Crewed Yacht Charters Aegean
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CREWED CHARTER SAILING YACHT
T.G. ELLYSON
Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern Mediterranean
www.tgeyacht.com


Crewed Yacht Charters

Sailing The Aegean And Eastern Mediterranean

Holidays And Vacations

Guest Reflections Year 2005

(Links in Underlined Blue Text)

What follows are verbatim log entries of year 2005 guests aboard the yacht T.G. Ellyson sailing crewed yacht charters in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. To visit the TGE's home page click here. To examine various itineraries, such as Alexander's Path, prefacing these log entries, click here. For an introduction to the TGE's crew, click here.

Gocek to Kas (Alexander's Path). A private sail with Gordon and Isabelle aboard the T.G. Ellyson was for me a trifecta. Having been born of Turkish parents Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern Mediterraneanin the USA, and knowledgeable of Turkish history, customs and language, I can state that this is a first rate way for the first-time traveler to meet Turkey, its ancient and manifold history, its culture and hospitable people and delicious, healthy, cuisine. This experience combined the three best things about Turkey into one: its history/geography, cuisine, and people. Our travel advice is to bring only those who are flexible, adaptable, and curious. In addition, being able to climb steep mountains without becoming breathless comes in handy...Gordon's nickname, by us, is "The Billy Goat". Isabelle is a charming presence along the way whose easygoing manner is appreciated...as are her skills in French, food preparation, and swimming...which she and Julie did on three occasions. Tali Arik and Julie Bolton, Las Vegas, Nevada, May 2005

P.S. Please be on time...that is, Gordon time...(he IS a Naval Academy graduate!!)

Kas to Antalya (Alexander's Path).  Our week with you was everything we had hoped it would be and more. We found you to be not only an excellent host and skipper but also a gem of a tour guide. Thank you for taking us to so many ancient sites. Thank you for walking with us for hours and telling us the history and pointing out Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern Mediterraneanitems of interest that we would otherwise have missed. We gained a wealth of knowledge and experience from you and are extremely grateful. We'll sail with you again, and we would happily recommend you to anyone. Most sincerely, Susan Oliver, Kodiak, Alaska, June 2005

Kas to Antalya (Alexander's Path).  Of our four weeks in Turkey, the week aboard the T.G. Ellyson was, without doubt, the best. The accommodations are beyond comfortable, the company enlightening and entertaining, and the scenery breathtaking. Gordon's knowledge of the ancient sites, and his obvious love of them, was a bonus. The climb to the Lion Tomb, off the beaten path, was the best. Bill Oliver, Kodiak, Alaska, June 2005

Antalya to Fethiye (Alexander's Path). Actually I have to thank you for lots of things but, first, although you're known to be impatient, you've been very patient with me. Thank you for tolerating my faults patiently. I have really felt like being on holiday instead of working and really enjoyed to know you and be here. Besides these you're really a very good captain, tourist guide, and, most important in my opinion, a very good teacher. Thank you for taking me to Kastellorizon. It was my first time in a foreign country and it was excellent. I'll always remember my experience here. Very glad to have met you. Thanks for everything. Hersey icin tesekkurler. Seda Karakurt, Izmir, Turkey, June 2005

Antalya to Rhodes (Alexander's Path). My vacation has taken me from Portugal to Turkey, through cities and ruins, inland and coastal. However, the best part of my vacation has been my trip with you. I've seen little-known harbors, learned about history, and enjoyed daily gin-and-tonics. But best of all, you've inspired me to learn more about sailing. My boat will be getting a lot of use once I get back home. Thank you for making this trip so memorable and enjoyable! Best wishes for success. Diana Streat, Seattle, Washington, June 2005

Antalya to Rhodes (Alexander's Path). The nine days I spent on the boat were incredible. My expectations Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern Mediterraneanwere high and they were far exceeded. The sailing, sites, meals, and conversation will be something I'll always remember. Gordon is a great skipper and we always felt safe and under control even in rough seas. I'll miss the daily 4:00 PM beer and pound cake but hope to come back someday and do this again. Gordon, best wishes to you and your family. Dave Sliwa, Seattle, Washington, June 2005

Antalya to Rhodes (Alexander's Path). Thank you for the great time, Gordon. I appreciate the culture and history to which we were exposed. Sorry for the sand in the dinghy and for being such a girl on St. Nicholas Island (aka Spider Island). Heather Lynch, Seattle, Washington, June 2005

