'Halcon Del Mar' Gulet Yacht Merges Traditional Craftsmanship and Incredible Modern Luxury

Ever heard of a Blue Cruise? This is the official term used for recreational voyages on Turkey's southwestern coast, along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. This area is known as the Turkish Riviera, with spectacular landscapes and rich history.

Bodrum, the starting place for most of the Blue Cruises, is an ancient city with a fascinating history. In order to reach all the secretive coves and intimate beaches along the Turkish Riviera, local craftsmen have developed a specific type of wooden boat that became iconic – the gulet.

Only a few decades ago, regular folks had no way of enjoying Blue Cruises in full comfort. Local fishing boats were the only option if they didn't own a private luxury yacht. As you can imagine, it was hardly a luxurious one. Fortunately, by the 1970s, things started to change. Shipbuilders saw the massive touristic potential and gradually turned the traditional working boats used in the area into luxury sailing yachts for modern cruising.

Gulets are similar to schooners – two-masted or three-masted sailing vessels built entirely of wood that have been traditionally built in coastal areas (in this case, Bodrum and Marmaris) and used for fishing and commerce. However, today's gulet is a modern creation.

Shipyards along the Turkish southwest coast started building upgraded versions of the traditional sailing vessel, fitted with diesel engines and with amenities typically found on superyachts. As the Blue Cruise industry continued to flourish, gulets also became more and more luxurious.

Today, gulets can be considered true yachting gems. They're still made of wood, using the same construction techniques that were used in the 1800s. At the same time, they sport generous accommodations, wide outdoor areas, gourmet dining, and modern entertainment.

One of their greatest advantages is the low profile. Thanks to this, they're perfect for reaching shallow bay areas that are inaccessible to larger ships. This also makes them very stable (a welcomed feature for anyone prone to sea sickness) and, therefore, safe. At the same time, speed is not a priority for them. Gulets are not known to be the most efficient sailing vessels, mostly because they're so big. The modern versions are officially motor sailers, with power coming from one or two diesel engines.

Gulets are a common sight in the Mediterranean. Among them, the one named Halcon del Mar stands out due to its impressive onboard luxury. Seeing it from afar, you might mistake it for an old wooden boat because of its traditional look. As soon as you step onboard, you'd discover a floating paradise.

Tum Tour Yacht built this large, 45-meter (147.6 feet) sailboat in 2018. It quickly gained notoriety for its exceptional luxury. While there are plenty of modern gulets around, Halcon del Mar officially became the first deluxe gulet in Turkey to sport an eight-stateroom layout. This may not be a big deal for motor yachts, but it's an engineering success for a traditional-style vessel made of wood. It meant that Halcon del Mar could comfortably accommodate up to 16 guests – a huge number for a gulet.

The configuration includes two master suites, two VIP suites, two double cabins, and two twins. It's not just about more space but also greater flexibility. For instance, the yacht can be chartered by a large family that needs separate rooms for children and babysitters. It can also work great with just eight guests onboard if they all wish to enjoy private cabins.

All cabins are not only beautifully decorated but fitted with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Another outstanding feature is the generous outdoor space. The foredeck is the largest one. Similar to a motor yacht sundeck, it houses a large jacuzzi, oversized cushioned sunbeds, and a lavish lounge area protected by a Bimini top. With a few adjustments, it also becomes suitable for al-fresco dining.

A second great spot for sunbathing is the lounge area along the stern. A stylish sector for private dining sits in the center, boasting a large oval table and half-moon-shaped sofas. Like the American bar, the galley is small but fully equipped for gourmet meals. Like all successful charter yachts, Halcon del Mar also comes with an experienced crew of six.

Fitted with two 750 HP engines and two 40 kW generators, it can hit 14 knots (16 mph/26 kph) at full speed. Guests also have access to Wi-Fi, the latest entertainment systems, and a wide selection of water toys – quite impressive for a vessel with a traditional structure. Like all gulets, Halcon del Mar was built for exceptional resistance and durability, primarily due to the high-quality mahogany with epoxy lamination.

Weekly rates start at $50,000, much less than motor yachts with similar amenities. The only bad news is that Halcon del Mar is only available in Turkey. On the other hand, sailing onboard a gulet sounds like an experience that everyone should add to their bucket list.