Greece And Turkey At Once. This has been a holiday of a lifetime. Even without "Showers" it was most enjoyable. Gordon showed us lots of interesting ports that I might never have seen. I enjoyed being in the smaller ports and meeting the people. Seeing things I would not have seen. Many memories to take home. Brigitte was wonderful. She was so very accommodating to me, as I was very uneasy about the trip. I thank her for that. I will be telling many people about the "once in a lifetime holiday." Thanks to both Gordon and Brigitte for making this a great week with many fine memories. Billie Curnutt, Farmington, New Mexico, April-May 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Thank you for a wonderful trip! (Happy Face) The sea was breathtaking, loved each port with something new to see, buy, and eat. We loved each dinner experience and meeting many new friends. You are a Great Captain! Brigitte made each meal better than the last and will be missed! Thanks for all the memories! P.S. Make sure you let everyone know your boat can hold a lot of luggage because we tested the limit. Lord knows if you had more room I would have done more shopping. (Happy Face) P.P.S. I will phone your wife and get her expertise on eBay. Maybe I can have a gold card Paypal account, too. Dusty Hanson, La Palma, California, April-May 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. A sailing adventure, a fishing expedition, hiking to two archaeological sites that we may have been the first Americans ever to see these locations, Triopium and an area above the village of Kizilkoy. The dining experience in the Dodecanese Islands that Captain Gordon Abercrombie advised our group of was exquisite. I especially loved it when Captain Abercrombie offered to buy dinner at the Aurora Restaurant (And we thought he was tight. Ha!). I would become frustrated with the political beliefs of Captain Abercrombie and First Mate Brigitte and Huseyin of Aurora who seemed to say that America can do no right and they should quit interfering with the rest of the world. My thoughts were the rest of the world is lucky that there are nations like the USA to assist in the search for freedom and democracy. Speaking of Brigitte, she is a fantastic person, a great cook/chef who produced unbelievable breakfast and lunch. I will take her salad recipes back to the fire station for all to enjoy. Chris Hanson, La Palma, California, April-May 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday. It was a delightful week of sailing on the rocky coast of the beautiful blue Mediterranean, climbing the paths to the remains of history, and eating delicious food in beautiful settings. Thank you Captain Gordon for a great week. Our love and appreciation. Ruth Matthews, Morehead City, North Carolina, May 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Gordon, Thanks for one of the most memorable and best holidays ever. We learned a lot of history, ate some great food (thanks to Ayca!), and learned a bit about sailing. I really hope to be back to sail on the T.G. Ellyson again. Don Matthews, Rochester, Michigan, May 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Gordon, to a man of keen intellect, great knowledge, and a dear host, my deep appreciation for an outstanding week of learning, conversation, and eating. I wish you fair winds, high tides, and clear skies wherever you sail. Hope to see you next year! Buck Matthews, Morehead City, North Carolina, May 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Our voyage was an adventure that I'll never forget. I loved going off the beaten path to so many remote places. Gordon is a great captain and educated and amused us. Brigitte spoiled us with terrific gourmet fare and service. Truly a unique sailing experience. Laurie MacLachlan, San Francisco, California, May 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Enjoyed this very much! Especially appreciated your knowledge of the history of the area. You also chose your first mate wisely. Brigitte was a treat. Ian MacLachlan, San Francisco, California, May 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. An opportunity of a lifetime to sail from Turkey was made a true adventure and joy because of the T.G. Ellyson. Gordon, you have taught me many things about the sea and sailing and gave a wonderful tour of the ruins. A Gordon-led hike is like no other - you are part mountain goat. Trisha's food was fabulous and we agree with Jenny, Gordon - you do travel to enjoy the restaurants! A great time with memories and laughs that will last a lifetime. Thank you. Ann Schreiner, Oak Park, Illinois, May-June 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. The history, the water, the ruins, the food! I had a ball! Learned a lot about sailing, Turkey, culture, and the stress and joys of life on a sailboat. Gordon, you run a top-notch show. I'll remember this week forever. Amy Starin, Oak Park, Illinois, May-June 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Gordon - what a great trip. Most important things first - how to use a marine toilet and two loops around the drum - over the lip and into the groove - and crank like crazy. Lots of history, gin and tonic, and great food. Terrific job. Skip Shelton, Lisle, Illinois, May-June 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Thank you for helping make our dream trip of a lifetime come true! I loved the opportunity to be part of your crew, and I learned so much about sailing from you. Call me anytime you need me to fill in as a crew member! We learned so much about the local ruins - loved following you on trails and making our own way on others - and convening our sacred council meetings atop hills and in odeons. You shared our love of good food and drink and led us to great gourmet experiences (Suzan and Huseyin were the best!). We're going home to continue the toast tradition of "sharif" A to Z. My special Gordonism is "real men sit on teak" (Jenny, the cushions were a great addition!), and our parting memories include "Thank you George W. Bush." Or was it "George E. Bean?" Best wishes for many glorious years of sailing these special seas and climbing these sacred grounds. Linda Peterson (your anchor and chain locker person), Lisle, Illinois, May-June 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Great trip. Gordon is clearly the best guide to this part of the world - a beautiful, fascinating, place. Alec Fisken, Seattle, Washington, June 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday.Thank you, Gordon. This was a fantastic interlude I'll never forget. On my return home I'll write about this holiday on my travel blog. I hope you'll enjoy reading it (in Japanese!!!). Satomi, Brighton, England, June 2006

