Sailboat RentalsCruising Greece And TurkeyHolidays And VacationsGuest Reflections Year 1998(Links in Underlined Blue Text) What follows are verbatim log entries of year 1998 guests aboard the charter sailing yacht T.G. Ellyson concerning sailboat rentals cruising Greece and Turkey. To visit the TGE's home page click here. To examine various itineraries, such as Cleopatra's Route, prefacing these log entries, click here. For an introduction to the TGE's crew, click here. Gocek to Ekincik (Cleopatra's Route). Thank you Gordon
and Philippa for a truly fabulous holiday. From Ali's Cold Water Bay to Gocek to Ekincik (Cleopatra's Route). Gocek to Rhodes to Marmaris to Dalyan - great way to see it all!! Julie and I had a wonderful holiday. My impressions and expectations were exceeded at every turn. Being able to see some of the Turkish Aegean coast was absolutely unforgettable, from the fireside of a cove to sitting in a quiet and beautiful marina at night is something we will always remember. I would like to thank Gordon and Philippa for making the keel-boat sailing experience, our first, something we will now plan and look forward to again and again in the near future. Now I need to figure out how to get my own boat into the Aegean - something to plan for. Robert Bucher, Vancouver, Canada, May 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Our second cruise, albeit rather brief, has permitted further appreciation of the T.G. Ellyson. Having now had the opportunity to see more of the Gulf of Fethiye, and realizing this is only the beginning, I look forward to the next visit. My thanks to both of you, Gordon and Philippa. A bientot. Howdy Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, May 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Seeds are growing. Eva Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, May 1998 Marmaris to Antalya (Cruising Alexander's Path). Gordon, thanks for a wonderful, wonderful trip truly one of life's ultimate experiences! Philippa, thanks for the great company and lunches!! "The lights begin to twinkle on the rocks, the long day wanes, the slow moon climbs, the deep moans round with many voices. Come my friends, 'tis not too late to see a newer world. Push off and setting well in order smite the sounding furrow, for our purpose is to sail beyond the sunset and the baths of all the western stars before we die. It may be that the gulfs shall wash us down, it may be that we shall reach the happy isles and see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Though much is taken, much abides, and though we are not now that force that in old days moved earth and heaven, that what we are we are; one equal temper of heroic hearts made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive to seek to find and not to yield!" (Tennyson's Ulysses) Good luck to you, Gordon. Thanks and best wishes. Jerry Wrixon, Cork, Ireland, June 1998 Marmaris to Antalya (Cruising Alexander's Path).
So difficult to put in words the sensual and impressionistic. To paraphrase: I
stepped on stones which spoke, and met with many ghosts, and renewed my Marmaris to Antalya (Cruising Alexander's Path). Gordon, from the ramparts in Marmaris to the shadows in Aspendos an unforgettable journey; I loved the sea and sky, the unspoiled places and a sense of continuity; one is tempted to think of the failed splendor of the past, but I felt most sharply the spirits of those who have gone before. I read a line in Doctor Zhivago, my trip reading: "You rose from the dead the day you were born, but you didn't know it. " It was so apt. Many thanks. Sail on. Keep writing. And a special thanks to Philippa. Sheila Block, Santa Barbara, California, June 1998 Marmaris to Antalya (Cruising Alexander's Path). T.G. Ellyson: thanks for the great lesson in cruising seamanship and close quarters anchoring, Mediterranean style. And we surely have to express gratitude to Philippa, your pursor, cook, and all round girl Friday. She was unfailingly good company on shore trips - great cooking, too. Robert Block, Santa Barbara, California, June 1998 Antalya to Gocek (Cruising Alexander's Path).
