On a magnificent Sunday morning in Göcek, TYBA Yacht Charter Show’As we wandered through the lively atmosphere, we thought we would once again listen to the story of a boat, accompanied by laughter mingling with the salty sea air and a light breeze hitting the boat awnings. But this time, we encountered not just a boat, but two sailors whose pasts were steeped in the sea, who had grown up with a passion for sailing from a young age. When we stepped onto the “Queen of the Sea,” it felt like passing through a door to the past.
Those who welcomed us, Bodrum residents Gulet Sailor the founders of the brand Ahmet Murtaza Öncü and Sheriff Öncü It happened. Two cousins, two sea lovers... But most importantly, visionary representatives of a tradition spanning three generations. Having breathed in the scent of wood in their grandfathers' workshop and learned the language of the sea at a young age, the conversation with these two individuals slowed down the rhythm of time for a moment.
Mr. Ahmet takes us back to the summer of 1957:
“Our grandfather, Captain Ahmet Şerif, was one of the first to pioneer blue voyages in these waters. That summer, a delegation from the American Embassy found him and said they wanted to take a tour of the Aegean. Without hesitation, my grandfather began taking the Americans around the Aegean bays in his small twelve-meter fishing boat. Back then, there was no radar or GPS... They navigated by the stars. At night, they would drop anchor a few meters out and stay there until morning.”
Today “Başaran”named Bodrum Maritime Museum’The boat on display represents the first step of a grand vision, despite the hardships of the era. Even before the concept of the “blue voyage” was known, Captain Ahmet Şerif transformed a simple fishing boat with the resources at hand, initiating a cultural route.
While Mr. Ahmet was speaking, Şerif Öncü nodded silently. When they mentioned they were cousins, we sensed that their harmony was woven not only by blood but also by the depth of their shared past. They were like two voices of the same story; one narrated, the other completed.
“My grandfather was also a carpenter,” says Mr. Şerif. “Our uncles and cousins were captains. We built the largest boats that were brought to Bodrum Harbor. We worked with Master Ekrem. The masters of those days are no longer with us, but the legacy they left lives on in everything we do.”
Another meaningful memory is shared in the lines of the past. Years ago, when a German group visiting Bodrum wanted to go to Antalya, they converted the Öncü family's fishing boats to make the trip possible, as there was no transportation available in the region. Cabins were built, toilets were added, and the first trip took place like this.
“This was not just a trip, but also the beginning of a solid friendship,” says Mr. Ahmet. “One of those German guests sent a Mercedes boat engine to Bodrum years later. For that time, it was almost revolutionary.”
For years, they set sail with that motorboat. Over time, this bond grew into more than just a professional relationship; it became a friendship built on mutual trust and loyalty. The journey that began with the grandfather continued with the fathers, and then with Ahmet and Şerif Bey. Each new voyage brought back memories of the previous one.
“My grandfather passed away at the age of 92.” says Mr. Sherif, smiling gently. “Due to old age, they could no longer visit each other. I was the last one to go to Berlin. We set up a video call between my grandfather and his old friend. They both became emotional. It was like a lifetime shared together, beyond just a profession.”
This memory left a deep impression on us. The guests had aged, the flights had become exhausting, but the bonds had never been broken. “After three generations, they became like family to us, not just customers.” says Mr. Ahmet.
“When we look at old photographs, it's not just memories that come to life in our minds; it's sounds, smells, even that summer sun.”
Walking around the Queen of the Sea, traces of this heritage stretching from the past to the present could be seen everywhere. The interior of the elegant 27-meter yacht was spacious, its color harmonizing with the sea. The salon, decorated in soft tones, with high ceilings and carefully selected textiles, was eye-catching. Our eyes were particularly drawn to the pillows and covers. Each one seemed to embody the aesthetics of the Aegean.
Sheriff Bey explained politely:
“Our spouses designed these details. Each one reflects our culture and aesthetic sensibility. This is not just a boat; it's a living space for us. We want our guests to feel at home here.”
The Gulet Sailor brand was established about a year and a half ago, but from this story we understand that their experience dates back 70 years. They provide services not only with their own boats but also with other boats they trust and whose crews work diligently. They carried out a six-month refit on a boat belonging to a UK-based company in Bodrum. When you take a look at the Queen of the Sea, you can clearly see the effort that went into it.
Another boat in the Gulet Sailor fleet is the “Derya Kaptan.” It is a 12-meter yacht designed specifically for sailing training and competitions. It is not commercial, but its significance is profound.
“We created Derya Kaptan to keep Bodrum's sailing culture alive.” they say. “This is both a tradition and a responsibility for us.”
As we sipped our Turkish coffee, we lost track of time. That day in Göcek, we were guests not only on a boat, but also to a tradition, to a family's memory woven with the sea. From the craftsmen who breathe life into wood, to the captains who chart their course by stargazing, to the lasting friendships born of hospitality, everything was part of this story.
And we realized this:
Some boats don't just move through the water. They carry history, hard work, friendship, and passion.
We realized on the deck of the Queen of the Sea, with the wind blowing:
The sea is not just water. Sometimes it is a surname, sometimes a motif, and sometimes the silent narrator of a dream that spans three generations.
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