cabin and will be confirmed once we have our groups committed to a particular week.

Turkey is an amazing place to visit and if you’d like to tack on a few days  for site-seeing,  we will be also spending a few days in Istanbul, and Cappadocia with the guidance of a local.

We plan these trips on a first come, first served basis and we need 3 members committed to booking cabins in order to make a boat reservation. So, if you know you want to go, get your order in early! Every third commitment coming in will allow us to reserve another boat. We often charter multiple boats but they do run out of boats quickly so the earlier we commit, the greater the chance of getting the boats/ dates we want.

The invitation will remain open so if you do decide in a couple of months you want to come along, let me know and if we can form the group of three and IF there are still boats available, we’ll try to get you in.

THE BOAT

Each cabin has a double bunk, accommodating one or two people. You will be buying the cabin space so it’s up to you whether you come alone or bring a cabin partner. Non-sailors are welcome to join so feel free to bring them along. Adults only please.

Some participants will be coming along for the cruise, others to complete certifications along the way. Pricing includes the boat, your skipper/instructor. If you are wanting to certify in US SAILING Bareboat Cruising and/or NauticEd SLC then those class and certification fees are also included. Flights and food not included.

Please let us know if you are considering this trip by May 5th, if possible. It would be helpful to know if you have a hard requirement for a particular week or could make any option.

We will need to get boats booked by the end of May. In order to secure the boats, the Club has to pay upfront. As such, we will ask you for non-refundable payment before reserving the boat.

We will also be holding an information evening in our classroom in the next few weeks for those interested in finding out more.

Below is the layout of a typical boat we charter. The exact boat may differ.

ITINERY

This is one of a few suggested itineries we may follow. It gives plenty of time to enjoy each destination with sails of 3-5 hours between each stop. 

The Gocek Philosophy: Why This Region Wins in 2026

Imagine a place where the pine-scented breeze meets the salt of the Mediterranean, where the water is so clear you can count the pebbles five meters deep, and where the only “traffic” is a passing wooden gulet. This isn’t a postcard from the past; it is Gocek . Nestled in the Gulf of Fethiye, Gocek is the undisputed crown jewel of the Turkish Riviera.

For the modern traveler, the “Blue Cruise” has evolved from a simple boat trip into a soul-restoring pilgrimage. However, with over 12 main bays and hundreds of micro-inlets, the challenge isn’t finding beauty—it’s deciding where to drop anchor. Whether you are chartering a high-performance catamaran or a traditional handcrafted gulet, this 7-day itinerary is your definitive map to the heart of the Mediterranean in 2026.

Gocek is unique because it is a protected registered area of special environmental importance. You won’t find towering high-rises here. Instead, you find a sophisticated yachting hub that manages to feel like a sleepy village. In 2026, as travelers pivot toward “slow travel” and sustainable luxury, Gocek stands as the premier destination for those who want to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythm of the tides.

Your 7-Day Gocek Bays Itinerary

Day 1: Gocek Village to Boynuzbükü

Your journey begins at one of Gocek’s six world-class marinas. After a quick briefing and stocking up on fresh Aegean olives and local wines, we head to Boynuzbükü .

  • The Vibe: Lush and green. This bay is famous for its sweetgum trees.
  • Expert Tip: Visit the local restaurant in the bay; they grow their own vegetables in a garden right behind the pier.
  • Activity: A light afternoon swim to test your snorkeling gear.

Day 2: Bedri Rahmi Bay & Sarsala

Named after the famous Turkish poet and painter, Bedri Rahmi Bay is where art meets nature. In 1964, Rahmi painted a fish on a rock here that still greets sailors today.

  • Highlights:
    • The Fish Rock: A “must-see” cultural landmark of the Blue Cruise.
    • Lycian Rock Tombs: Hidden among the oleanders, these ancient tombs overlook the water.
  • Afternoon in Sarsala: A popular spot for weekenders, but on a weekday, it’s a serene basin with crystal-clear water and a small pebble beach.

Day 3: Cleopatra’s Bath (Hamam Bay)

Legend says that the Egyptian Queen herself swam here. While the history might be mythic, the submerged Roman ruins are very real.

  • The Experience: You can actually swim through the ruins of a historic bathhouse.
  • Mooring: Use the bollards fixed to the rocks; the water gets deep quickly here.
  • Checklist for Hamam Bay:
    • [ ] GoPro or waterproof camera for underwater ruins.
    • [ ] Hiking shoes for the trail leading to the hill for a panoramic view.

Day 4: Yassica Islands – The Archipelago Feel

The Yassica Islands are a group of tiny islets so close together you can almost swim between them all.

  • Topography: There is a tiny pond on the biggest island that is perfect for children.
  • Warning: This area can get crowded between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM due to daily tour boats from Fethiye.
  • Strategy: Arrive early or stay late for a private sunset dinner on deck.

Day 5: Tersane Island (Shipyard Island)

The largest island in the gulf, Tersane , holds the ruins of a Greek village and an ancient shipyard used during the Ottoman and Byzantine eras.

  • Cultural Depth: Explore the ghost-town ruins of the stone houses.
  • Anchoring: The Summer Bay (Yaz Koyu) on the northwest provides excellent protection from the prevailing “Meltem” winds.

Day 6: Aquarium Bay & Göbün

As we start our loop back, we hit Aquarium Bay . The name isn’t hyperbole; the clarity of the water here rivals any tropical destination.

  • Göbün Bay: This is a narrow, long bay that feels like a fjord.
  • Dining: Göbün is home to some of the most famous waterfront restaurants in the region, known for “Kuzu Tandir” (slow-roasted lamb).

Day 7: Domuz Island to Gocek Port

On your final day, enjoy a long, lazy breakfast at Domuz Island (Pig Island), named after the wild boars that used to inhabit the hills.

  • Final Swim: Soak in the last of the turquoise water.
  • Return: Most charters require you to return to the marina by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM for the final checkout.

GETTING THERE

Direct flights are available from Seattle to Istanbul. A connecting flight to Dalaman will get you within a 30 minute taxi ride of Gocek