Alfred J. Boer from Nautique visited Istanbul and sailed with us aboard the Mishi 88. We thank him for this amazing article and for being on the magazine cover!
Nautique Magazine/Alfred J. Boer: “After spending fifty years in the maritime industry, what should you do and suddenly have more free time? Then build yourself a boat! This is the story of the sailing yacht Mishi 88 and her creator, the kind-hearted 81-year-old Şakir Yılmaztürk. Nautique traveled to Istanbul and found it surprising.
From a time when only wooden gulets were built along the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey's shipbuilding industry has come a long way. By 2024, the country will be home to many renowned shipyards, producing not only industrial vessels but also beautiful motor and sailing yachts. A notable example is the Yonca Shipyard, located in Tuzla near Istanbul. Established in 1986, the company manufactures manned and unmanned military vessels ranging in length from 12 to over 54 meters, all reportedly still operational. This growth is a testament to Turkey's shipbuilding prowess and potential in the global maritime industry.
The Mishi 88 is over 26 meters long and is designed as a family-friendly vessel. It features three full cabins: one spacious owner's cabin in the bow and two identical guest cabins in the stern, each equipped with two beds easily converted into a double bed. All cabins have their sanitary facilities and separate showers. You can always appeal to the double bunk bed opposite the kitchen area if you need it. This Spartan facility offers sleeping accommodations for another two people, but this space can also serve as an office when folded. To add to the features, the Mishi 88 includes separate crew cabins: one for the captain and another for the deck crew. The deck crew doesn't have a tough job since all functions can be operated at the touch of a button."