Dear Gordon, Thank you for sharing some of Lycian Turkey with Brian, Aaron, and me. I think of
you like a brother-friend who I have known for 25 years. This was a very special trip for me
with my sons who are finding their own way through life. Having an opportunity to be with their
dad and "Uncle Gordon" as role models in the unique environment of T.G. Ellyson was a
once in a lifetime Antalya to Gocek (Cruising Alexander's Path). Dear Gordon, Thank you for a great sailing adventure and family vacation. We have become very close to you and feel like you are family. We enjoyed your company and will always remember this special time we spent together. You have perfected the getaway, full of exciting fun experiences, rich in history and culture that will last a lifetime. Anyone who loves sailing and is in need of some quality time to enjoy life shouldn't miss this opportunity!!! Best wishes to you and your family, Brian and Aaron Gurewitz, Palos Verdes, California, June 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). After more than a year of anticipating our honeymoon adventure I can't believe we are packing up to go home. The week flew by, but every bay we stopped and lingered in will remain in my mind forever. The hikes, Island Ranger, paragliding, 30-knot winds, doldrums, furnace winds, being chilly at Cold Water Bay - all great memories. Thanks also for sharing a bit of yourself on this trip. Your life adventures are a great inspiration to me and Jeff as we begin our life together. A special note is that Andrea, our first-time crew, was a wonderful addition to our trip. Great food and laughter. Thanks for the backgammon lessons, reading the future in Turkish coffee grounds, our river excursion to Dalyan, and wonderful Turkish-German food!! Joanna Forbes, Loveland, Colorado, July 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Some of
our favorite stops were Wall Bay with its Roman wall, pine trees, the hike along the wall, and
great swimming; Cold Water Bay with its great food, cool temperatures, and fantastic side
attractions of ruins and paragliding; No Name Bay was excellent, too, with its flower gardens and elusive
goatherd near the fresh water spring. All in all, Gordon proved to be an excellent guide with
knowledge that he shared on the history of the many ruins, sailing, great Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). I saw my children grow into young adults on this adventure. My wife and I could not ask for a more wonderful trip. Inshallah, we will see you again in three years. John Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). The sea was lovely, the food divine, so who could ask for a better time? Laura Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). I liked the water, the food, the bed on the ship. Leilani Cooper (age 6), Manama, Bahrain, July 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). I liked the food, I liked the last game of backgammon, and I liked driving the boat. Jonathon Cooper (age 9), Manama, Bahrain, July 1998. Gocek to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, Thank you for making our honeymoon even more special. We enjoyed the diversity of experiences - swimming in the tranquil bays of the Gulf of Fethiye, reliving the history of the pirates at Gemiler Island, wading in the ice cold waters of the canyon at Saklikent, exploring the narrow winding alleys of Rhodes Town, hiking to seemingly unvisited remains of ancient tombs (Amos, Crya, Caunos). The sailing was equally fascinating - from whale-spotting to high seas adventure to lazy, lazy, days. We especially appreciate your efforts to take us to special places not mentioned in guide books (not even in Bean's book) and to guide us through them yourself. Also, many thanks to Andrea not only for her skill in the kitchen and on the backgammon board, but also for her perspective on Turkey and on life. Thanks so much again, with fond memories, Astrid Guttmann and Jeff Pentland, Toronto, Canada, August 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Cruising Alexander's Path). Turkish flag is red//Turkish waters are blue//Sailing in it is terrific//And so is the crew. Andrew and Jane Haworth-Booth, Los Angeles, California, September 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Cruising Alexander's Path). It's all
true! Turkey is terrific. A return visit is essential to take Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Dear Gordon and "the new improved Wilma," THANK YOU! Thank you for good humor, for willingness to be flexible when the trip to Rhodes appeared "undoable," for patience, for laughter, for beautiful sights and a wonderful adventure. Wilma, thank you for such good food and for keeping everything so neat - for being a good first mate and keeping Barbara company - we hope your new home will be all you want and your life full of happiness. Gordon - thank you for sharing your experience with us and for the total security we felt - we wish you wonderful parenthood with William and Sian - It was a pleasure to share time with you and Jenny and share your joy! Peter and I are grateful for your care and for our wonderful adventure - We count you as friends! Barbara and Peter Gattermeir, Kansas City, Missouri, September 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route).A trip that will not soon be forgotten. The cuisine, the sights of Turkey and Greece and the invaluable learning experience of sailing. Singapore noodles and the Chinese restaurant is the winner. Followed closely by Deep Bay and the Fisherman taverna in Rhodes. I'm taking in the fenders and setting sail. Thank you, Andrea, for your charming company and excellent culinary skills. Bon Voyage. David Hayes, Olympia, Washington, October 1998 Gocek to Gocek(Cleopatra's Route). I can now add the delights of Singapore noodles , shark-meat casserole, and numerous Turkish dishes to my food journey around the world. This was a great way to see Turkey. Thanks, Ann Beck, Olympia, Washington, October 1998 Gocek to Gocek (Cruising Alexander's Path). Dear
Gordon, Well, the long awaited sailing voyage has finally come and it truly met and surpassed all
our expectations. From the very first night at Deep Bay sitting around the fire on the beach with
Yuksel, to the end
with the gusting wind and rain around Kappi Creek and Fethiye, we built a treasury of memories.