Turquoise Coast Holiday. I came here on a sailing holiday. I have found a lot more! Gordon amazed us with great walks to ancient sites every day. He is a great sailor of deep culture and with a very open view of current politics. By the way, T.G. Ellyson is a beautiful yacht kept in immaculate condition! Alessandro Iacoponi, Brighton, England, June 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Dear Gordon, Thank you for a beautiful sailing holiday. You took us to some really amazing places, and our dinners were fantastic. It was really great having someone to show us the best restaurants in town. I think Simi Town was our favorite. The beach we found in Kos was absolutely beautiful, and Christina was great! She really helped me with my kids when I was too sea sick to take care of them. Thank you so much for all of it!! Great holiday. Love, The Kamar Family, Bassily, April, Katerina, and Eleni, La Canada, California, July 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Thank you for a never forgetting trip. Selimiye was really fun. We got to jump off the boat, snorkel, and do lots of fun things. I liked Simi a lot. I liked to go to the beaches with everyone and swim. Tilos was the best. We got to see kittens, we rode motor scooters and had lots of fun. I really really really like Kos. I had a great time at Paradise Beach. It was shallow for at least a mile and I almost caught a fish with bread. I had a great time on the ship. Thank you. Love, Katerina Kamar, La Canada, California, July 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Thank you for taking me on this fun trip. I had so much fun with Gordon and Christina. Love, Eleni Kamar, La Canada, California, July 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. From the moment I saw the boat, I knew that I was in for the most memorable ride of my life. They welcomed us with open arms and helped us unpack and enjoy our trip. Lovely destinations, amazing crew, and round and round of gin and tonics for the adults. If I had to describe the T.G. Ellyson with one word, I would say, supurb. Gordon and Christina were the best. Thanks! Christian Pfeiffer, Coral Gables, Florida, July 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. I really enjoyed this boating trip so much. I loved going to Turkey and kayaking. This was among my favorite trips. Gordon and Christina were really nice. My family and I had a great time. Thanks, Alexander Pfeiffer, Coral Gables, Florida, July 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Dearest Gordon and Christina: The T.G. Ellyson is a gem. Gordon is a great captain and Christina was a joy. My favorite stops were Selimiye and Tilos. Great G&T's and beautiful sunsets will always stay on my mind. This holiday must be repeated. Vivien Pfeiffer, Coral Gables, Florida, July 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. After reading what my wife and kids wrote I'm not sure what more to add. There is something that they didn't clearly mention and that is the beauty of the Turkish coastline and the two memorable stops we had in Turkey. Many thanks to Christina and Gordon for the memorable trip. E Pluribus Unum. Ken Pfeiffer, Coral Gables, Florida, July 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Gordon and Christina, Thanks for a remarkable voyage! I enjoyed getting to know you both, sharing dinners (even before we lunched) and wine and learning about sailing history. The sailing from Rhodes to Kumlu Buku was perfect and set the tone for our trip. I believe Sogut and Loryma were my favorites. Quiet harbors and spectacular scenery! Sorry my bad ankle did not allow me to join more hikes, but the one I did join at Kumlu Buku was great. Thanks for developing my taste for grilled octopus, too. Most of all, thanks to you both for your comradeship, sense of humor, and patience with us at all times. It was a wonderful trip and a memory we will cherish. Jim Robbins, Palo Alto, California, July-August 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. This was the trip of a lifetime for me. Beautiful scenery, great weather and breathtaking turquoise waters made sailing a joy. I felt safe and secure in the sure hands of Captain Gordon and enjoyed morning hikes to ancient ruins with him and Christina. The hikes followed by a swim and delicious breakfast will be fondly remembered as will kayaking around Loryma and dinners drenched with wine. Your company was a joy and Christina an angel in every sense. I could truly not have asked for a better experience. I am sad to leave. Thank you for showing us all the remote areas we so deeply wanted to take in. They were all exquisite. I could go on and on but I'll leave room for my mom. Thank you again and again Gordon and Christina. This is a memory I will, as my dad said so perfectly, cherish always. Fondly, Carly Robbins, Palo Alto, California, July-August 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. The trip got better and better each day. Our every comfort was taken care of by the warm and wonderful Christina - yummy and healthy food the best! Captain Gordon keeps such a beautiful clean and shipshape boat. Your knowledge of all things historic was such a great addition, and the best was discovering your delightful teasing humor. Kayaking was extra-special; thanks for all the work. Truly, this was a week in heaven for me. Linda Schuck, Palo Alto, California, July-August 2006

