Turkey: The Silent Success Story of the Yachting Industry
Turkey — a name that's quietly making waves in the world of yachting. Renowned for its super yachts, shipbuilding industry, and yacht rental market, Turkey's fascinating history stands as a testament to its steady ascension in the yachting realm.
In 2022, Turkey ranked fourth in the Super Yacht Builders Alliance with 102 super yachts totaling a length of 4167 meters. The impressive order book for 2024 indicates a production of 132 vessels, amounting to 5838 meters, surpassing the Netherlands and currently only second to Italy.
The Rising Yacht Industry in Turkey
A nation with 600 years of history, Turkey prides itself on world-class construction quality and developmental prowess. Internationally known builders like Numarine, Turquoise, and Bering Yachts have established their production bases here — setting the stage for Turkish brands to become household names in the yachting world.
Turkey's shipyards are not only constructing new yachts but also refitting and remodeling renowned brands like Benetti, Heesen, and Ferretti.
Near the Sabiha Gökçen airport in Istanbul, the Marmara coast is house to numerous shipyards. Recently, the Antalya Free Trade Zone emerged as a primary center for yacht and shipbuilding. With its skilled labor force and cost-effective structure, Turkey has proven competitive in the manufacturing sector.
Over the past two decades, the shift from mere commercial shipbuilding to “leisure yachting” has given rise to notable brands like Sirena Yachts, Numarine, and Magnolia Yachts.
Some of the most famous super yachts, like the 88-meter-long “Maltese Falcon,” were built by the Italian brand Perini Navi in Istanbul. The Dutch super yacht manufacturer, Damen Yachts, has a shipyard in Antalya. Evidently, in the realm of large yacht manufacturing and excellence, Turkey has proved its mettle.
The Turkish Yacht Rental Market
The Turkish Yacht Brokerage Association hosts an annual Yacht Rental Show, spotlighting Turkey's thriving rental market. Visitors are welcomed on board without the need for appointments, providing a tangible way for potential renters to really see what they’re getting.
Turkey has over 16,000 registered private yachts. Numerous marinas dot the landscape, but the abundant bays and picturesque anchorages offer serenity and isolation for those who prefer a tranquil sailing experience.
Easy Accessibility and Market Growth
Getting to Turkey is simple, with most major airlines offering direct flights to Istanbul, followed by a short domestic flight to the turquoise coast.
Currently, Turkey holds just over 6% of the world yacht rental market, valued at over $1.01 billion annually and still growing.
So far, the price of yachts in Turkey remains competitive. With an energetic rental market, world-class yacht building, and easy accessibility, Turkey seems to have it all.