Antalya to Rhodes (Alexander's Path). Gordon, Serendipity is the word that best captures the essence of this trip. I knew it was "right" when a computer search for my former co-worker led me to you, and our charter around the Lycian coast has surpassed my expectations. The sites were wonderful, the accompanying history was amazing, and the local color made it all the better. Thank you for your patience and understanding with the novice sailor as well. You and the T.G. Ellyson will receive my highest recommendation. Derek Streat, Seattle, Washington, June 2005

Rhodes to Kos (Cleopatra's Route). This is my second trip of a lifetime. Sailed with Gordon six years ago and have dreamed about coming back. This time was a whole new amazing adventure. I especially liked our Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern Mediterraneanstay in Selimiye at Aurora Restaurant. Perfect swimming and relaxing to say nothing about the wonderful meals would be wrong as well. I have the dubious distinction of being in a storm bigger than Leni and Neal's but always knew Gordon would keep us safe no matter what - I said my prayers. Thank you for the perfect gift of memories! Diane Miller, Canyon Country, California, June 2005

Rhodes to Kos (Cleopatra's Route). I couldn't have asked for a better college graduation gift. The experience with Gordon this past week will be one to talk about forever. We went to one-hut ports (Loryma) with amazing swimming, food ports (Selimiye), and larger city ports (Kos). All different but equally beautiful. My camera is full with postcard type pictures that will be gracing my desk top forever. Thanks, mom, for taking me here. Thanks, Gordon, for keeping us safe, being an intelligent tour guide, and for being pleasant company. Serefe! (Cheers!), JoLynn Miller, Canyon Country, California, June 2005

Naxos to Santorini (Sailing The Greek Cyclades). The captain gave the four of us a warm welcome on his boat. Throughout the trip his seamanship was exemplary. Isabelle took pains to care for our particular likes Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern 
Mediterraneanwith wonderful breakfasts and lunches. Place all this in the Cycladic isles and the result is a treasure trove of indelible memories. Philip Woollam, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 2005

Naxos to Santorini (Sailing The Greek Cyclades). Thank you Gordon and Isabelle for a wonderful, memorable, week. The TGE is a lovely boat and the winds cooperated. We enjoyed Delos, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. Warmest greetings to your lovely family. Tina Freeman, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 2005

Naxos to Santorini (Sailing The Greek Cyclades).  Thank you for the wonderful sail around the crystalline Aegean.  The islands were all magnificent, if barren.  When we got to actually sail, it was amazing - T.G. Ellyson is a wonderful boat.  Thanks for everything.  Greetings to your family, especially Sian and William.  Olivia Woollam, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 2005

Naxos to Santorini (Sailing The Greek Cyclades).  Gordon, please remember to wear your sunscreen and drink water!  Thank you so much for the wonderful memories aboard the TGE.  Isabelle, merci beaucoup pour Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern 
Mediterraneanles repas magnifiques. Vous etes tres gentile. My best wishes to Jenny, Sian, and William.  I'll never forget y'all. Jennifer Kilbourne, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 2005

Santorini to Paros (Sailing The Greek Cyclades). My friend Eric Schultz and I have just finished a lovely sail with Gordon Abercrombie aboard the TGE. It was a superb sail! We visited some lesser known islands where we enjoyed a slower-paced and more relaxed environment. Gordon is a wonderful captain who really knows his stuff, as the last day of our journey we encountered the dreaded meltemi winds. These winds had our boat rocking on waves eight to ten feet, but Gordon negotiated them superbly and pulled us safe and sound into the port of Piso Livadhi on Paros. We can't wait to sail with him again. His first mate, Isabelle Outin, took great care of us, too. Carolyn Colmer, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, July 2005

Santorini to Paros (Sailing The Greek Cyclades). Gordon's knowledge about this part of the world is outstanding and added to the enjoyment of our journey. Our trips around the islands to explore the chora and kastro of each were great fun. Keep searching for that elusive "ultimate" octopus salad, Gordon! Like Santiago searching for his big fish! And thanks, Isabelle, for the great breakfasts and lunches on the boat as well as the fun times ashore. Safe passage back to Turkey! Eric Schultz, San Francisco, California, July 2005

Gocek to Simi (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, Thank you Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern Mediterranean so much for a fantastic week - despite the heat, inadequate walking shoes, stye in my eye, I loved the sailing, the Byzantine and Rhodian ruins, and all the stray dogs and cats. Your sailing is seriously impressive and your crew person (Brigitte Pelletier) a great star. You both made us feel welcome and comfortable. Love, Patsy Plender, Kent, England, August 2005

