If your idea of holiday downtime is drifting between sheltered coves beneath the Taurus Mountains, a boutique gulet cruise on Turkiye’s Turquoise Coast may be exactly the kind of restorative trip to consider. SCIC Sailing, a small operator established in 1983, positions itself as a travel‑advisor friendly option focused on comfort and custom itineraries across southwest Turkiye and the Dodecanese Islands.
Small scale, tailored service
SCIC — pronounced "chic" and an acronym for Sailing Cruises in Comfort — runs traditional wooden gulets that the owner, Loes Douze, likens to intimate floating hotels. The company has been operating for more than 40 years and attracts many repeat clients because it programmes a variety of one‑, two‑ and three‑week routes and adapts each cruise to passengers’ preferences.
"floating boutique hotels."
The emphasis is on a relaxed, bespoke experience rather than party‑boat style voyages; that positioning makes SCIC a good fit for couples, families and small groups looking for calmer cruising and curated shore excursions. As an independent operator, SCIC works directly with travel advisors and offers a commission structure to support that trade relationship.
What you can expect onboard
The author travelled aboard the gulet Breeze3, which comfortably accommodates eight to 10 passengers. Cabins combine practical storage with generous beds and private bathrooms; the layout suits groups who value comfortable communal areas as much as their cabin space. Crew and staff tailor meals and daily plans, from quiet swims to visits ashore, according to guests’ tastes.
- Operator: SCIC Sailing (founded 1983).
- Region: Turkiye’s Turquoise Coast and Greece’s Dodecanese Islands.
- Vessel example: Breeze3 — capacity 8–10 passengers.
- Trade terms: SCIC offers 10% commission to travel advisors and prefers bookings via its website.
The write‑up highlights how a small fleet and direct advisor relationships can produce highly personalised itineraries. Rather than a rigid schedule, guests can choose between days of swimming and sunbathing, cultural visits to coastal towns, or simply lingering over meals on deck.
Cabins and comfort
Breeze3’s internal configuration demonstrates SCIC’s commitment to liveability on board: a mix of suites and double cabins provides flexibility for different group compositions. The master suite is notably spacious, while other cabins balance comfort with practical storage and ensuite facilities.
| Cabin type | Features |
|---|---|
| Master suite | King bed, sofa beds, desk, large bathroom |
| Double suites | Queen beds, ample storage |
| Double cabins | Twin beds configurable for solo travellers |
Guests who appreciate reliable service and a calmer onboard atmosphere tend to return the following year, often moving from shared charters to booking an entire gulet for their party. That pattern underlines the appeal of a product that blends familiarity with the freedom to shape each day.
Practical notes for South African travellers and advisors
For travel advisors arranging gulet trips, SCIC’s direct booking route and its 10% commission make it straightforward to include in client proposals. For travellers, the model suits those who prioritise slow travel, privacy and a degree of on‑board comfort that leans more toward a boutique hotel than a basic sailing vessel.
In short, SCIC Sailing offers a quietly refined way to experience Turkiye’s coast: comfortable gulets, tailored itineraries and decades of local know‑how. For South Africans weighing options for a Mediterranean‑adjacent escape, it’s a good example of a specialist operator that rewards repeat visitors with consistent service and an emphasis on personal preference.
