Since arriving at the rather large Marmaris Yacht Marina on Dec. 6th my head has been down. A flurry of activity from the rather tortuous clearance procedures required to enter a sailing vessel into Turkey, to prepare Necessity for haul out and hard standing, and to scout out the various options to get the prop serviced. Good news there. I met a German live-aboard who is familiar with our Variprop design and has agreed to assist. After removing the prop it appears even after being dismantled and hit repeatedly with a hammer by Tunisians it is only going to require some minor pitch adjustments!
I was also able to hook up with a nice family run business who have repaired the tear in our main sail and assisted me in removing the prop shaft for the shaft seal replacement job.
Marmaris Yacht Marina is 8 kms away from the town of Marmaris. One can take a ferry boat over for free (only two runs per day), or for 6 TL (Turkish Lira) – about $3 CDN – one can get on a bus which makes the trip once per hour. Yacht Marine has room on the hard for over 3,000 boats. A sea of yachts on the hard, including many mega yachts like Ma Biche (My Doe or Deer). One must remember the route to one’s vessel. For Necessity head straight out from the sail loft, turn left at the Trimarman (exact model of Bill Scott’s BTW), and then right past the yacht under tarps being painted.
Marmaris, the town, has a wonderful waterfront lined with plants and restaurants. There is an almost endless bazaar section and contrary to the Tunisian shopping experience one can simply look around without being hounded. Price tags are scarce and haggling is required.
The crew checked into Hotel Nadir, Turkish breakfast included (Tea or coffee, hard boiled egg, peeled and sliced tomato & cucumber, slice of cheese and olives). Showers after 1800 hrs after they turn on the boiler. WiFi included. Very friendly folks and I believe we will stay here again in April when we return for the 2012 sailing adventure.