Dock Slumming

Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum's twin bays divided by the castle.  You can see the gulets 
(by their masts) lining the town dock in the foreground

Having reached our destination, we were in the mood for some marina slumming – a highly unlikely occupation in Bodrum.  “A” Dock was full to the brim of magazine worthy hot water boats (rarely seen in our home waters) whilst “B” & “C” were home to a prestigious fleet of charter sailboats, traditional timber gulets and “smaller” hot water boats.  Naturally all came with assorted staff, including chefs & nannies (for children and small, fluffy dogs).  Somehow we were tolerated – possibly because of our differences.  To get off WJ3, we had to climb (athletically) over the bow fitting, balance on the anchor then step onto a flight of ladder-like steps to reach the dock.  Then there was the matter of the 300 metre dash to the loo.  And of course, we never wore white, designer swimmers or matching uniforms.  (We slummed in our undies too…only on deck in 38°C heat.  Sure hope the boys & our parents aren’t reading this!)

This is the Bodrum Marina with assorted larger craft anchored outside

We did learn one thing though; foreign flagged vessels aren’t what they seem.  We had waved madly at Aussies, or so we thought.  They didn’t wave back.  Appears that most are charter fleet operated vessels registered overseas, largely from USA and Germany.  We know this now because these boats are decked head to toe with bow bunnies, water toys and teak patio settings.  Not serious boater stuff – spare anchors, jerry cans, fenders, and solar panels – umm, I could go on and on…..

Cap'n Bonds does a little electrical work

Bodrum is divided by two natural harbours.  The marina shares space with an equally busy town dock crammed full of day tripping gulets and ferries; the odd fishing boat, sponge diver or hardy visitor taking a risk to find space in this hot, high season.  We learned a lot about med mooring watching these lumbering tourist craft jostle into tiny spaces each day.   This part of town mostly hosts wall to wall restaurants and nightclubs along its tree sheltered length; it is the quieter, more reserved side.  The eastern bay, home to a crowded tourist area, boasts several bump & grind discos, both on and off-shore.  Coloured search lights stab at the night sky and music pumps & throbs away from 9.30pm.  It continues until at least 3.30am (without respite).  Unfortunately, we left our Abba inspired disco gear at home this year, so couldn’t have made it into the chic Halikarnas Club - even if our cruising budget had allowed it!  Well, maybe next year.

Heading out of the Bodrum Marina.  Some graffiti passes muster