Three winters in Turkey

May 2, 2016 153 0 0

When we crossed the Atlantic, six years ago, our plan was to sail fast to Turkey, and then cruise slowly back west. But after more than 3,000 miles at sea, we weren’t excited to move Berkeley East at all, let alone quickly. So we spent three years traveling through the Med just getting to Turkey, never imagining that we would still be here three years later. There are reasons for our lingering in Turkey; it is a fascinating country, that is cruiser friendly, and they have great facilities for repair. It has also been an excellent base for exploring the eastern Aegean; from Istanbul and the Black Sea, to Northern Greece, and all the way south to Crete.

One might think, given that we kept BE in Turkey for three winters, we would have moved around to different winter marinas. But we did not. We came back to the same marina every year. Again, there was logic in these decisions. Good logic that garnered good results.

We first came to Didim on the suggestion of fellow cruisers to have work done on BE’s deck. We’re not sure if we ever thanked them properly, so we’d like to give a shout out to the Lulus and the Thresholds for their excellent recommendation.

Berkeley East’s home away from home.

While there are always concerns when returning to the boat after a winter at home, this year those concerns included traveling to a country that is facing tremendous challenges. But upon arrival, everything seemed just as it was when we left. The bustling boat yard full of big expensive yachts. Smiling faces and words of welcome. And Berkeley East in excellent condition, ready for the season. Well, almost ready.

Berkeley East driving herself to the water. No she did not sprout wheels, but was picked up by the boat mover because she was in tight quarters.

The process to launch is complicated, first she was moved to the travel lift by trailer

Then transferred from the trailer to the 40-ton travel lift..

Then driven in slings to the spillway and gently lowered into the water. Once again she floats and is motored to her slip.

As usual, we spent the next two weeks getting prepared to play.

There is always at least one broken pump when we return after winter. This year there were two, including our precious water maker. It took a day to diagnose the problem, a week to get the parts from Italy, several hours to make the repair, the parts cost $7.

After nine years, Mary finally made it up the mast.

Now, as we are finally ready to depart this marina and Turkey, yet again, for what we truly believe is the very last time, we feel sadness in leaving a place that has become so familiar, and our Turkish friends (Can, Ibrahim, Atilla) who have made us, and Berkeley East, so welcome. We wish everyone here nothing but the best.

One thing we will miss the most are the marinaras here. It is like having our own crew. The boat nearly docks itself!