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. This trip was awesome, G-dog. I liked going to the ancient tombs and all the sea life. Thank you for taking us. Patrick Bolton, Las Vegas, Nevada, August 2006

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. This was our second trip with Gordon, longer than the first in 2005. Spectacular bays and coves in the Gulf of Gocek were the highlight. Gordon's company, wry humor, intimate knowledge of the locals, and especially of ancient history/sites is a huge plus for us. In addition, at a time when uncritical acceptance of the Republican agenda is de riguer, Gordon's vigorous defense of classic American liberalism is a welcome breath of fresh air, though he and we may be "voices crying out in the desert." (Daniel Webster) There is nothing that can surpass a summer cocktail hour on the stern of the T.G. Ellyson with Gordon, gin and tonic made to perfection by his amiable and capable first mate Christina, deep in discussion of politics, ancient sites (try to find Arymaxa on the map in your Blue Guide - you will not - but Gordon can take you there), and history. Coupled with Turkish hospitality, best in the world, and the freshest, best, produce as dining ingredients, and you have all you need for a perfect holiday. Which this was. P.S. Gordon, we finished Stanley Lombardo's Odyssey, the best translation ever in English, and gift it to you and future TGE guests. There is no better place than right here to enjoy and drink its verse. Tali Arik and Julie Bolton, Las Vegas, Nevada, August 2006

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Last night in Turkey... What a beautiful place! Friendly people, breathtaking scenery, great food... and we were so fortunate to be guided by "Baba Gordon!" Christina makes the best salads and gin-and-tonics, and her friendliness has no equivalent. The strongest beautiful girl I have met. William, the captain's son, saved Jacques from adult conversation and made our trip brilliantly entertaining; his smile is the most contagious I have ever seen. Gordon, what can I say!!! Just to meet him has made the trip worthwhile! As long as you get out of the way during maneuvers! I have felt 100% safe the whole time, 100% comfortable, and I will fly home 100% relaxed! Thank you for a fantastic holiday! Love, Anne. Anne Ollerenshaw, Barcelona, Spain, August 2006

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. My favourite bit was when I was swinging on the ropes in Sarsala Bay and Cleopatra's Bay. And I had a really nice time in Bee Bay. Jacques Ollerenshaw, Barcelona, Spain, August 2006

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. We had an excellent trip aboard the beautiful cutter T.G. Ellyson. The sailing was great and the company even better. We enjoyed our morning hikes to secluded ancient ruins and the observations and enthusiasm of our very knowledgeable skipper on and for all things archaeological. Late morning swims were a refreshing way to cool off after our hikes. At the end of each day it was a pleasure to pull into yet another secluded bay and to be warmly greeted as old friends by the restaurant operator with his assortment of fresh mezze, fish and meat (wild boar was a favourite!). While we were not favoured with the strongest winds, our skipper took every opportunity to sail. We appreciated the experience of helping as crew and manning the helm and were thankful for the skipper's patience and expert instruction. A great experience and one that we will never forget! Thank you for everything, Gordon! Love, Wendi and David. Wendi Cibula and David Adderley, Ottawa, Ontario, August 2006

