Founder of Mutlutur Yachting and TYBA’Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Association of All Yacht Operators, Investors, Brokers, and Agents Noyan Mutlugil, He is one of the names who turned his passion for seafaring into a profession. He began his journey in 2003 with yacht construction and continues to expand it with a wide range of services such as yacht charter, buying and selling, management, and agency. He also continues to train young professionals in the sector by teaching courses in the Marina and Yacht Management department at Piri Reis University.
We also recognize him for the steps he has taken to ensure stronger international representation for the maritime sector. As the first Turkish yacht professional to join the European Professional Yachting Committee (ECPY), he aims to make Turkey's position in the yachting sector more visible on a global scale. We had a very special conversation with Mutlugil about the development of Mutlutur Yachting, TYBA's contributions to the sector, new generation yachting trends, and sustainability. Here are the details of a comprehensive interview:
Could you tell us about the founding story of Mutlutur Yachting and what services you offer your customers?
In 2003, we established our company, Mutlutur Yachting, with the aim of turning our passion for boating into a business. We initially started with yacht construction, but the yacht construction industry presented certain challenges related to skilled labor that were not suitable for us, leading us to shift our focus to yacht charter and management. After renting out our first yacht, we began receiving different requests by participating in international fairs. Over time, we expanded our fleet and today we offer a wide range of services in four main areas: yacht rental, yacht sales, yacht management, and yacht brokerage.
We offer services in four areas: yacht charter, yacht sales, yacht management, and yacht brokerage. These services work together seamlessly. For example, we provide support to customers who purchase a yacht in areas such as flag change, crew provisioning, and yacht management. When our customers consult us to avoid being affected by rising costs, we conduct a feasibility study for their boats, enabling them to cover their expenses by leasing them for commercial purposes. Additionally, we provide yacht owners with all kinds of services in destinations such as Italy, Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece in the Mediterranean, in collaboration with our solution partners.
“The changing approach to yachting is pushing the industry to produce faster and more technological solutions.”
There is a major shift in the new generation yachting culture. How do you assess this transformation?
The new generation yachting culture is shaped by the preciousness of time, technological developments, and environmental awareness. The younger generation, in particular, prefers more modern, technological, and environmentally friendly yachts over classic ones. Motor yachts stand out because they offer speed and comfort. New generation customers, especially young CEOs, want smart systems that can be controlled from anywhere on the boat. For example, they can turn the boat's lights on and off from their phones, control the music and TV systems, and control many of the boat's systems.
Additionally, innovations such as AI-managed boats, digital control systems, and hybrid engines are becoming increasingly prominent trends. These technologies are transforming the yachting industry. New generation customers want to use their time efficiently. Therefore, yachts offering technological capabilities such as satellite-connected meeting rooms on board and internet connectivity to track global markets in real time are preferred.
“One of TYBA's greatest contributions to the yachting industry is its charter agreement, which complies with international standards.”
Ready, as TYBA Yacht Charter Days, one of Turkey's most important yachting events, approaches, we would like to hear about TYBA's founding story and its role in the industry.
TYBA is a professional association of yacht professionals that I founded in 2017 with nine colleagues. We are an association established with the aim of finding solutions to the problems of the yachting sector in Turkey, bringing together professionals in the sector, guiding the sector, and bringing Turkish commercial yachting to its rightful place on the world stage. We currently have 100 members.All of our members are members of the Chamber of Shipping, and most of the Assembly Presidents and Board Members of the Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye Chambers of Shipping are also members of the TYBA Association. I am one of the founders of the association and serve as the vice president of the board of directors. TYBA aims to set standards in the industry in areas such as yacht chartering and yacht management, and is an association composed of the most influential and competent members in this field in Turkey. We also have a mission to prepare the younger generation for maritime affairs. After all, the management team changes every three years, and what matters is that such structures are long-lasting, survive for many years, and are sustainable.
TYBA's yacht charter agreement is drawing attention as a first in the industry. Why is this agreement so important?
This agreement has a transparent structure that protects the rights of all parties in the industry. The most important feature of this agreement, signed by four parties (yacht owner, charterer, broker, and central agency), is that it is the first contract of its kind to comply with international standards that grant jurisdiction to Turkish courts. This increases trust in the yachting sector while ensuring that Turkey is represented more strongly on the international stage. At the TYBA CHARTER SHOW, which we organize every year, we hold a special seminar called ‘Tyba Contract’ and give presentations on the TYBA Contract to foreign brokers from all over the world.
Sustainability and environmental protection are of great importance for every sector today. What steps are you taking in this regard at TYBA?
As the TYBA Association, we place great importance on sustainability and environmental protection. We aim to raise awareness in these areas, support environmentally friendly projects, and promote sustainable practices. We are particularly working to reduce plastic consumption. At the 6th Tyba Charter Show, which we will organize at D-Marin Göcek on May 9-13, 2025, we will hold an activity called the Designer Water Contest with CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association), which is based in the United States. The aim of the competition is to highlight the exceptional taste of water produced on yachts, showcase the creativity of yacht chefs, and demonstrate easy ways to eliminate plastic water bottle waste on yachts.
“Protecting the seas means securing the future of the yachting industry.”
What are your favorite yachting destinations?
Personally, Bodrum and Göcek in Turkey are my favorite destinations. Bodrum stands out for its luxury consumption and nightlife, particularly with the Yalıkavak Marina brand. Göcek, on the other hand, is preferred for its tranquil bays and natural beauty; thanks to its proximity to the airport, it is one of the rare yachting centers where you can reach your boat in just 25 minutes after landing.
Abroad, the islands of Hvar, Mljet, and Korcula in Croatia and the Greek Islands—especially Corfu and Kefalonia—are special places for me. These regions stand out for both their natural beauty and their yachting infrastructure.
How did becoming the first Turk to join the European Committee for Professional Yachting (ECPY) impact the industry?
Being the first Turkish member of the European Professional Yachting Committee (ECPY) is a great source of pride for me. This membership ensures that the Turkish yachting sector is more visible on the international stage. ECPY is an important organization that sets standards for the yachting sector in Europe and brings together professionals in the industry. The experience I have gained and the relationships I have built here greatly contribute to TYBA's work. In addition to ECPY, I am also a member of international yachting associations such as CYBA, AYCA, and IYBA. This allows me to share information with our colleagues there about Turkish yachting, industry practices, regulations, and the latest announcements.
You teach at Piri Reis University. This is a valuable contribution to the industry, alongside your other responsibilities. As an academic, what advice would you give to young people regarding a career in maritime studies?
My goal is to support young people in pursuing careers in this sector. Since maritime and yachting are international industries, I emphasize the importance of knowing a foreign language. I also recommend that young people develop themselves by participating in certification programs. Ultimately, sooner or later, every student finishes their education and begins their professional journey. Here, I emphasize the importance of being well-equipped and desirable. Among the students I have taught and trained, there are those working on the yacht of Turkey's largest holding company owner and a female captain working abroad. These are also developments that make us proud.
“Knowing a foreign language gives young people a significant advantage in succeeding in the industry.”
In short, my most important advice to young people is to improve their skills and learn foreign languages, as shipping and yachting are international industries. Knowing a foreign language is a huge advantage. I also recommend that they obtain foreign seafarer certificates such as MCA/IYT and visit yachting-related fairs and read publications. They should keep up with innovations in the sector and adapt to technology. I support young people pursuing careers in this field and always keep my door open to them. I will continue to help as many graduates as I can with employment.
English