A KIND OF WOODEN BOAT “GULLET”
GULLETS
The gullet is a very old vessel built of wood. They were used for fishing and carrying cargo consisting mainly of amphora’s filled with olive oil and wine. Over the years the gullet has evolved into its present shape of a broad beam and a wide deck. It was also used as a fighting ship, and extensive exploration and trading voyages were made with the gullet. They have been built in different parts of Europe, mainly in the Mediterranean region of Greece and Turkey.
Most vessels are now built in Bodrum, Bozburun, and Istanbul and on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. As a matter of fact the boats built in Bodrum and Bozburun are so popular that they are referred to as "Bodrum-Type yachts" or "Gullets".
They are also known as Caiques. Today the gullet is used mainly for cruises. So the emphasis is on comfort which is provided in spacious cabins with WC and showers, wide decks for lounging and sunbathing.
The modern gullet is a mixture of old and new. It is still built of wood which gives off the ambience that only wood can give, but modern technology provides the comfort and the safety. A gullet usually carries two masts; the stem is pointed and the stern gently rounded. Four to eight cabins is the norm some of which can be made into double or master cabins. The number of passengers the gullet can carry depends on the accommodations but usually the figure is between eight and sixteen. In the charter of a gullet is included services and entertainment. The size of the boat and the number of passengers is conducive to a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere amplified with the friendly attentions of the crew. |
