Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Enriched is the word. I will remember this trip for family, friends, history, beauty, new experiences and wonderful camaraderie. First, the country of Turkey I discovered to be friendly, scenic, and delightful. I was fascinated by the ancient ruins we toured - and felt so small in comparison to civilizations gone by. I also felt small in comparison to the sea - but safe on the TGE under the guidance of our skipper. I will carry many fond memories: swimming in Cleopatra's Bay, a Turkish barber in Fethiye, bargaining in the bazaar, and flying the spinnaker. But most of all I will remember the hospitality and family feeling and wonderful friends I've gained by knowing Heather, William, Jenny, and Gordon. Thank you. Alan Schiff, Los Angeles, Ca., May 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. We can hardly believe that our few days are up. It feels like we have just begun. This is perhaps the most beautiful place we could have set sail, and Gordon, Heather, Jenny, and William have made a wonderful experience into a spectacular one. We cannot thank you enough for unlocking the mysteries of the Mediterranean coast. We only wish we had a few more days to visit, laugh, read, and explore. We will never forget our first voyage over water. Thanks for being captain, crew, and, most importantly, friends. Jon Kitei, Chicago, Ill., May 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. No vacation is complete without great food, and, Jenny, your on-shore and off-shore efforts were great; our tummies thank you. Good luck this summer and we hope to see all of you at some point in Chicago. We're reserving a spot at Northwestern for William, Class of 2019. Your New Friend, Shona Kitei, Chicago, Ill., May 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Gordon and Heather, we are sad to be disembarking the lovely TGE. However, we will leave with great and fond memories of our trip. It's hard to believe we did so many fun and interesting things in such a short time - yet we couldn't be more relaxed. This trip has been everything we had hoped for and more. We appreciate your extra effort at every turn to make our trip most enjoyable. We're not sure how you convinced us to jump off a six thousand foot cliff, but we certainly did enjoy it. One of the nicest things about the trip (of too many to mention) was to be treated so kindly by all of the wonderful people that you have made friends with throughout the Gulf of Fethiye. Chris Stenzel, San Francisco, Ca., June 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Thank you for a most excellent trip and for sharing with us your boat, your hospitality, your friends, and a beautiful and fascinating part of Turkey. We are truly sad to be leaving. I'm just sorry we managed to share our flu with you, Gordon. This was a trip we looked forward to with great anticipation, and the reality has certainly surpassed our expectations. All the best to you Gordon, Jenny, and William, and to Heather, as you embark on new adventures. Thanks for all you did to set our honeymoon off on a great start. Julia Stenzel, San Francisco, Ca., June 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Alas our short cruise is over, and needless to say it is with sadness that I depart the TGE and the relaxing environs of the Gulf of Fethiye. There was but one rule aboard Captain Gordon's ship, "Everybody must have fun," and indeed a good time was had by all. Whether it was during the relaxing sails to our wonderfully charming ports of call or the not nearly so relaxing jump off 6,000-foot Baba Dag, fun in its many forms couldn't have been avoided if we'd tried. Thanks Captain Gordon and Mate Heather. I bid you Bon Voyage. Lucas Terranova, Groton, Ct., June 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. I will always remember my first sailing experience, on the TGE, in the unbelievably blue waters of Turkey's coves. Bianca Terranova, Groton, Ct., June 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Sailing on the TGE we have seen some of the most beautiful country yet. Turkey and the Turks have been marvelous. The TGE is a lovely vessel and we have thoroughly enjoyed sailing with all aboard. George Terranova, Groton, Ct., June 1997

Greek Island Hopping In The Cyclades. Ah, the Meltemi! Those notorious winds from the north arrived early this season, during our first day at sea. My companion and I took turns "at the rail," before discovering the wonders of Bonine. Looking back to that near-gale (Beaufort 6-7), I wouldn't have thought that by trip's end I would be lounging comfortably above and below deck. Even, on many occasions, reading! Along the way friendships were made and history was made to come alive. A real adventure for me, one I will long recall. Bill Barlow, Los Angeles, Ca., June 1997