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Gordon: This is one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had. Your yacht is very pretty and in excellent condition. The whole area is great. Thank you for sharing with us your knowledge of history in this area and for being our guide. Muchas gracias por toda tu amabilidad. Espero que nos visites para poderte regresar algo de toda tu gentilesa. Ernesto Marin-Santillan, Leon, Guanajuato, August 2006

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Gordon: This is our first Mediterranean sailing experience, and it could not be better. Besides being a fantastic capitan, host, and guide, you are a great guy with a wonderful family. Loved Dudu and her family, too, all the little coves, the hikes, the history - EVERYTHING!!! We hope to see you again on a future sailing trip and sincerely hope you and your family will visit us in Mexico. Gracias, Colleen. Colleen Marin, Leon, Guanajuato, August 2006

P.S. We loved Christina as well!

The Whole Shebang.         Ten Things I've Learned Aboard The TGE

(1) Noon = Beer, 5PM = Gin & Tonic. (2) It's Lickian, not Lissyen; on yachts salon is pronounced saloon. (3) When in doubt, sheet out. (4) Regardless of the Turkish destination, there's a 95% chance there will be a restaurant owner/employee willing to be my boyfriend... but just for the evening. (5) When Gordon's not happy, no one is happy. (6) I've met a gale, and I don't like her wind. (7) Due to my cooking, cleaning, and waitress training, apparently, I'm ready for wifery and motherhood, both of which can wait. (8) Whatever goes wrong can always be blamed on George W. Bush. (9) A hostess, like a screwdriver, can bend, and even break, but by the end of the season can become crew. (10) While on the TGE, Captain Abercrombie is a hard taskmaster, but in life Gordon Abercrombie is a soft baba I've come to know and love. Christina Lenahan, Marietta, Georgia, September 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Gordon, I enjoyed the choice of destinations - people & places & history. The weather gave us several days of wind to allow sailing - the last in 30 to 40 knot winds was certainly something I won't forget. Your wise choice to find a safe harbour (and rescue another craft on the way) on that day was very appreciated. Christina, you have made the trip enjoyable with your good humour & great lunches & making life on the boat fun. In summary, an enjoyable mix of sailing, history, food & drink. Lyn Barton, Sydney, New South Wales, September 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. The sailing was most enjoyable, until the "near gale." I was very impressed with the skill of the captain and crew. The swimming was wonderful in the crystal clear water. The whole experience was just special. Enjoyed the good company and had a time to remember. Elaine Spackman, Landsborough, Queensland, September 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. On our last dinner I think Christina said it all with her ten comments, and I don't intend to embellish the impossible. I had a fantastic nine days of all that has been described above. Bill Spackman, Landsborough, Queensland, September 2006

P.S. Enjoyed the beer and love Turkey!

Greece And Turkey At Once. Great sailing (even the 40 knots), unique destinations, friendly locals. I have never seen water so clear. The food surpassed expectations. Altogether a super holiday and perfect introduction to Turkey. Keith Barton, Sydney, New South Wales, September 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. This was our third trip on T.G. Ellyson, and again a very enjoyable experience. Gordon's tour of Caunos was great with excellent background information on this ancient city that made it extremely interesting and meaningful. The "yacht club" at Kumlu Buku was first class, including reed parasols and large pillows on the beach, a nice place to recharge your batteries. Gordon's tour of the ruins atop Kumlu Buku provided us an opportunity to see another site out of the way of tourists. The restaurants selected by Gordon are tops, and of course we enjoyed his company and interesting observations. This trip was particularly special for me because I have known Gordon as a friend for 32 years. Many Thanks, Bart Gurewitz, Palos Verdes, California, October 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. A charter on the TGE is much more than a sailing holiday. Cruising the Greek islands and Turkish mainland with Gordon is a rich education in off-the-beaten-path history. It is also a rejuvenating experience for mind, body, and soul. Peace and serenity. It is a time with your family to remember forever. This is the third time we have sailed with Gordon; he is like an uncle to me. Thank you for sharing the jewels of the eastern Mediterranean! Wishing you the best always! Brian Gurewitz, Mission Viejo, California, October 2006

Greece And Turkey At Once. Sailing around the Greek islands and Turkish mainland with Gordon on the TGE is a wonderful experience. Gordon takes you to places that are beautiful and have so much history. And he knows all of the great restaurants. This is the type of holiday that really makes you feel away-from-it-all and relaxed. My favorite spot was Kumlu Buku! Thanks for everything. Aaron Gurewitz, Crystal Cove, California, October 2006

