Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik 2024 December

Illegal charters damage yacht tourism in Turkey

by Turkey's Yachting & Brokers Association 9 Mar 2022 13:20 GMT
Illegal charters damage yacht tourism in Turkey © TYBA

The increase in the number of private yachts offered for commercial yacht charters cause concern in yacht charter industry and damage the yacht tourism as these vessels have no sufficient insurance for guests, and do not comply with the safety standards of commercial boats. Besides, these vessels avoid paying tax to the Government.

Some private yachts that are not much used by their owners are offered for charter by unlicensed agents or sometimes by their captains mainly through social media platforms. In many instances such arrangements end up with many problems on client end, like bad service quality on board, unprofessional crew, yachts without safety standards and even sometimes last minute cancellations.

One of the subjects discussed during a recent meeting between Turkey's Yachting & Brokers Association (TYBA) and Turkey's Chamber of Shipping (IMEAK DTO), was to find permanent solutions to eliminate unlicensed yacht charters in the country.

One of the proposals discussed was holding captains responsible of such illegal charters and even blocking yacht captain license for some period in coordination with Turkey's Ministry of Transport. The other proposal is following the transit log changes of foreign flagged private yachts by the port authorities which shall give a hint if the yacht is used for charter or not.

The biggest problem is the identifying process of these illegal charter yachts because the owners or the captains of the non-commercial yachts generally defend themselves in the same way; claiming that the passengers are their "friends" or "friends of the boss" and there is no money involved in the cruise, i.e. a private tour, and in many cases it is hard to prove that commercial activity involved.

Gunes Aysun, the president of TYBA (Turkey's Yachting & Brokers Association) says that "Struggling with illegal yacht charter issue is one of the primary purposes of the Association for protecting Turkish yacht tourism and also for all yacht charter professionals.

TYBA is also encouraging charterers and agents to choose the vessels that are registered to TYBA as the Association puts high standards in Turkish yacht charter industry. Even TYBA completed the first fixed charter agreement in Turkey after a long and intense work on it for the members. So registered yachts are going to use the Association's new charter agreement and have to comply with the Association's criteria. Also charterers can find a respondent to speak to if they have any problems related to their cruise when they charter with TYBA registered yachts.

TYBA (Turkey's Yachting & Brokers Association), Turkey's most prominent Yachting & Brokers Association representing the majority of Turkish commercial yachting industry, has 84 members comprised of yacht brokers, charter brokers, yacht operators and yacht agents. The combined TYBA fleet consists of about 500 gulets, commercial motor-yachts, sailing yachts.

www.tybaturkey.org

Related Articles

70 years of the Chase Sailing Club
Stuart Green Sprint Champs and Commodores Cup, with Saturday Night Fever As we power through the 70th anniversary year of The Chase Sailing Club, the weekend of 3rd–4th May 2025 saw members and guests come together for one of the most memorable events in club history. Posted on 6 May
Merlin Rockets at Thames SC
A fine lunch, well-earned refreshments and homemade cake On Saturday 3rd May Thames Sailing Club hosted the Craftinsure sponsored combined Merlin Rocket Thames and DeMay Vintage Series Open Meeting, under clear skies and perfect sunglasses weather. Posted on 6 May
Squib Gold Cup 2025 at Burnham
Jack Grogan and Mike Banks win over the early May Bank Holiday weekend Jack Grogan and Mike Banks, sailing on Budgies Tongue 221, won the Squib Gold Cup, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, over the early May Bank holiday 2025. Posted on 6 May
Osprey Open and Panmorra Cup at Mount's Bay
Eight Ospreys made the journey to Marizion together with 11 Contenders The Osprey Open and Panmorra Cup was held at Mount's Bay Sailing Club on 3rd & 4th May 2025 as a joint meeting with the Contender class. Eight Ospreys made the journey to Marizion together with 11 Contenders. Posted on 6 May
Craftinsure Lark Open at Rock
What a weekend it was! For nearly 40 years, a magical sailing event has taken place at Rock over early-May Bank Holiday, the annual Lark Open, sponsored by Craftinsure. This year, the Scorpions came to join in the fun - and what a weekend it was! Posted on 6 May
iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games day 1
Unexpected breeze delivers a spectacular opening day of racing on Lake Garda The iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games are officially under way in Torbole, Lake Garda, marking the second major event of the 2025 season for the U19/U17/U15 athletes of the iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Class. Posted on 6 May
Conwy Fife One Design 'A' Series Race 2
'The Riddle of the Sands' Like many places around the coast of the UK, Sailors at the RAYC have the challenge of avoiding the extensive areas of sand which reveal themselves at low water. Posted on 6 May
Transat Paprec Day 17
"An Atlantic Crossing with the Intensity of La Solitaire" They've proven that persistence pays off—even when faced with serious setbacks. Lola Billy and Corentin Horeau had to make a pit stop in Lisbon during the first week of the race to replace a damaged rudder. Posted on 6 May
Triple amputee passes halfway point of challenge
Craid Wood is more determined than ever, despite troubles during Pacific crossing Despite experiencing a number of technical issues with his boat, Craig Wood is now halfway through his sail with well over 4000 nautical miles done. He is feeling positive about reaching the finish line at Osaka in Japan in just over a months' time. Posted on 6 May
Move freely with Musto's Evo Stretch
A highly durable and flexible collection for enhanced performance on-deck With 2-way stretch fabric and reinforced elements, Evo Stretch is designed for the active lifestyle. A highly durable and flexible collection for enhanced performance on-deck. Posted on 6 May