Sail İstanbul

About the Founder: Who is Nate Yaman Erim?

Nate, the founder of Sail Istanbul, is an experienced traveler, community builder and passionate sea lover who has lived in different countries for over 25 years. He lived as an expat in the US for many years, where he gained strong experience organizing social events, cultural gatherings and community-based organizations.

After returning to Istanbul, he fulfilled his childhood dream and stepped into the world of sailing and combined this passion with his vision of building a community and launched Sail Istanbul. Nate's goal is not just to offer boat tours, but to create authentic and memorable experiences that enable meaningful connections between people.

Nate also founded Smileys Community, an international social network based in Istanbul, and has organized hundreds of events bringing together expat, nomad and local communities.

His approach is simple and sincere:

"Sailing is not just a route, it's a way of life."

Intercultural Waves: From Smileys Community to Sail Istanbul

From events that bring different cultures together to a lifestyle shaped by his passion for sailing: Nate Yaman Erim's inspiring story.

Sailor’s Newspaper: When did you found your company and how did you decide to operate in Kalamış Marina?

Sail İstanbul: We founded Sail Istanbul in 2022. It was initially a passion project - after returning to Istanbul, I relived the magic of my childhood dream of sailing and wanted to share this experience with others. We chose Kalamış Marina because of its central location and city view, making it an ideal starting point for sunset routes.

S.N: Your company's target audience is mainly foreigners living in Turkey. How did you decide to target this specific audience?

S.İ: Having lived as an expat in the US for many years myself, I know exactly what this audience is looking for and what they need. Expats are generally looking for a sense of community, safe and organized organizations. Sail Istanbul offers exactly that: a friendly, professional and culturally inclusive experience.

S.N: How was the concept of sunset cruises on a sailboat born?

S.İ: Sunset is one of the most mesmerizing moments in Istanbul. Experiencing this magic in the middle of the sea, away from the crowds, offers a completely different experience. Our first attempts were so well received that we decided to make this concept a regular event.

S.N: What other special services do you offer to your customers (food and beverage, guiding, live music, etc.)?

S.İ: We offer snacks and drinks to our guests on every tour. For special events, we also provide additional services such as live music, birthday celebrations, professional photo shoots and guided cultural presentations. We take great care to personalize every experience.

S.N: Why do foreigners living in Turkey especially prefer your boat tours?

S.İ: Because we offer them not only a boat tour, but also a sense of community and belonging. Participants are usually people with similar lifestyles. Professionalism, safety and friendliness all in one. Also, the fact that we are open in communication and speak English makes them feel comfortable.

S.N: What is the feedback you receive from your customers who participate in sunset cruises?

S.İ: We receive emotional and moving feedback such as "I really felt Istanbul for the first time" or "I will remember this moment for the rest of my life". For many people, this experience strengthens their bond with the city. In addition, many of our guests make friends after the tour, which is one of the things that makes us the happiest.

S.N: How do cultural differences affect your customer service? What are the advantages and challenges of working with foreign customers?

S.İ: Working with people from different cultures requires empathy, openness and detailed planning. The advantage is that people are open-minded and eager for new experiences. The challenge is that expectations differ - for example the perception of time or socializing styles. We see these differences as an asset and shape our events accordingly.

S.N: Can you tell us about the fleet? What is the capacity and comfort of your boats?

S.İ: We currently have sailboats with a capacity of 8 to 10 people. All of them are well maintained, fully equipped with safety equipment, sunbathing area, music system and comfortable seating. We can organize more than one boat at the same time for special organizations.

S.N: What are the safety standards of your sailboats? What are the measures you take to provide customers with a safe experience?

S.İ: Each of our boats undergoes regular maintenance and inspections and is equipped with equipment that complies with international maritime safety rules. Life jackets, fire extinguishers, GPS and communication systems are standard. Our captains are experienced and hold official certificates. In case of bad weather conditions, we cancel the event and offer alternative dates to our guests.

S.N: Are there any innovations you plan to add to your range of services in the coming periods?

S.İ: Yes, we are planning integrated cruises with yoga and breathing exercises in the morning, brunch cruises on the Bosphorus and sailing training workshops. Special programs for families with children and romantic evening tours for couples will be announced soon.

S.N: What are your future goals in the boat charter sector?

S.İ: We are currently organizing blue cruise tours in the south. We also want to launch our sunset tours in coastal cities such as Izmir and Bodrum. In the long term, we plan to focus on more comprehensive experiences such as expat-friendly sailing camps. Our goal is not only to be a boat company, but also to create a lifestyle brand.

S.N: How do you see the future of the boat rental market for expats living in Turkey?

S.İ: As expats become more established in Turkey, the demand for quality and authentic experiences is growing. Trust, communication and a sense of community will be the most decisive factors in this market. I think there is great potential for brands like Sail Istanbul that have an intercultural understanding.

S.N: What can you say about your exhibitor profile?

S.İ: Our guests come from many different countries such as Germany, France, USA, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East. Most of the participants are digital nomads, creative professionals and entrepreneurs living in Istanbul.

S.N: Can you give an example of the community bonds formed at your events?

S.İ: Some of our guests met on the boat and became friends and even business partners. One of the most motivating things for us is to see the bonds that started at sea continue on land.

S.N: What is your approach to sustainability and environmental awareness?

S.İ: We love the sea and we feel it is our duty to protect it. We avoid single-use plastics at events and minimize our waste. We also take care to raise awareness of our guests on this issue.

S.N: Can you give examples of local collaborations?

S.İ: We collaborate with local musicians, photographers and chefs in İstanbul. In this way, we both offer our guests a unique experience and support local creatives.