Greek Island Hopping In The Cyclades. The vision I had of a peaceful, smooth sail on the deep blue sea was quickly shaken when the boat began to rock and then pound and Bill and I began to feel queazy (to put it mildly). Luckily, that didn't last more than a couple of days - although I have to say I thought more than once "What if it stays this way for the whole trip!" My vision of a captain will forever be Gordon, roaming the decks at night, raising and lowering sails, muttering about this thing and that. Heather was a delight, as was her delicious cooking. Now I wonder why we can't have these beautiful blue skies and shining turquoise water at home. Whatever we did to anger Poseidon he must be over now because the ending is a happy one! Thanks, Cheri Brownlee, Los Angeles, Ca., June 1997

Greek Island Hopping In The Cyclades. As you know, we've been planning our honeymoon for a long time. Our week on the T.G. Ellyson exceeded all our expectations. What a fabulous trip! Beautiful places, great food, and lots of relaxation. Gordon, you better watch out - Johnny wants your job. Thank you again for a great time. Turkey 1999, here we come! Cathleen England Ortiz, Miami, Fl., June 1997

Greek Island Hopping In The Cyclades. I had to be dragged off the boat. Gordon, my offer to work for room and board is always open. Thanks, Johnny Ortiz, Miami, Fl., June 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. It would be almost impossible to describe in seventeen minutes (the time Captain Gordon says remains of our holiday) the beauty we have seen and experienced on the TGE - the bays, the clear water, the turquoise, the blue, the pines, the hills - and the sailing experience. Heeled over at eight knots beating up wind, slicing through the whitecaps, plus not having to worry about a thing since Captain "G" takes away all the cares, unless of course you want to help. If you read the log above (not transcribed) you'll know where we've been but not how we've enjoyed it. Most of the time has been spent absorbing the beauty and trying somehow to save it up for the rainy winter days. Throughout Gordon has been there to guide us and we thank him for that safe feeling of security. We only wish we had more time to savor the wonderful bay restaurants and the cold beer, yes, even city landlubbers like us.. Philippa, you are a gem to sail with. Thank you. Mark Milton, London, England, July 1997

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Our first real sailing trip and Gordon managed to make even a lily-livered landlubber like me feel safe. Philippa is a saint - always happy and good-natured and really made our holiday. Claire Milton, London, England, July 1997

Greece And Turkey At Once. A world of thanks to Gordon and Philippa for a most enjoyable holiday. Gordon's experience and historical knowledge of Greece and Turkey are outstanding and complement Philippa's delightful personality and hospitality. T.G. Ellyson is a beautiful boat which we look forward to boarding again in the future. Gratefully, John Hartel and Gina Beck, Washington, D.C., August 1997

Greece And Turkey At Once. Our second best holiday ever - the best was last year sailing with Gordon aboard the T.G. Ellyson in the Gulf of Fethiye. Actually, it was a toss-up as to which was the best. We hope to make this an annual event!! Sailing with Gordon and Philippa is an absolute treat. The weather and the sights are terrific, but they make it all perfect. Their warmth and hospitality, great food, interesting excursions and fun evenings equal the perfect holiday. Thank you both. Love Debra xxx. Debra Walton-Collings, New York, N.Y., September 1997

Greece And Turkey At Once. Finishing our second trip with Gordon and our first with Philippa. Sailed from Samos to Arki, Patmos, Leros, Kos, Simi, and finished in Rodos. We enjoyed the varied islands and their residents. We look forward to sailing again with the T.G. Ellyson. Peter Collings, New York, N.Y., September 1997

Greece And Turkey At Once. After last year's memorable experience in Turkey, I was looking forward to spending more time on Gordon's yacht while exploring the Dodecanese group of islands. I was not disappointed. Although very different from Turkey, the scenery, the food, the wine and the sailing were all great and the mixture of cultures and Gordon's knowledge of the islands we visited was helpful. Also, a great choice of islands - some commercialised, others almost uninhabited, and everything in between. Also the different cultural influences are evident. And, one must not forget Philippa's great cooking. THANKS. Reis oli hea, ja toit oli samuti hea. Gordon ja Jenny ja Philippa on koike nii head voorustjad. See puhkus on koike parim. Carole Liivrand, London, England and Tallinn, Estonia, September 1997.

