NEED TO KNOW
Marmaris
WEATHER
In summer the prevailing wind is the Meltemi, blowing from the north-west to west-north-west. It is at its strongest in July and August, when it can get up to Force 6-7 at times. Sometimes the Meltemi will die at night then resume the next day, around midday, allowing for easy progress to windward when necessary. At other times it will keep blowing day and night. In spring and autumn, thunderstorms can be accompanied by strong squalls and winds are less consistent but generally are warm and settled. Forecasting is generally good, although not all forecasts can take account of the myriad headlands and mountains that divert and channel the winds in unexpected ways.
SEASONS
April to October, although April can still be unsettled and the water will be cool. High season should give perfect conditions, if hot at times. October brings a risk of a day or so of bad weather, but it is less crowded and the water will be warm.
EXPERIENCE
The winds can be boisterous, but shorter distances and plenty of sheltered berth options make this area popular with less experienced crews.
GETTING TO MARMARIS
Regular flights to Dalaman Airport (http://yda.aero) from Easter to October. Transfers to Marmaris take a little over an hour.
BOOKS AND CHARTS
Turkish Waters and Cyprus Pilot by Rod and Lu Heikell, 10th edition (Imray, £45)
East Aegean by Rod Heikell, 2nd edition (Imray, £19.95) Imray-tetra Charts G35 Dodecanese and the coast of Turkey. Imray-tetra Charts G36 Marmaris to Kekova Adasi
CHARTER COMPANIES
The main companies are: COSMOS YACHTING www.cosmosyachting.com
GMM YACHTING
www.gmm-yachting.com
SAIL IN TURKEY
www.sailinturkey.com
MARMARIS SAILING
www.marmaris-sailing.com
HELM
www.helm.yt
MARINAS NETSEL MARINA, MARMARIS
Close to the centre of Marmaris, Nestel Marina has all the usual facilities, fuel, laundry, chandlery and can offer all types of repairs. www.netselmarina.com/ +90 252 412 2708
ALBATROS MARINA, MARMARIS
Mainly a charter yacht base. Usual facilities and has a small workshop on site. Advisable to book in advance. www.albatrosmarina.com +90 252 412 2456
MARMARIS YAT MARIN
This marina is popular with cruisers. All the facilities including laundry and Wifi, yacht club, restaurant and chandlery.
+90 252 422 0022
ADAKÖY MARINA, MARMARIS
A charter yacht base and hotel complex. Located on the outskirts of the town but there is a regular minibus service to the centre. Facilities include laundry, restaurant, bar and swimming pool. www.adakoymarina.com +90 252 412 5555
MARTI MARINA
This stylish marina is located at Keçi Bükü. All the usual facilities including fuel and waste collection. It has an onsite market, restaurant and bars. www.marti.com.tr
+90 252 487 1063