Canakkale
From CruisersWiki
| Canakkale Port of Entry
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 Satellite view of Çanakkale & the Dardanelles |
Çanakkale, which is located strategically on the south side near the narrowest point of the Dardanelles or Hellespont, 0.75 nM wide, arose round the castle built here by Mehmet II in 1452 prior to his conquest of Constantinople. In even earlier times, the Persian king Xerxes built a bridge here to cross the strait on his campaign to attempt the conquest of Greece and so did Alexander on his subsequent campaign to return the favour by conquering Persia. Lord Byron swam across the straits from here, although he was reportedly carried four miles downstream by the current.
Today Çanakkale is a bustling town of 55,000 inhabitants and the gateway to the historic sites of Troy and the Gallipoli monuments. Its harbour contains a small marina with space for around 12 yachts, complete with laid moorings, water and electricity. Canakkale Marina, as it is called, is a useful halfway stop on the Asian side of the straits for yachts transiting the Dardanelles. It is about six hours from Bozcaada and four hours from Lapseki for a yacht heading north.
Charts
See Dardanelles.
Weather
See Turkey.
Passages
Islands
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
See Dardanelles
Entrance
It is de facto mandatory to use the Marina services or an agent to do the Turkey check in. Police won´t allow to leave the marina without a stamped passport. Cost for transit log, taxes and extra fees are around 680TL (200EUR) for 2 persons.
For checkout use the marine service for TL 150,-
In Canakkale Marina you can call, SMS or Whatsup +905062417179 to seek assistance for both checkin and checkout procedure as well as anything you need about your boat.
For entrance details see Turkey.
Berthing
At the SW end of the commercial harbour there is the tiny Çanakkale Marina where yachts are welcomed.
Marina responds on VHF on channel 73 (and not CH9 as indicated in Imray guide).
As June 2019, berth fees for a 11 m boat are 110 TL per day. Water, wifi and electricity are included.
If the Meltemi is blowing, the berthing (stern with laid mooring) is a bit sporty but the Marina attendant will help you with their dinghy.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Çanakkale Marina
Anchorages
It is possible to anchor N of the marina in 4.0 - 5.0 metres in a bight protected from the prevailing N/NE winds. The holding is good in mud and weed. The anchorage is subject to regular swell from passing ships.
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | Water outlets in the marina |
| Electricity | In the marina |
| Toilets | In the marina |
| Showers | In the marina |
| Laundry | Canakkale Marina has a washing machine at your disposal in the women's bathroom. Ask an attendant for assistance |
| Garbage | There are bins around the harbour |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | Fuel station in the marina |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | None |
| Services | |
| Repairs | The marina attendant, Ali, is very handy for minor repairs, he even had a collection of spare parts |
| Internet | At the Canakkale Marina (code on request) and from internet cafes |
| Mobile connectivity | Strong 3G signal |
| Vehicle rentals | In town |
Provisioning
- Many excellent fruits and vegetables in the shops of Çanakkale
- Plenty of local fruits, vegetable and basic clothes in the market area
40°08.64′N, 26°24.55667′E. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays the market expands.
- Large Carrefour supermarket 10 minutes from marina.
Eating out
- The Assos Cafe very near the marina does a delicious Assos Kebab for YTL 14 (fillet steak cooked in tomatoes and spices and served on a bed of croutons and topped with shredded potato - comes with a side salad).
- Over the Straits in Kilitbahir, the Sur Cafe (right opposite the castle entrance) does an excellent balik ekmek (fish sandwich) for only YTL 5 on its waterfront terrace.
Transportation
- Frequent ferries to European side of Straits.
- Due to apron and runway renovation work, Çanakkale Airport will be closed to all flights as of March 20,2013. General Directorate of State Airports Authority has yet not informed the date on which the flights may restart.
Tourism
Places to Visit
Within driving distance from Çanakkale are the archaeological site of Troy and the Gallipoli Monuments. Also, in Çanakkale itself there are several attractions. A mile S of the marina is a naval museum with several displays commemorating Turkish successes during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915 and the Sultan's Castle (Kale-i Sultaniyye), which is worth a visit. Just north of the marina is the Trojan horse constructed for the film ‘Troy’ featuring Brad Pitt (which is considerably more authentic than the fairground version to be found at Troy itself). Kilitbahir, on the other side of the Strait and easily reachable by a frequent ferry service, has an impressive castle built by Mehmet the Conqueror and the remains of the shore batteries that defeated the Allied attempt to force the Straits in March 1915. It is also a great place for a leisurely lunch away from the bustle of Canakkale.
Troy
Troy, (Photos) also known by its Turkish name of Trova, is about 30 km SE of Çanakkale.
It is a confusing site, with the many different cities uncovered, one on top of the other, spanning thousands of years. It is, of course, a great thrill to be stepping right over this legendary land. The little museum with a grotesque replica of the Trojan Horse was a disappointment. A better representation is to be found on the waterfront in Canakkale.
Gallipoli
The monuments are on the Gallipoli peninsula and not by the town of Gelibolu (Gallipoli). To visit them, take the small ferry boat across the Dardanelles to the North side and drive about 30 km E to the monument of the British soldiers who were killed in the infamous Battle of Gallipoli at World War I, when more than 100,000 soldiers were killed and buried here. The ride is through a heavily wooded area which, being a "Mili Park" (national park), is unspoiled and beautiful. The British monument was very moving. The names of all the units that fell during the battle were inscribed. Among them were a Greek and an Egyptian unit. There were also many Gurkha and Burmese who were killed so far away from their home.
You can then drive to the very large Turkish monument. Again it is very touching. I particularly find moving the magnanimous words of Kemal Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey, acknowledging the heroism not only of the Turkish soldiers but their enemies as well:
| Those English, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian heroes who shed blood on the soil of this country Here you are in the soil of a friendly country Rest in peace. You are side by side and lying together with the Mehmetcik's. You, the mothers, who sent their sons to war from far away countries! wipe away your tears, Your sons are lying on our bosom. They are at peace and they will rest in peace After having lost their lives on this land. They have become our sons as well! | K. ATATÜRK 1934 |
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Canakkale at the Wikipedia
- Canakkale at the Wikivoyage
- Troy at the Wikipedia
- Gallipoli at the Wikipedia
References
See Turkey.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
- Prices in Canakkale Marina during our visit in May 2011 were YTL 75 per night for a typical 13 metre yacht (including electricity and water). --Athene of Lymington 20:18, 18 May 2011 (BST)
- price in 2017 for a 15 m MY 120 TL/night
- price in 2019 for an 11 m s/y 110 TL/night, incl water & elect.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Canakkale and this page's details validated:
- August 1999 --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
- May 2011 --Athene of Lymington 20:18, 18 May 2011 (BST)
- May 2013 --Monterey
- July 2016 --Randon
- July 2016 --Smoothtraveller
- July 2017 --Conch 16:21, 25 July 2017 (BST)
- June 2019 --Sandybig 3 June 2019
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington,Monterey,Randon, Sandybig |
