You can read the first part of our interview from the link below.
https://yelkenciningazetesi.com/lessons-from-the-lord-of-the-seas-first-part
Sailor's Newspaper: What changes have you observed in the maritime industry over the years? How do you think these changes have impacted the sector?
Orkan Güler: Over the years, it’s impossible not to notice how much the maritime industry, both in Turkey and internationally, has advanced—whether in commercial shipping or private yachting. From my perspective, there has been a growing trend among customers to demand larger boats. For example, in the 1970s, wooden boats ranging from 9 to 12 meters were considered large in Turkey, and their owners were seen as millionaires. In the 1980s, with the increasing demand for gulets, boat sizes reached 15 to 18 meters.
Today, with the surge in locally produced and imported boats, vessels under 20 meters are generally regarded as small and less desirable.
This trend has also positively influenced the boat accessories market, which has significantly developed over the years. Nowadays, almost every accessory has a local equivalent readily available, and global brands boast distributors in Turkey who earn accolades based on their sales volumes.
For example, I vividly remember that in the 1970s, to purchase antifouling paint for my dinghy, I had to go to the Perşembe Pazarı in Karaköy, where only two colors—green and red—of Moravia-brand antifouling paint were sold in one-kilo cans.
Back then, stainless steel screws were unheard of; we used yellow brass screws sold in red-labeled Yıldız-brand boxes, which deformed after one or two uses. Varnishes resistant to marine conditions and UV rays were also unavailable. Craftsmen would apply linseed oil to wooden surfaces. Over time, products labeled as "yacht varnish" entered the market. Materials like epoxy were unknown, and putties were made by mixing lithopone and white lead. When adhesives like Meges and Semparoc first appeared, they revolutionized manufacturing processes. Today, Turkey produces advanced materials like fiberglass, carbon, aluminum, polyethylene, and composite structures at the highest technical standards and with excellent quality.
S.N: What are the challenges and advantages of the maritime profession? What advice do you have for those considering this lifestyle?
Every branch of maritime work is challenging, demanding perseverance, patience, and love. If you don't have a passion for the sea and view it merely as a job to fill working hours, you won't improve yourself and will quickly become worn out.
From my perspective, my meticulous personality and work ethic drive me to ensure that every project I sign off on is as perfect as possible. However, collaborating with individuals or companies that lack this principle—and explaining how even minor, seemingly invisible details are critical—has been physically and mentally exhausting for me.
For those considering a career in maritime, I must emphasize that simply studying the field is not enough to succeed. You must genuinely love the work and continuously gain hands-on experience.
S.N: What is it like to live aboard a sailboat? How does it affect your daily life?
O.G: Living aboard a sailboat, becoming one with it, and spending 24/7 and 365 days a year on it is, of course, a matter of choice and may not suit everyone. Especially during the winter months, being confined to the cabin, feeling the swell, cold, wind, and humidity can be unbearable for some people, particularly those who are homebodies.
I’ve been living on my boats for more than 40 years, and as long as no unforeseen circumstances arise, I hope to continue this serene lifestyle for as long as possible. In fact, if fate allows, I would even wish to take my last breath aboard my boat.
People like me, accustomed to this isolated and introverted lifestyle, often find themselves alien to the complexities of life outside these boundaries. They feel uncomfortable with the noise and chaos of the city and long to return to the calm environment they are familiar with.
S.N: What motivated you to decide to live on a sailboat?
O.G: My greatest motivation for loving the maritime life came from the late Dündar Sözbir and his Greek-origin wife, Marta, who accepted me as their own child when I was just 5–6 years old. They lived aboard their sailboat "Antares II." This ketch-type sailboat, designed by Athar Beşpınar, was built in the late 1960s in Üsküdar Salacak by the late Muharrem and İlyas Usta (the same carpenters who built Sadun Boro’s "Kısmet"). The boat had a clipper design with stern windows resembling galleons.
Their lifestyle aboard "Antares" deeply impressed and inspired me to pursue a similar path in my own life.
The biggest motivation behind my decision to live on a sailboat, however, was the connection I felt with the vessel itself. I firmly believe that all sea vessels, whether small dinghies, sailboats, or large ships, possess unique personalities and souls. I communicate with and sense the spirit of every boat I helm. Some boats are stubborn and fierce, while others exude grace and composure. It is this emotional connection that drives me to immerse myself in this world and avoid being apart from it.
S.N: What equipment or technological tools are indispensable for living on a sailboat?
O.G: The list of necessary equipment for living on a boat could fill an entire interview, but I can highlight a few essential items. When you experience a technical issue at sea, it’s not always possible to simply call the boat manufacturer or the distributor for assistance. Therefore, having basic knowledge of your boat’s technical and mechanical systems and being able to perform minor repairs yourself is crucial. For instance, while many people spend lavishly on waterproof clothing, numerous sails for all weather conditions, or anchor-themed dinnerware, I recommend also investing in tools and equipment that will ensure your safety in emergencies. A screwdriver and pliers alone are not sufficient—high-quality tools and repair kits should always be part of your onboard inventory.
One of the most significant dangers on a boat is fire. Larger, class-certified vessels are required to have fire detection systems, but smaller boats and those without classification should also have fire safety measures. I recommend installing battery-operated smoke detectors in every cabin, and ideally, detectors capable of identifying carbon monoxide as well.
Another critical piece of equipment is a bilge pump. Many production or imported boats are equipped with small, toy-like bilge pumps that are insufficient in serious situations, such as a hull breach or burst plumbing. Boats should have appropriately sized bilge pumps based on their dimensions and bilge capacity, and ideally, multiple electric pumps should be available.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.
The article series will continue…
Banu Demir / The Sailor's Newspaper
Photograps: Orkan Güler / orkanguler@hotmail.com