How we appreciated the immaculate care you took of our floating home. Such a pleasure to be
aboard such a beautiful craft with dear Wilma cooking her heart out for us four ravenous rowdies!
I especially enjoyed the day we spent in Kalkan together swimming, shopping, and visiting over
drinks at the Yacht Club by the sea. She is a delight and we all agreed that she kept us not only
well fed Gocek to Gocek (Cruising Alexander's Path). Dear Gordon - what a wonderful experience we have had - so many great memories to treasure! This is truly a most beautiful part of God's creation and we feel very blessed to have shared it with you and Wilma. Your boat is beautiful and we appreciate how clean and organized everything is! How fortunate we were to have Wilma on board! She is wonderful - a great cook and a beautiful person. We truly felt pampered by her and she was a great blessing to us all and we thank God for her and her spirit of warm, loving hospitality. She's a keeper! It is our prayer for you, Jenny and your beautiful children that God will bless you with his love, peace and joy to overflowing. This prayer too is for you Wilma and Hasan. Have a beautiful life! In God's love and ours, may you one day come to our home in Billings! We would love to show you some Montana hospitality - you all come! Jerry and Jan Wolf, Billings, Montana, October 1998. Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Muhtesem bir tatil. Hayatimin en guzel dogumgunu hediyesi! Ve omru mun geyrek yuzyilini geride bireaktigim bu tatildeki muhtesem yemekleri ve tatli insanlari hic unutmayacagim. Doga hep boyle dokunulma mis ve temiz kalir umarim. Tesekkurler .... Gokce Atli, Istanbul, October 1998. Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Thanks again, this time we enjoyed as we did before. Louise's cooking was wonderful. Eva Hildebrand, Geneva, Switzerland, October 1998. Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Third voyage on T. G. Ellyson - was as much fun as first and second. Saw new places - back again ASAP. Howdy Hildebrand, Geneva, Switzerland, October 1998. 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 sailboat rentals cruising Greece and Turkey may be
obtained by clicking on the blue links immediately above. Thank You. Sailboat rentals
cruising Greece. Sailboat rentals cruising Turkey. A sailing holiday or honeymoon to remember
cruising the Turquoise Coast of Turkey and nearby islands of Greece. This was the crewed charter
sailing yacht T.G. Ellyson's third charter year in the eastern Mediterranean. As in the first
two years, the most notable aspect of the 1998 charter year was the |
Ekincik, I had no idea how
beautiful Turkey would be by water and sail! 
own spirit. Many thanks to
Gordon and Philippa for two weeks of great pleasure. Marcia Wrixon, Cork, Ireland,
June 1998
experience. The sailing
was great and the captain and boat outstanding. You made this boat and trip into art work. It was
truly a great experience. Your attention to detail, knowledge, and sailing ability are tops. We
are greatful that Aaron could contribute his oatmeal breakfasts and tuna lunches. The food and
opportunity to crew under you were just 
food, and fun.