Greece And Turkey At Once. As expected, this year's cruise again was just great. I regard Gordon as a true friend and so naturally I enjoyed the opportunity of sharing our mutual love of sailing for another week. Philippa is just a wonderful shipmate. A great cook; she spoiled Carole and me, Debra and Peter just rotten. I don't know who will pour my drink tomorrow. Everything was just great. Brian Folbigg, Sydney, Australia, September 1997.

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. After communicating via e-mail for 8 months with Gordon, we had high expectations for our week afloat - everyone of which was met. Beautiful scenery, wonderful people, great food. Gordon and Philippa are excellent hosts and good friends. A week of superb memories that we hope to repeat aboard the TGE in the near future. Phil Putzel, Singapore, September 1997.

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Everything "great" - great sailing, great scenery, great weather, great skipper in Gordon and great "first mate" in Philippa. A great switch-off from the real world - it was the honeymoon we wanted. Thanks for everything - we will be back. Linda Daryn (Putzel), September 1997.

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Sailing with Gordon and Philippa has been a grand experience. Gordon is the finest sailor I have ever known and Philippa is a wonder, both catering to our every need and desire. The secluded bays were idyllic and their restaurants quite amazing. This has been a sailing trip we will long remember most happily. Marilyn Faden, Cedar Grove, N.J., October 1997.

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. I have been sailing for 30 years and in one week Gordon has shown how poor my sailing skills are. I promise myself that I will be a better sailor when I get home. Get in the groove! Watch the telltails, if nothing else works. Bernie Faden, Cedar Grove, N.J., October 1997.

Greece And Turkey At Once. Gordon and Philippa - What a wonderful adventure! Don't know what was the highlight - Ekincik with our tram rides, Cleopatra's Bay, the Chinese feast at Kumlu Buku or our dancing at Palamut. Gocek was wonderful with sweet William and Jenny. Thank you for a wonderful two weeks. Loved Turkey but next time more of Greece too. Marilyn Gabel, El Sobrante, Ca., October 1997.

Greece And Turkey At Once. Thank you for adding another great adventure to our lives. I will remember every day and every night. But most of all I will remember the two of you. Love is all. Stan Gabel, El Sobrante, Ca., October 1997.

Greece And Turkey At Once. Abandoned ship this date! Provisions exhausted! Underwear dirty! Wine reserve of Turkish ports seriously depleted! A unique, exciting, and memorable experience, both with Mssrs Sail and Mr. Motor. Thank you - The Henry. Henry Gilbertson, Santa Rosa, Ca., October 1997.

Greece And Turkey At Once. Dear Gordon and Philippa - can 6 people spend two weeks together on a 44' boat and become or remain friends??? Only on the TGE! Dear "Phil," the "Dolphin," never repeated a menu in two weeks and brought coffee just when I needed it. Gordon, you made our 30th Anniversary THE most memorable of all! Getting the Capt. to push us uphill in the trolley, all your special places, eating healthy, and good times every evening will add yet more threads to the tapestry of our lives. Thank you!!! Theresa Ellona Gilbertson (Henry's bride), Santa Rosa, Ca., October 1997.

Greece And Turkey At Once. From Bodrum to Gocek = one superb week during which we came to appreciate sailing qualities of S/Y T. G. Ellyson, her skipper Gordon, and Philippa who managed to provide for all our needs and wishes. In short - we intend to return as soon as possible.! Howdy Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, October 1997.

Greece And Turkey At Once. Ein urlaub voller uberraschungen. Einfach toll!! Fuhrung war grossartig - voller umsicht und Einfuhlung. Es war mein schonstes Erlebnis. Mein Dank geht an den umsichtigen Skipper Gordon. Else Bluhm, Dortmund, Germany, October 1997

Greece And Turkey At Once. This trip made three people happier in different ways. Seeds fell into fertile ground. Eva Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, October 1997

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