Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Gocek to Rhodes to Marmaris to Dalyan - great way to see it all!! Julie and I had a wonderful holiday. My impressions and expectations were exceeded at every turn. Being able to see some of the Turkish Aegean coast was absolutely unforgettable, from the fireside of a cove to sitting in a quiet and beautiful marina at night is something we will always remember. I would like to thank Gordon and Philippa for making the keel-boat sailing experience, our first, something we will now plan and look forward to again and again in the near future. Now I need to figure out how to get my own boat into the Aegean - something to plan for. Robert Bucher, Vancouver, Canada, May 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Our second cruise, albeit rather brief, has permitted further appreciation of the T.G. Ellyson. Having now had the opportunity to see more of the Gulf of Fethiye, and realizing this is only the beginning, I look forward to the next visit. My thanks to both of you, Gordon and Philippa. A bientot. Howdy Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, May 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Seeds are growing. Eva Hilderbrand, Geneva, Switzerland, May 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Gordon, thanks for a wonderful, wonderful trip truly one of life's ultimate experiences! Philippa, thanks for the great company and lunches!! "The lights begin to twinkle on the rocks, the long day wanes, the slow moon climbs, the deep moans round with many voices. Come my friends, 'tis not too late to see a newer world. Push off and setting well in order smite the sounding furrow, for our purpose is to sail beyond the sunset and the baths of all the western stars before we die. It may be that the gulfs shall wash us down, it may be that we shall reach the happy isles and see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Though much is taken, much abides, and though we are not now that force that in old days moved earth and heaven, that what we are we are; one equal temper of heroic hearts made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive to seek to find and not to yield!"(Tennyson's Ulysses) Good luck to you, Gordon. Thanks and best wishes. Jerry Wrixon, Cork, Ireland, June 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. So difficult to put in words the sensual and impressionistic. To paraphrase: I stepped on stones which spoke, and met with many ghosts, and renewed my own spirit. Many thanks to Gordon and Philippa for two weeks of great pleasure. Marcia Wrixon, Cork, Ireland, June 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Gordon, from the ramparts in Marmaris to the shadows in Aspendos an unforgettable journey; I loved the sea and sky, the unspoiled places and a sense of continuity; one is tempted to think of the failed splendor of the past, but I felt most sharply the spirits of those who have gone before. I read a line in Doctor Zhivago, my trip reading: "You rose from the dead the day you were born, but you didn't know it." It was so apt. Many thanks. Sail on. Keep writing. And a special thanks to Philippa. Sheila Block, Santa Barbara, California, June 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. T.G. Ellyson: thanks for the great lesson in cruising seamanship and close quarters anchoring, Mediterranean style. And we surely have to express gratitude to Philippa, your pursor, cook, and all round girl Friday. She was unfailingly good company on shore trips - great cooking, too. Robert Block, Santa Barbara, California, June 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Dear Gordon, Thank you for sharing some of Lycian Turkey with Brian, Aaron, and me. I think of you like a brother-friend who I have known for 25 years. This was a very special trip for me with my sons who are finding their own way through life. Having an opportunity to be with their dad and "Uncle Gordon" as role models in the unique environment of T.G. Ellyson was a once in a lifetime experience. The sailing was great and the captain and boat outstanding. You made this boat and trip into art work. It was truly a great experience. Your attention to detail, knowledge, and sailing ability are tops. We are greatful that Aaron could contribute his oatmeal breakfasts and tuna lunches. The food and opportunity to crew under you were just what the doctor ordered. Best to you, Jenny, William, and the new baby. Bart Gurewitz, Palos Verdes, California, June 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Dear Gordon, Thank you for a great sailing adventure and family vacation. We have become very close to you and feel like you are family. We enjoyed your company and will always remember this special time we spent together. You have perfected the getaway, full of exciting fun experiences, rich in history and culture that will last a lifetime. Anyone who loves sailing and is in need of some quality time to enjoy life shouldn't miss this opportunity!!! Best wishes to you and your family, Brian and Aaron Gurewitz, Palos Verdes, California, June 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. After more than a year of anticipating our honeymoon adventure I can't believe we are packing up to go home. The week flew by, but every bay we stopped and lingered in will remain in my mind forever. The hikes, Island Ranger, paragliding, 30-knot winds, doldrums, furnace winds, being chilly at Cold Water Bay - all great memories. Thanks also for sharing a bit of yourself on this trip. Your life adventures are a great inspiration to me and Jeff as we begin our life together. A special note is that Andrea, our first-time crew, was a wonderful addition to our trip. Great food and laughter. Thanks for the backgammon lessons, reading the future in Turkish coffee grounds, our river excursion to Dalyan, and wonderful Turkish-German food!! Joanna Forbes, Loveland, Colorado, July 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Some of our favorite stops were Wall Bay with its Roman wall, pine trees, the hike along the wall, and great swimming; Cold Water Bay with its great food, cool temperatures, and fantastic side attractions of ruins and paragliding; No Name Bay was excellent, too, with its flower gardens and elusive goatherd near the fresh water spring. All in all, Gordon proved to be an excellent guide with knowledge that he shared on the history of the many ruins, sailing, great food, and fun. Andrea did some fantastic meals and was a cheerful companion at all times. Thanks to both of you for the adventure, friendship, and for making our honeymoon sailing trip a wonderful time. Jeff Myers, Loveland, Colorado, July 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. I saw my children grow into young adults on this adventure. My wife and I could not ask for a more wonderful trip. Inshallah, we will see you again in three years. John Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. The sea was lovely, the food divine, so who could ask for a better time? Laura Cooper, Manama, Bahrain, July 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. I liked the water, the food, the bed on the ship. Leilani Cooper (age 6), Manama, Bahrain, July 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. I liked the food,I liked the last game of backgammon, and I liked driving the boat. Jonathon Cooper (age 9), Manama, Bahrain, July 1998

