Some boats mean a lot not only to their owners but also to everyone else. They carry the ages, keep the values alive, and beautify the place they are located. One of them is the vessel Castalia, one of the apples of the eye of Kuşadası marina.

 

Gözde Nur Keser, Setur Marinas Kuşadası Front Office Representative

 

Castalia is one of the legendary vessels of Kuşadası marina. With its structure, texture and story, it is literally living history that adds a special value to the marina.

 

 

The owner, John Cahit Akfırat, bought the vessel years ago. With her son, he first met Castalia in England. What impressed him most was the fascinating spirit that lies in the classic design of the '68 model, a special British-built vessel. He loved and admired this vessel so much that he wanted to bring it to his hometown. He was so attentive and took such good care of her that he has almost identified with her. Cruising adventures continued until recent years.

 

After Mr. Cahit and his son had crossed paths with Castalia, which has 10 cabins, is completely solid and has a copper bottom, every cruise they went on gave them an incredible experience. The fact that it is a vessel that has crossed the ocean before also increases the value of Castalia. Castalia has aged over time but has never worn out.

 

 

Castalia, which was brought to Türkiye 30 years ago, has been docked at Kuşadası Setur Marina for more than 15 years. When the vessel, which remained under the American flag for many years, was donated to the Rahmi Koç Museum by Cahit Bey, the transition to the Turkish flag began.  The vessel also has the distinction of being the last vessel in Türkiye to switch from the American flag to the Turkish flag.

 

After the vessel was donated to the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, it was decided to change the name of the vessel to "Cahit Amca" ["Uncle Cahit"] in order to keep his name alive due to Mr. Cahit's devotion and love for his boat. In addition to all this, Mr. Cahit, who gave his name and year to his boat, still takes care of his vessel closely and does some of the work himself as much as he can. The 91st birthday of Cahit Bey, a living legend, was recently celebrated with a birthday party held on his vessel.

 

 

We wish both him and his vessel many more years to come. We promise to take good care of Uncle Cahit.

 

Photographs: Gözde Nur Keser