For the sixth spring in a row, a quiet transformation takes place along the sun-drenched coastline of southwestern Turkey. The serene seaside town of Göcek becomes the epicenter of the Eastern Mediterranean yachting scene during the TYBA Yacht Charter Show, hosted by the Turkish Yacht Brokers Association. In 2025, the event returns from May 9–13 at the picturesque D-Marin Göcek, and if you’re in the yacht charter world, this is where you want to be.
Göcek and D-Marin: More Than Just a Backdrop
Göcek is more than just a marina town. Its calm, protected waters and easy access to the famed “12 Islands” make it a favorite for yacht owners and captains. D-Marin Göcek, the host marina, matches this natural beauty with top-tier facilities and is renowned as one of Turkey’s safest natural marinas, offering deep drafts suitable for large yachts. The marina has smooth sandy beaches and provides access to hundreds of stunning Aegean islands, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region’s nautical treasures. During the TYBA Yacht Charter Show, the marina becomes more than a mooring spot—it turns into a vibrant floating village of luxury yachts, seasoned professionals, gourmet experiences, and, most importantly, opportunities.
Gulets: The Soul of Turkish Yachting
While gleaming motor yachts and sleek sailing vessels certainly draw attention, gulets are the quiet showstoppers of the TYBA Yacht Charter Show—and it’s time they got their due. Gulets are traditional Turkish wooden sailing yachts, often handcrafted by local shipwrights. With their wide beams and spacious decks, they offer a kind of comfort that many modern yachts can’t replicate. But don’t let the word “traditional” fool you—today’s gulets blend old-world charm with contemporary luxury. Picture polished teak, airy cabins with ensuite baths, gourmet kitchens, and sometimes even Jacuzzis on deck.
Gulets are not just vessels—they’re experiences. Perfect for slow, immersive cruising, they invite you to truly live at sea. Yet, despite their charm, they’re often overlooked in favor of flashier alternatives. The TYBA Yacht Charter Show provides a rare chance to step aboard these graceful yachts and rediscover the art of sailing Turkish style.
One example on TYBA display is the YAZZ gulet, a beautifully designed 183’ 9” (56m) vessel featuring five cabins, expansive lounge areas, and a Jacuzzi on the top deck. YAZZ perfectly illustrates how gulets can rival, and even surpass, many modern motor yachts in both comfort and style—while offering a far more intimate and authentic cruising experience.
Despite all this, gulets remain surprisingly underappreciated in the global charter market. The TYBA Show is changing that—inviting brokers, clients, and media alike to step aboard and experience their magic firsthand.
And if you’re more of a motor yacht enthusiast, you won’t be disappointed—head over to view the iconic motor yacht ALFA NERO, a symbol of cutting-edge design and elegance on the water.
More Than a Showcase
What sets the TYBA Yacht Charter Show apart is its emphasis on community and culture, not just commerce. Yes, over 50 yachts line the docks, and hundreds of charter professionals attend—but this is also an event about storytelling, craftsmanship, and connection.
Highlights of the 2025 show include:
- The Chef’s Competition, where yacht chefs reimagine Turkish street food with fine-dining flair.
- The Cocktail Challenge, showcasing mixology as high art.
- Industry Seminars, diving into topics like Turkey’s evolving role in the global yacht charter scene and sustainable cruising strategies.
An Unmissable Show
As the charter world continues to evolve, shows like TYBA Yacht Charter Show remind us of the importance of roots. Turkish gulets are more than vessels—they are floating expressions of heritage, hospitality, and a slower, more soulful kind of luxury. In a market that often chases the next big thing, gulets offer something quietly radical: authenticity.
If you’re a broker, charter manager, or just someone with a deep love for the sea, the TYBA Yacht Charter Show in Göcek is more than a date in your diary—it’s a journey worth taking.