Andrea did some fantastic meals and was a cheerful companion at all times. Thanks to both of
you for the adventure, friendship, and for making our honeymoon sailing trip a wonderful
time. Jeff Myers, Loveland, Colorado, July 1998
full advantage of all it has to offer. This
has been a wonderful introduction to the pleasures to be enjoyed afloat. Ian and Judi
Sandeberg, London, England, September 1998
but royally entertained. All
in all I think we can sum it up by saying
that you, Gordon, have succeeded in changing this confirmed land lubber into an old salt feeling
the wind catch our sails, flying across the water heeled over nearly touching our heads in the
water will always be a highlight in my heart. Thanks for encouraging us to paraglide at Olu Deniz
and for all your knowledge about old Turkish history and 
overwhelming enthusiasm of charter guests. They loved to
sail. They loved the crewed charter yacht experience, not only sailing but also hiking and
exploring ancient ruins, campfire cuisine, and calling into Greek islands. Many among them did not
care for the open letter to President Clinton penned by Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz, signed
as well by Donald Rumsfeld, advocating regime change in Iraq to be achieved with U.S. weapons of
mass destruction. Most were relieved Clinton had not heeded the advice. Of the TGE's thirteen
charters in 1998, eight came to the yacht from the world wide web, three were returnees from the
prior two years, and two came from agents. Two couples were on their honeymoons, extending a
honeymoon tradition begun in the TGE's first charter year. Another notable aspect of the charter
year was a new high in the ratio of sailing hours to motor hours, sailing 62% of underway charter
hours. The TGE did not get up into the Greek Aegean in 1998 but nevertheless put into Rhodes
Town (Rodos), Kastellorizo (Castellorizon), both on three occasions, and into Simi (Symi) once.
These are the three easternmost of Greece's Mediterranean islands. The TGE alternatively cruised
the Turquoise Coast of Turkey, the popular Blue Cruise, following Alexander's Path east around
ancient Lycia to Phaselis and Cleopatra's Route sailing the other direction. It was a year of
memorable holidays, perhaps one of them the holiday for which you are searching. Alexander, it
might be noted, crossed the Hellespont into Asia Minor in
334 BC not yet at the age of twenty-two. The Persians had 220 years
earlier made Asia Minor a dominion of Cyrus the Great (thus and thereafter the Persian king was
labeled the Great King). With an army of 35,000 Macedonians and Greeks Alexander first met
the Persians with their own Greek mercenaries at the River Granicus near ancient Troy. With Amyntas,
son of Arrhabaeus, in the van leading the cavalry charge, he soundly defeated them. Soon thereafter
Alexander dispensed with the suspect Greek portion of his own army, suspect in light of year-earlier
rebellion on the part of much of Greece. From the Troad Alexander marched south in pursuit of the
Rhodian Greek 
with weapons smuggled into the acropolis
which still dominates the town today. Because Amyntas is a Macedonian name, the name, for example, of
Alexander's paternal grandfather, and because the aforementioned Amyntas son of Arrhabaeus never again
appears in history, and because the Amyntas Temple Tomb in Fethiye may be archaeologically dated to
the 4th century, and because it is inscribed with the name Amyntus son of Hermapius, it is fair to
speculate that this famous structure carved in one piece from the hillside near the acropolis belongs
to none other than Alexander's
cavalry commander, and that Hermapius is a corruption of Arrhabaeus or vice versa. Be that as it may,
there was no significant resistance upon leaving Telmessos and entering the Xanthos Valley as Pinara,
Xanthos, and Patara in succession welcomed the Macedonians, Patara the other major Lycian seaport.
Alexander was similarly greeted at Tlos, Arykanda, modern Finike, and Limyra before moving up the
Alakir River and crossing the mountains to Greek-speaking Phaselis where he rested for weeks. And so
there was no real resistance along Alexander's Path through Lycia. In fact, there was no real resistance
after Halicarnassus until Issus where he was to meet the incumbent Great King, Darius III. Wouldn't you
like to charter a crewed sailing yacht to cruise the welcoming coast of Lycia? Paralleling Alexander's
march? Or would you prefer to island hop the eastern Mediterranean? As did the Persian fleet? The TGE
is a rental sailboat with an experienced crew able to show you the coast of Turkey as well as the
eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean islands of Greece, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Sporades. A
superb sailboat rental in which to cruise Greece and Turkey. Contact us today at