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Dear Homo Sapiens, There is no need to continue reading this page. What follows is intended for search engine robots and spiders and not necessarily for human beings. Further information concerning charter sailing in Greece and Turkey may be obtained by clicking on the teal links immediately above. Thank You. You are likely searching for a charter sailing vacation in Turkey or Greece. Or perhaps for information concerning Antony the Roman triumvir, or Hadrian the Roman emperor, or George W. Bush the American caesar. But the first is more likely; you are thinking of a charter sailing holiday in Greece or Turkey. Again, perhaps one starting in southwest Turkey and cruising to Greece. Or to Greece and back. If either, you might like to charter a proper sailing yacht with a crew having knowledge not just of the nautical route, and not just of coves and bays along the way, but also having knowledge of pertinent history and culture, knowledge which might make the nearest cove not merely a swim stop but once an anchorage for biremes and triremes of Antony or Hadrian, those of Antony carrying a full complement of marines and legionnaires, those of Hadrian transporting architects and engineers, the first en route along the coast of Asia Minor to battle at Actium in Greece, the second pausing along the same coast to build new cities and civic edifices such as temples and monumental granaries while also en route to Greece. Antony had been a lieutenant in service to Julius Caesar, and following Caesar's assassination had been appointed by the Roman Senate one of three triumvirs to rule in his stead. When en route to Actium in 32 BC Antony was proceeding to an encounter with Octavian, the other remaining triumvir. He had with him not only an army of 82,000 but galleys eventually numbering more than 500, many of them huge floating castles with as many as ten rowers to an oar. But even with ten to an oar these Egyptian-built castles were tediously slow. Antony of necessity paused each night along the way, frequently for weeks at a time, in order to exact taxes, recruit soldiers and sailors, and gather the provisions needed to feed so many mouths. Among Antony's stops of interest to charter sailing guests were Perge near Antalya, Phaselis 20 miles to the south, and, proceeding west, Finike, Andriake, Patara, Lydae, Caunos, Rhodes Town, Loryma, Knidos, then north to Kos, Ephesus, and Samos. The emperor Hadrian was here 156 years later in AD 124. Born in Sevilla, Spain, into a prominent Roman family, he was to become the third of five Pax Romana or "good" emperors, intent on strengthening the Empire from within through improved infrastructure, as opposed to conquering perceived enemies or annexing new territory. This was the purpose of his visit to Asia Minor, building canals and harbors, commissioning new settlements and structures, thus, for example, monumental granaries at Andriake and Patara still standing today. So charter sailing guests may explore history, yes, but while basking under a warm sun and swimming in crystal-clear seawater. And while feasting on a superb cuisine of fresh produce, fresh seafood, and fresh fruit. Dining doesn't get much better. But unbeknownst to charter sailing guests in 2006, the Pox Americana or "bad" emperor in Fortress America had four years earlier, even before seeking to conquer perceived enemies in Iraq and to annex territory which for centuries thwarted the Roman Empire, instituted a traveler surveillance program targeted at each person entering or leaving the United States. Called the Automated Targeting System or ATS, this secret surveillance program gathers and stores information assessed by a computer to determine a terror risk rating for each traveler. No traveler is told of this system or is permitted to know his or her terror risk rating. But the rating may be made available to the traveler's employer or to a credit rating agency, and most certainly is made available to one or more of America's secret services. Do not, therefore, purchase a one-way ticket as if planning not to return. Do not request a seat near an emergency exit. Do not reject a pork entree. Do not wear a head scarf. Do not appear unwarrantedly purposeful. Once inside the aircraft do not wear sunglasses. And, above all, upon arrival do not permit yourself to be led by Customs or Immigration staff into an empty room. Nevertheless, do not be deterred, do charter a yacht to cruise the coast of Turkey and among nearby Greek islands. Perhaps starting in Gocek. Are you searching for Gocek in Turkey? Well, it is forty-two nautical miles ENE of Rhodes Town and about twenty road miles from its own international airport at Dalaman. In Gocek we can put you aboard a sailing yacht for an extraordinary vacation. We can put you aboard a charter sailing yacht and show you Antony's route along the coasts of Lycia and Caria and among Aegean islands of Greece, show you Hadrian's track along the periphery of Rome's Asia Province and across the Aegean to Athens. Contact us today at tgeweb@aol.com