Alanya Marina - a Huge Thank You! .... Tara for now!

View from the Castle, Alanya

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff at Alanya Marina www.alanyamarina.com.tr where we have spent most of the past month. To Savas, so gracious and obliging - nothing is too much trouble. Mesut - you are a star. The care and attention you gave to our haulout was exceptional. Mr Oktay, General and Technical Manager - your assistance on our technical issues is so much appreciated, especially the power lead which was twice severed by accident during our hull maintenance! Not even a raised eyebrow did we see! Finally Sibel who takes care of all reservations. Thank you Sibel - we did not say farewell to you, so hope this means we will see you again. ... and most of all to our friend Hasan, who we have not seen much of because he is away leading the Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally, but whose kindness and generosity is legendary amongst yachtsmen in the Mediterranean.

Alanya Marina is a short 1TKL (approx AUD1) bus ride from downtown Alanya, the ancient name for which was Coracesium in the 4th Century BC.

Alanya has a chequered history, being inhabited by pirates during the second century BC, 'cleaned out' by the Romans around 67BC. Famous landmarks include the Castle and ancient shipyard built by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat and the 33m high Red Tower which overlooks the old harbour. Today endless resort hotels pack the coastline of golden sands from Antalya and Cleopatra Beach close to the marina is no exception.

Alanya Marina represents an opportunity for intrepid boating people to make the passage across the Gulf of Antalya off the beaten track, to arrive at a destination which can more than cater for their needs. In the final stages of construction, Alanya Marina is close to some of the most interesting ancient sites in Turkey, many of them untravelled and unspoilt. The sites of Perge, Side, Aspendos, Manavgat, Gazipasa (which has an airport), Anamur and Silifke are all well worth the visit, not to mention the opportunity to travel inland and further east to places such as Cappadocia, Sanliurfa (Abraham's birthplace) and the astonishing Mt Nemrut national park area. To be able to sail and travel from Alanya to these destinations has been a huge bonus to us.


Another Kiwi boat "SY Musketel" gets the lift out treatment

We wish Alanya Marina the best of luck in finishing the construction phase very speedily now. You are so close to being completely up and running. We will always have special memories of our time with you and know that anyone who comes your way will find a ready welcome in your Marina.