Originally, the gulet was a wooden vessel specific to the Near East. Light, narrow and with a shallow draft, this rowing or sailing boat was generally used for fishing, but also served as a liaison boat, depending on the shipowners. Nowadays, the modern versions are larger and equipped with an engine. Today, these are Turkish wooden sailing boats. They have a hull with two pointed ends, a curved keel and two square sails carried by a tall mast. They can also be equipped with an engine.
When they are equipped with sails, however, two families of gulets can be distinguished: the schooner gulets, which are used only for cabotage and deep-sea fishing, and the ketch gulets, which allow for more flexible navigation.
Advantaged by its traditional aspect, this type of boat brings its share of magic to the world of pleasure boating. Fitted out so as to offer all the comfort inherent in coastal cruises, these units are particularly prized for their magnificent wooden structures and their age-old charisma.
Choosing to charter a gulet for a sea excursion adds a historical dimension to your boating experience. Sailing on this rustic but very convivial boat is also a pleasant experience for the whole family, although it is also an attractive option for couples in search of a romantic getaway on the water.
The gulet of yesterday and today
As well as allowing you to enjoy a relaxing and entertaining cruise, chartering a gulet opens up a window on history. Some writings claim that the construction of the gulet dates back 2,500 years. It was made in the coastal town of Bodrum, in southwestern Turkey, before becoming the main boat for sponge divers and fishermen traveling along the Aegean coast. Handmade by master craftsmen, the gulet is built from local woods such as mulberry, chestnut and pine. Some gulets were even made from exotic woods such as teak, iroko or mahogany.
The name "gulet" also defined these fishing boats that sailed in the open sea off the coast of Upper Normandy until the 1960s. Built in Fécamp, this sailing boat had a special feature. Launched from the pebble beaches, this traditional sailing boat was actually pulled back up the beach using a vertical axle winch or capstan. This type of boat also has a particularly rounded bow profile, making it unique on the Normandy coast. The Vierge de Lourdes de Fécamp, a gulet from Yport that left the Jouan Fiquet shipyard in 1949, is a very fine example of the traditional gulets that plied the Normandy coastline not so long ago.
Nowadays, gulets are offered for charter by builders who use new technologies, such as wood-epoxy, while remaining faithful to traditional construction methods. A narrow and light craft, the gulet is a shallow-draft boat with a curved keel. Having evolved over the centuries, since the end of the 19th century the gulet has been embellished with a hull with two pointed ends, two square sails carried by a large mast and a mainsail with a lateen yard and its corresponding sail. These types of boats are perfect for superb cruises in France or Europe, offering superb cruising comfort with spacious cabins and good stability at sea. A gulet charter will give you an exceptional experience.
Gulet charter: an out-of-the-ordinary cruise
A gulet charter promises great adventures in the open sea off the Turkish, Greek, Thai or Italian coasts. This vessel has a history all of its own, adding a poetic note to your cruise. Gulet chartering also has other undeniable advantages thanks to its large volumes and surfaces. Easy to arrange, the gulet can also be modified as desired and remains a very well-equipped vessel. It is also worth noting that the shallow draft of this type of Turkish boat allows you to navigate in areas with shallow waters.
By opting for a gulet charter, perfectly suited for motor or sail navigation, you will enjoy a maximum cruising speed of 12 knots. With a length varying between 14 and 15 meters, this boat can accommodate 2 to 12 cabins, all air-conditioned and equipped with a bathroom and private toilet. Despite their simplicity compared to large luxury yachts, the gulets are still very comfortable and convivial. Gulet cruises always include a crew, with at least one skipper and one hostess who will take care of the cooking and the sailing itinerary according to your wishes, allowing you to enjoy a dream cruise. Chartering a gulet also offers other possibilities. You can take full advantage of the vast space offered by the deck, enjoy a drink in the airy lounge on the rear deck and indulge in sweet idleness in the many relaxation areas on the front deck. And while moments of relaxation and fun are on board, they are no less enjoyable at the anchorage. The gulet will allow you to reach small, isolated coves, thanks to its large size, and to anchor close-hauled to the shore.
In short, chartering a gulet or schooner will give you the chance to enjoy an exceptional cruise on a boat full of history and charm. A gulet offers all the comforts needed for sailing, with air-conditioned cabins, a spacious lounge and relaxation areas
Where can you opt for a gulet charter?
You can rent a gulet in several countries, such as Turkey, Greece, Thailand or Italy. It is also possible to sail in France, cruises are available in the Mediterranean. You can discover the magnificent coasts of these destinations, sailing or motoring, as you wish.
How long is a gulet?
The length of a gulet varies between 14 and 15 meters, which gives it good stability and a large capacity. A gulet can have up to 12 cabins, accommodating between 2 and 24 people.
What types of sailing gulets are there?
There are two types of sailing gulets: schooners, which are intended for cabotage and deep-sea fishing, and ketches, which allow for more flexible navigation.
Gulets have two masts of the same height, while ketches have a large mast at the front and a small mast at the back. They are larger, more robust and faster than ketches. They can accommodate up to 20 people and offer basic comfort. They are suitable for long cruises and distant destinations.
Gulets are more flexible and maneuverable. They have a large mast at the front and a small mast at the back. They can accommodate up to 12 people and offer more modern comfort. They are suitable for short cruises and nearby destinations.
How much does it cost to charter a gulet?
The price of chartering a gulet depends heavily on the size of the boat and the type of services available on it (air conditioning, Wi-Fi, equipment available, etc.) and it is possible to rent gulets at any price. For a week's cruise, entry-level gulets will cost from USD4,000 per week with crew included. For really top-of-the-range gulets, you can find boats costing up to USD40,000 or USD50,000 a week. It is difficult to average out the prices and it is important to consult the offers and reviews on our site to get an idea of the boat you are looking for. You can also request a quote from our site and our experts will find a boat that meets your requirements.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 10 615 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Chef (meals not included), Sailor, Engineer, Mechanic, Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $10,727 |
| Minimum weekly price | $609 |
| Maximum price per week | $684,400 |