“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain
When I was a kid of only 6 or 7, my schoolteacher called my father in for a conference. At length the described how I was having some trouble on account of not paying close attention to the classroom lessons. A sharp operator, Dad listened attentively and then asked; “Where does my son sit, if you don’t mind?” The teacher, Mrs. Riley pointed to a desk in the last row by a window that overlooked Fort Sumpter and Charleston harbor. Bending over to look out the window, he immediately instructed, “Put him in the front of the class, he’ll have no more trouble.” Slightly surprised, Mrs. Riley quizzed my father as to how he seemed so sure a move would solve the situation. Dad simply told her, “He’s in love with the shape of boats.” My 1st-grade teacher nodded in understanding. So, here I am living on amazing Crete, to share Aegean dreams with you.
Michele: A Perfect 24 Meters
Researching Aegean news this morning, I ran across an amazing yacht charter service called eXclusive Gulets. Founded back before most people even knew the definition of “Gulet,” this company shows off their passion for handcrafted yachts of incredible character and luxury. For someone like me, the shape of those sleek hulls and hand polished brightwork are truly the stuff of dreams. And in particular, the 24-meter luxury gulet M/S Michele. By the way, for those unfamiliar, A gulet ( or in Turkish [ɡuˈlet]) is a traditional two-masted or three-masted wooden sailing vessel.
Based in Greece, Michele is a masterpiece that accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins (1 master, 3 double) in opulent but functional luxury. Each cabin has air conditioning, private bathrooms, and its own enclosed shower. The Michele gulet flies a Greek flag, which further differentiates her from other such vessels.
The Michele gulet is crewed by a professional Greek crew of 3 berthed in separate crew quarters. Also, everything from beach towels to snorkeling gear is included in the €8,400 euro per week charter (off season price). Of course, full-board comes at an extra cost per passenger, but the list of freebies and amenities is extensive. Michele sails the North Dodecanese, the South Dodecanese from Kos island, and the Southwestern and Southeastern Cyclades from Mykonos.
There’s a spacious area with sun-lounges and cushioned aft deck with a large table to relax during mealtime or for drinks and conversation. The toys for passengers include 2 paddleboard, 2 kayaks, water skis, fishing, and snorkeling equipment.
For more information on amazing sailing experiences with eXclusive Gulets, please visit the links provided or contact them by Email: info@exclusivegulets.com or via phone: +44 208 144 58 34
As for me, I am not quite rich enough (yet) to afford to charter M/S Michele in high season (coming up) for €13,500, but maybe some of my good friends will want to sail into a dream too (huge hint).