Turkish Delights at the TYBA Yacht Charter Show

The TYBA Yacht Charter Show is a must-attend event for yacht enthusiasts and industry professionals. Among the impressive luxury charter yachts on display at this industry-only event were a dozen impeccably crafted gulet-style charter yachts, from 21.8-metre DALIBAY III to the lavish 55-metre YAZZ which boasts a full garage of watertoys, tenders massive on-deck leisure spaces and more!

There were also notable motor yachts of the calibre of 42-metre POLARIS, and 42.5-metre ADAMARIS, among many popular charter yachts which specialise in the fascinating cruising grounds of Turkey and the Mediterranean.

Turkey's coastline, with its turquoise waters, hidden coves, and historic sites, is a dream destination for yacht charters. The TYBA Show not only highlights the beautiful yachts available for charter but also showcases the incredible cruising grounds that Turkey has to offer. Whether you’re exploring the bustling bazaars of Bodrum, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, or the serene bays of Gocek, a yacht charter in Turkey promises an unforgettable adventure.

A standout feature of the TYBA Yacht Charter Show is the Chefs’ Competition, which this year focused on "Traditional Turkish Cooking with a Modern Twist." Seventeen talented chefs participated, bringing their childhood memories and regional specialties to life with a contemporary flair. This year's competition was particularly notable for its nearly equal representation of male and female chefs, showcasing the diverse talent within the industry.

The Chefs were asked to recreate dishes from their childhood memories, a favourite dish of their grandmothers, or a dish native to their region of  Turkey. The challenge provided an opportunity to delve into the historical cuisine of native Anatolians, the Ottoman Empire, and the many ethnic immigrants that comprise the nation of Turkey. They were tasked with adding a modern twist to these traditional dishes, whether by playing with flavour or presentation, or both.

The dishes were judged by an esteemed panel, including Gökhan Sabuncu, Ann Casebourne, and Gamze Ege, who awarded points based on their impressions of flavour, nutrition, creativity, presentation, table setting and knowledge of Turkish cuisine. Each participating yacht prepared a starter, a main course and a dessert, set on a table on board for presentation purposes. After the event, the judges said they were absolutely taken aback by the sheer amount of talent, creativity and imagination that went into preparing and presenting the dishes.

2024 TYBA Chef Competition Winners

The competition was fierce, but three chefs stood out for their exceptional dishes:

First Place: Chef Cem Iştın on Motor Yacht DEEP WATER

Motor yacht DEEP WATER, built in 2022, exudes modern luxury and sophistication across its 32.90m. Designed for comfort and adventure, DEEP WATER accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 well-appointed cabins, and offers an array of amenities, including a spacious sundeck, jacuzzi, and a variety of water toys, ensuring an unforgettable charter experience exploring Turkey.

Chef Cem wowed the judges with his brave menu, , serving celeriac with pesto cream in a crunchy basket, followed by thin lamb liver with spring greens and beef bruschetta topped with a beurre rouge sauce, finishing with pastry of cheese and marmalade with vanilla syrup and pomegranate dust.

Second Place: Chef Orhan Seçkin on Motor Sailor QUEEN OF SALMAKIS

The gulet QUEEN OF SALMAKIS, launched in 2019, blends traditional elegance with modern luxury across its 40-meter length. Accommodating up to 18 guests in 8 cabins, this exquisite yacht offers spacious decks, a jacuzzi, and an array of water toys, providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable sailing experience along the Turkish coast.

Chef Orhan's menu featured spiced eggplant puree wrapped in filet of beef, mung beans in a tart apple sauce, and a traditional sweet of thin pastry with pistachio dust and ice cream.

Third Place: Chef Salih Akcan on LA BELLA VITA

LA BELLA VITA, previously known as CARPE DIEM IV, a stunning gulet yacht that stands as a masterpiece of luxury and craftsmanship. This magnificent vessel, built in 2011 in the renowned Bodrum boatyards, and refitted in 2022, exudes comfort and elegance. Equipped with an array of luxurious amenities, the LA BELLA VITA features six exquisite cabins designed to accommodate up to 12 discerning guests. 

Chef Salih started his presentation with a hunter’s pastry stuffed with an assortment of fresh seafood, followed by silver beet with grilled salmon on a bed of vegetable puree, and finished with a date baklava with helva.

In recognition of the strong skills and creativity of the competitors, judges added two Honourable Mentions: NORTH WIND’s Ayatullah Deniz and DOUBLE EAGLE’s Akın Ünal.

Most Welcoming Crew Awards

The Most Welcoming Crew awards, presented by Yacht Connections, were a highlight of the show. The winners were:

Motor Yacht YAZZ

The gulet YAZZ is a beautifully crafted 58-meter yacht that offers an exceptional blend of comfort and elegance. With accommodations for up to 11 guests, YAZZ promises a luxurious sailing experience through the stunning waters of Turkey, complete with spacious decks and modern amenities

Gulet DOUBLE EAGLE

The 39.6-meter gulet DOUBLE EAGLE, built by Bodrum Shipyard in 2005 and refitted in 2024, blends traditional style with modern amenities. Accommodating up to 12 guests, this unique Turkish gulet features a flybridge and exquisite details like a beautifully crafted marble deck table and bar, ensuring a luxurious sailing experience.

These awards, voted for by attending yacht brokers, recognize the exceptional hospitality and seamless teamwork demonstrated by the crews.

A Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony was held at the Venue Nena Lounge, Gocek, with a White theme. Congratulations to all the winners and participants!

The TYBA Yacht Charter Show is a testament to the exceptional standards of luxury yacht chartering in Turkey. With its combination of stunning yachts, talented chefs, and welcoming crews, the show highlights why Turkey remains a top destination for yacht charters.

Talk to us today to learn more about the range of luxury charter yachts available in Turkey. Members of our team have spent considerable time exploring this wonderful destination and we look forward to sharing this knowledge with you. We'd love to provide you with a personalised itinerary and quote. 

Photo credits: TYBA Show