When and how did the idea of transitioning from a land-based profession like Forestry Engineering to a full-time life at sea first take root?
Before starting my career as a forestry engineer, I had actually been accepted into the Deck Department of the Maritime Faculty through the university entrance exam. My plan was to become an ocean-going captain and travel the world by sea. However, due to a health issue, I was not admitted to the maritime school. By coincidence, I enrolled in the Faculty of Forestry instead. I was satisfied with my profession and spent my career working closely with nature. Still, I can say that 29 years of my life passed counting down the days until I would finally reunite with the sea.
After 29 years of public service, did retirement represent an ending for you, or the beginning of the real journey?
As I mentioned, retirement was not an ending at all. On the contrary, it marked the beginning of the promise I made to myself the day I was unable to enter the Maritime Faculty: that one day, I would realize this dream with my own boat.
When you transitioned to full-time life aboard Paramour, what challenged you the most, and what made you feel the freest?
I wanted to live within a minimalist cycle. Life at sea aboard Paramour aligns perfectly with this philosophy. Moving away from comfort never felt like a burden to me—on the contrary, it made me happy.
As you departed from Fethiye on August 11, 2025, what did you feel you were leaving behind, and what did you take with you?
What I left behind were the years of effort, the prices paid for this dream, and my loved ones. What I took with me was simply my freedom.
How does anchoring in secluded bays compare to long passages in terms of your state of mind and perspective on life?
There is no difference for me. Only the nationality of the bays where I anchor has changed. I define myself as a citizen of the seas.
While sailing in the Caribbean, to what extent has your Mediterranean sailing experience guided you?
Every single day at sea adds something to your seamanship. The journey itself is the teacher. I continue to accumulate experience.
As a forestry engineer who has spent years working closely with nature, what kind of awareness has observing the sea and marine ecosystems brought you?
I have always been a highly intuitive person who seeks order within awareness. Whether working in nature or living at sea, I constantly remind myself that nature is the true authority. The core principle is not to challenge nature, but to live in harmony with it.
How do you think living alone or within a very limited space changes one’s relationship with oneself?
As I said, minimalist living in small spaces and overcoming challenges brings clarity and order to one’s awareness. This, in turn, leads you to set greater and more meaningful goals—and to take genuine pleasure in striving for them.
Which moment or experience during this journey has transformed you the most?
Overcoming difficulties has been especially important to me. During the Canary Islands–Cape Verde passage, my autopilot broke, forcing me to turn back to Gran Canaria and sail hard on the wind in severe weather. Successfully dealing with that situation was a defining moment for me.
Does the concept of “home” now mean a place to you, or a state of being?
As someone who has let go of the sense of ownership, I no longer think in terms of a traditional home. My home is Paramour and the sea—and as long as conditions allow, it will remain so.
What would you say to those who share similar dreams but hesitate to take the leap—especially to those hoping to rebuild their lives after retirement?
Dreams must be strong enough, and they must be kept alive constantly. I would tell them to find the courage to step over that threshold. Once they do, they will see that everything is very different on the other side.
What lies ahead on your horizon in the coming years? Is there an inner or outer harbor you hope this journey will lead you to?
I am one of those who believe there are no rigid plans at sea. That said, other distant oceans are certainly part of my vision. When it will happen, I cannot say.
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We sincerely thank you for taking the time to share this interview with us amid your demanding schedule and ongoing world voyage.
Reportage: Banu Demir / The Sailor’s Newspaper
Photographs: Murat Adak Archive
Prepared for Publication: Doruk Agency / Founded by Sailor's Newspaper