Gocek to Simi (Cleopatra's Route). When you are in Kumlu Buku//Don't ask yourself "What shall I do?"//For you'll not be bored on a boat steered by Gordon//With lovely Brigitte as the crew. Richard Plender, Kent, England, August 2005

Gocek to Simi (Cleopatra's Route). A fantastic start to our summer holiday... yummy food, lovely ports, beautiful weather, interesting ruins, and expert sailing! The seas were stunning - every swim a treat! Thank you for a great week! We will definitely return! Love from Amy P. xxx Amy Plender, Kent, England, August 2005

Gocek to Sogut (Cleopatra's Route). Leni was appraised by the world's wealthiest individual (from his helicopter) on our way out of Gocek. I found a new way to wake Gordon at 6:00 AM; drop a pocketful of coins on deck. Brigitte was a wonderful cook and crew person. Gordon is still a grumpy old sea dog. Survived a storm at Ciftlik. Had another great time (our fourth). Neal Whisenand, Palmdale, Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern MediterraneanCalifornia, October 2005

Gocek to Sogut (Cleopatra's Route). Many new Turkish bays visited. Plus Simi, Greece. Had a great filet of beef at Megri's in Fethiye and fantastic cheesy-steak at Aurora in Selimiye (where Neal extended himself entertaining others hoping for a quiet dinner). Enjoyed Cleopatra's Bay and Recep the proprietor/entertainer and hope to see his floating restaurant again. Got loads of rest. Read four books and listened to two others on iPod. Took one hike which just about did me in. Fortunately Brigitte had water to occasionally trickle on my back. Thanks again, Gordon, and glad we met/were nurtured by Brigitte. Leni Whisenand, Palmdale, California, October 2005

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Dear Homo Sapiens, There is no need to continue reading this page. What follows is intended for search engine robots and spiders and not necessarily for human beings. Further information concerning yacht charters sailing the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean may be obtained by clicking on the blue links immediately above. Thank You. This is all about crewed yacht charters sailing the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. Should you be looking for something else, well, you might read this anyway, read about crewed yacht charter holidays cruising among Aegean islands of Greece and along the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. This was the crewed charter sailing yacht T.G. Ellyson's tenth charter year in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean and its 23rd year thereCrewed Yacht Charters Aegean chartering and not chartering. The 2005 charter year was characterized as in other years by interesting and interested guests enthusiastic about sailing, hiking, and exploring evidence of ancient and medieval civilization. It was another wonderful year of campfire cuisine and Greek taverna dining. It was also a year in which we combed the tracks of medieval privateers sailing under Ottoman letters of marque, including those of the four Barbarossas, brothers from Greek Lesbos, those of Dragut, a janissary conscript from southwestern Anatolia, those of Aydin Reis, a Christian from Karamania known in polite circles as "Beat The Devil," those of Piali Pasha, another janissary conscript from Croatia, those of the Calabrian Uluc Ali, and those of the four Murats Kaptan, one from Anatolia, one from Dubrovnik, one from Albania, and one from Sardinia. All of these redoubtable seamen plied their profession, at least initially, in small open galleys called galliots having 17-20 oars to a side and a single cannon in the bow, and most ended their time at sea with high Ottoman rank, several as Lord High Admiral of the Ottoman Navy. In between they patrolled sea lanes leading to the TGE's many destinations, including Fethiye and Antalya, Rhodes and Bodrum, Kos and Patmos, Naxos and Paros, among others, together helping to create a memorable pertinence for TGE guests.Crewed Yacht Charters Eastern Mediterranean 2005 was also another year of political discussion aboard the TGE. In these times of unwelcome in Iraq, such discussion can hardly be avoided. We hope you will join us in 2006, join us for discussion and for an excursion along the south coast of Turkey to Antalya and beyond, or through the Greek Dodecanese to Samos in the Greek Sporades, visiting Greek Simi, Nisiros, Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi, Arki, and Agathonisi along the way. As many of our guests have done. Join us, too, for an Odyssey among mid-Aegean Cyclades, including Mykonos and Santorini. Crewed yacht charter holidays in Greece. Or join us for fine sailing along the Turkish coast from Gocek to Selimiye and Bodrum, a yacht charter in Turkey along Cleopatra's honeymoon route. Could any of these locales offer the holiday for which you are searching? The honeymoon for which you are searching? Would you like to charter a sailing yacht to cruise the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean? Would you like to charter a crewed sailing yacht to cruise the Mediterranean coast of Turkey? A superb crewed yacht to island hop the Greek Aegean? If so, contact us today at tgeyacht@aol.com.