One of the most popular names in the world of gastronomy... A true olive lover and producer... A guru of Italy... A musician, and a sailor as well. We would like to take you on a journey into the colorful world of Ayhan Sicimoğlu in this issue, whom we met through his sailboat Graziella, moored at Setur Kuşadası Marina.

 

 

 

The importance of memories and doing something you love in life... The courage not to be afraid of creating new ones while living those memories... The importance of being passionate about something and not giving up being yourself while embarking on new adventures that passion takes you on. Talking to Ayhan Sicimoğlu, you realize that the whole point is exactly this: Learning to be yourself!

 

 

Gözde Nur Keser: Mr. Ayhan, I am more curious about this than anything else: When and how did you become passionate about sailing?

 

Ayhan Sicimoğlu: My grandmother had a mansion in Fenerbahçe. My mother, grandmother, uncle, aunt and all my cousins used to gather in this mansion during summers. The sea was just a step away. There was this acquaintance of ours, Hasan the Fisherman, with a very small sailboat. I wanted to sail so much that one summer, I think I was around 12 or 13, I fearlessly enjoyed the sea for the first time on that boat.

 

GK: How exactly did it happen? Did you sail alone?

 

AS: I jumped on Hasan the Fisherman's boat with the courage of that age. I sailed stealthily from Fenerbahçe to Moda. It was one of those moments when I realized the pleasure of that feeling of freedom and that I was in love with the sea. That was also the first time I swallowed the salt of the sea and the dust of the boat. I would have a few like-minded friends come with me.

 

GK: I can see it from your eyes that you are reliving those moments as you talk about them.

 

AS: These are very precious, childhood memories. We got on that boat 4-5 times without fear. 

 

GK: We will get back to sails and seas, of course. I also really wonder about the story of your boat, Graziella. But, there is something else that I wonder about. Gastronomy is a huge part of your life. I suppose, after sailing, your biggest passion is the kitchen. How did it all begin?

 

AS: Gastronomy was first introduced to my life professionally in Italy. Then it became one of the most significant points in my life. Besides, don't you think of delicious food when you think of Italy? But most importantly, it all started with my mother. My mother is the daughter of a family of Kayseri origin who live in Adana during winters and come to Istanbul in summers. She grew up with a rich culinary culture. This has affected me a lot too. I mean, this interest in good food actually comes from childhood.

 

GK: So, growing up with a rich culinary culture had a lot to do with you becoming a gourmet...

 

AS: One cannot be a gourmet unless one's mother is a good cook. I'm quite clear on this!

 

GK: So, what is Italy's role?

 

AS: I have many friends in Italy. There, culinary talk is quite popular, especially among men. Men have long conversations about food. Not only food, but also wine. And I must say they cook good food. There are times when you can spend hours and hours coming up with ideas about a cheese. Or about a wine. Such conversations enabled me to improve myself.

 

GK: That's great! It is usually women in our country who talk more about food. Do you also cook on the boat?

 

AS: Of course. I even have a recipe for pasta with raw sauce. We sometimes have difficulties because cooking on a boat requires working in a confined space with limited equipment. But it is entirely up to you to come up with exquisite flavors. The most basic point is to use good ingredients, especially good olive oil. By the way, we cooked the sauce for the pasta with raw sauce on the bow of the boat under the midday sun.

 

GK: It must be worth it.

 

AS: Absolutely! My passion for food even caused me to change route while sailing. I remember one time we were sailing with friends. They kept insisting on spaghetti carbonara. But we were missing an ingredient. So, we changed the route. We found out that the ingredient we were looking for was available on Lesbos, so we set sail for Lesbos. You shouldn't be afraid to change route neither at sea nor in life!

 

GK: Correct me if I am wrong: You are a sea lover in pursuit of flavor. How did you happen to meet Graziella, home to all these beautiful memories?

 

AS: I brought the boat from Italy. First time I saw her was on Sardinia. She is a good companion. Her name was not Graziella when we first met. But, you may know, there are a lot of legends among us sailors. One legend says it is bad luck to change the name of a boat. I found out that there is a way to overcome this negative belief. If you are to change your boat's name, you must engrave the old name somewhere inside the boat. We changed her name to Graziella but we engraved its old name inside.

Actually, let me tell you one more thing... Normally boats are referred to as feminine abroad and most of them have women's names. The reason is to give that boat a female spirit, to make it represent prosperity! According to another legend, the female spirit protects sailors from disaster.

 

GK: The spirit seems to come from these legends and beliefs... So, have you ever been to a place by boat and never wanted to return?

 

AS: Yes, there are such places: A couple of islands in the Caribbean... The nature and texture made me feel like I was in a different universe. Honestly, I never wanted to return from that place.

 

GK: Considering that you traveled to the Caribbean by boat, it is safe to say that you are a transatlantic sailor...

 

AS: I am just a guy who loves the sea, who enjoys living on the sea, who tries to understand the sea, who is happy to breathe in its peace and smell.

 

GK:  Talking to you, I realize even more that sea requires a lot of love.

 

AS: It is always about love. There is no job that can be done without love.

 

GK: Surely there are times when you are struggling in the sea you are so lovingly connected to, right?

 

AS: Sure. Especially a couple storms. I had adventures where I had to swim to the shore and cry while hugging the rocks.

 

GK: You are, by the way, a sailor who is not afraid to record his memories while living in the moment.

 

AS: That is the whole point, you cannot live if you are afraid! I see young people, passionate about the sea. It makes me very happy. There should be more young people, and they should not be afraid to record their own memoirs.

 

GK: Regarding young sailors... Do you have any advice for them?

 

AS: First understand, then be courageous and love! What is important for me is not to be afraid of learning. You should not be afraid of the sea either. Once you get on the boat, once you set sail, you will fight the waves, you will chase after that passion. Your route may change, your reality may change, even you may change. But do not think too much about it.

 

GK: I would also like to ask you about your views on our marina before we conclude our conversation.

 

AS: You know, I actually came to Kuşadası for a festival. There will be a festival here. One where you can taste food and watch shows while you wander the streets. I came here with Graziella. When a small storm caught us while we were crossing the Mycale Strait, we took shelter in Setur Kuşadası Marina.

I have seen many marinas lately. Marina business has improved a lot. Naturally, it is extremely important to maintain service quality and a smiling face. That is what you are successful about here. I instantly realized that I had come to a marina with one of the cleanest waters I have ever seen. Both the nature and the sea are really pleasant. I should also mention that your mooring service and front office team are very good. Your shower cabinets and restrooms are very clean too.

 

GK: Thank you. Before we conclude, is there a book you would recommend to sea lovers, that you also like to read while sailing?

 

AS: Empries of the Sea. Written by Roger Crowley.

 

GK: I will read it too. I kept the most important question for last. What does the sea mean to you?

 

AS: I have a very clear answer to that: Liberty! Also space, winds and smell!

 

 

Interview: Gözde Nur Keser, Setur Marinas Kuşadası Front Office Representative