A market on the move
Navigating Turkey’s dynamic yachting scene with Sevenstar
Turkey has long been a nation of seafarers. From ancient trade routes to modern-day cruising, the sea is in the DNA of the Turkish lifestyle. Today, its coastlines are home to one of the world’s most breathtaking cruising grounds and a fast-growing and increasingly sophisticated yachting industry. And where there is yachting, there is yacht transport.
A market on the move
Over the past 20 years, Turkey’s yachting scene has evolved from a niche community to a highly diverse and international market. The early generation of Turkish yacht owners has passed the baton to their children, and the younger generation is proving just as passionate and often more adventurous. Turkey's market has expanded in volume and variety, from weekend cruisers and shared ownership models to high-end superyachts.
This growth has driven demand for more marinas, better infrastructure, and smarter services. Superyacht owners expect top-tier facilities in locations like Bodrum, Göcek, and Didim. Meanwhile, mid-sized boats between 30 and 70 feet dominate the coastline, creating a strong need for affordable marina spaces and accessible maintenance services. Turkey’s boatbuilding industry is also booming. Local yards are producing elegant, seaworthy yachts across all size categories, and they’re getting noticed abroad. Several international brands now rely on Turkish refit and production capabilities, especially in Istanbul and Bodrum, where skilled craftsmanship meets fast turnaround times.
Ready to explore the world
In recent years, a growing number of Turkish yacht owners have started looking beyond their home waters. With the Eastern Mediterranean as their backyard, many are now eager to discover more of what the wider Med has to offer, from the historic harbors of the Adriatic to the chic anchorages of the Western Mediterranean, and even the ancient coastlines of the Middle East. Their yachts are getting larger, their ambitions bolder, and the desire for hassle-free access to new horizons is driving up demand for reliable yacht transport solutions. This growing appetite for exploration isn’t just about longer distances; it’s also about convenience, safety, and making the most of every cruising season. For many Turkish owners, transport opens doors to destinations that would otherwise require a long and wear-intensive voyage. It’s a way to expand cruising grounds without compromise.
Deep market knowledge and local presence
At Sevenstar Yacht Transport, we understand what drives Turkish yacht owners because we’ve been active in this market for years. We know the seasonal patterns, the popular routes, and the preferences that matter to this growing group of clients. Our long-standing experience enables us to tailor transport options to specific needs, whether it's timing around the summer season or choosing routes that fit specific cruising plans. With dedicated agents and local offices, we speak the language, literally and figuratively, and offer on-the-ground support to make the process seamless.
People who know the region
Sevenstar Yacht Transport has been active in the Turkish market since the early 2000s, with a strong local presence and a deep understanding of how things work on the ground. Our team in Istanbul is led by Levent Bayir, who was instrumental in establishing Sevenstar’s footprint in the East Mediterranean and Middle East.
Levent’s style is hands-on, creative, and always customer-focused. He knows the marinas, the shipyards, the regulations, and most importantly, the people. Whether it’s a quick lift from Marmaris to Malta or a complex transport operation from Turkey to the Maldives, he brings clarity and calm to the process.
Supporting him is Murat Demir, who represents the next generation in yacht transport. Energetic, tech-savvy, and always tuned in to client expectations, Murat is well connected with the new wave of yacht owners and brokers in Turkey. Together, they offer a unique blend of experience, reliability, and forward-thinking service.
Backed by global strength
Behind our Turkish operation stands the full power of Sevenstar Yacht Transport, a globally respected name in the world of yacht shipping. Every year, we move around 2,500 yachts across the globe, from tenders and sailing yachts to multihulls and superyachts.
What sets us apart is that we do this with our company-owned fleet of over 140 heavy-lift vessels, part of the Spliethoff Group. That means more flexibility, better control, and a financially stable foundation, a crucial factor in today’s shipping landscape.
We offer fully custom transport solutions, from bespoke cradle construction to Lloyd’s Register-approved sea fastening. Our engineers, operations managers, and loadmasters work together to make sure each yacht is safely handled.
A partner you can trust
For Turkey, popular routes include regular sailings to and from Dubai, Jebel Ali, and India, with onward connections to Asia (Phuket and Singapore) roughly every two months. There’s also strong demand for seasonal routes to the Mediterranean: Italy, Spain, France, and Greece.
While recent global challenges, like costs and safety risks around the Suez Canal, have impacted East-West sailings slightly, Turkey remains a magnet for yachts. Marina occupancy is high, and the country continues to attract both Turkish and international owners. Whether you’re launching your first boat or managing a fleet, yacht transport is a decision that deserves careful attention. Not all carriers are the same. Look for a partner with technical expertise, logistical muscle, and most of all, a personal commitment to getting it right.
That’s what we offer at Sevenstar. Real people. Global reach. And a shared love for life at sea.