Greece And Turkey At Once. Dear Gordon, Thank you for making our honeymoon even more special. We enjoyed the diversity of experiences - swimming in the tranquil bays of the Gulf of Fethiye, reliving the history of the pirates at Gemiler Island, wading in the ice cold waters of the canyon at Saklikent, exploring the narrow winding alleys of Rhodes Town, hiking to seemingly unvisited remains of ancient tombs (Amos, Crya, Caunos). The sailing was equally fascinating - from whale-spotting to high seas adventure to lazy ,lazy, days. We especially appreciate your efforts to take us to special places not mentioned in guide books (not even in Bean's book) and to guide us through them yourself. Also, many thanks to Andrea not only for her skill in the kitchen and on the backgammon board, but also for her perspective on Turkey and on life. Thanks so much again, with fond memories, Astrid Guttmann and Jeff Pentland, Toronto, Canada, August 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Turkish flag is red//Turkish waters are blue//Sailing in it is terrific//And so is the crew. Andrew and Jane Haworth-Booth, Los Angeles, California, September 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. It's all true! Turkey is terrific. A return visit is essential to take full advantage of all it has to offer. This has been a wonderful introduction to the pleasures to be enjoyed afloat. Ian and Judi Sandeberg, London, England, September 1998

Flat-Water Sailing Holiday. Dear Gordon and "the new improved Wilma," THANK YOU! Thank you for good humor, for willingness to be flexible when the trip to Rhodes appeared "undoable," for patience, for laughter, for beautiful sights and a wonderful adventure. Wilma, thank you for such good food and for keeping everything so neat - for being a good first mate and keeping Barbara company - we hope your new home will be all you want and your life full of happiness. Gordon - thank you for sharing your experience with us and for the total security we felt - we wish you wonderful parenthood with William and Sian - It was a pleasure to share time with you and Jenny and share your joy! Peter and I are grateful for your care and for our wonderful adventure - We count you as friends! Barbara and Peter Gattermeir, Kansas City, Missouri, September 1998

Greece And Turkey At Once. A trip that will not soon be forgotten. The cuisine, the sights of Turkey and Greece and the invaluable learning experience of sailing. Singapore noodles and the Chinese restaurant is the winner. Followed closely by Deep Bay and the Fisherman taverna in Rhodes. I'm taking in the fenders and setting sail. Thank you, Andrea, for your charming company and excellent culinary skills. Bon Voyage. David Hayes, Olympia, Washington, October 1998

Greece And Turkey At Once. I can now add the delights of Singapore noodles, shark-meat casserole, and numerous Turkish dishes to my food journey around the world. This was a great way to see Turkey. Thanks, Ann Beck, Olympia, Washington, October 1998

Turquoise Coast Holiday. Dear Gordon, Well, the long awaited sailing voyage has finally come and it truly met and surpassed all our expectations. From the very first night at Deep Bay sitting around the fire on the beach with Yuksel, to the end with the gusting wind and rain around Kappi Creek and Fethiye, we built a treasury of memories. How we appreciated the immaculate care you took of our floating home. Such a pleasure to be aboard such a beautiful craft with dear Wilma cooking her heart out for us four ravenous rowdies! I especially enjoyed the day we spent in Kalkan together swimming, shopping, and visiting over drinks at the Yacht Club by the sea. She is a delight and we all agreed that she kept us not only well fed but royally entertained. All in all I think we can sum it up by saying that you, Gordon, have succeeded in changing this confirmed land lubber into an old salt feeling the wind catch our sails, flying across the water heeled over nearly touching our heads in the water will always be a highlight in my heart. Thanks for encouraging us to paraglide at Olu Deniz and for all your knowledge about old Turkish history and ruins. We'll never forget it all. We wish you, Jenny, William, and Sian God's abundant blessings and happiness. Hope we can return your hospitality in Montana at our ranch someday. With much love - Virginia and Chuck Westwood, Billings, Montana, October 1998.