The Kaptan Sevket, Magic Carpet Ride Along Turkey
Hello Writers!
We’re counting down to what promises to be another memorable writing workshop aboard the Kaptan Sevket on Turkey’s Turquoise coast September 19-26, 2009 with Larry Habegger, editor and co-founder of Travelers’ Tales Books. Aboard our classic Turkish wood sailing yacht, we’ll meet for instruction in the mornings after breakfast, partake in private consultations throughout each day (in and around writing and exploring), and meet for discussion, and sharing our work in the evenings before a sumptuous nightly feast. After that, of course, there’s more time to talk or write, sip wine or raki, or simply lie on the deck and gaze at the stars. We’ll move from secluded cove to cove up and down Turkey’s southern coastline, stopping to swim, kayak, snorkel, view ruins and visit villages. Full details here: http://www.larryhabegger.com/teaching/
Swimming off Cleopatra Island in 2008
If you haven’t reserved a space yet, I highly encourage you to do so as the class once again is limited to 8 students.
This workshop just gets better each year!
For a view of what you’re in for, take a peek at last year’s workshop:
In September 2008, ten writers boarded the Kaptan Sevket in Bodrum, Turkey to sail into the Aegean Sea and to write, guided by writing instructor extraordinaire, Larry Habegger. Our wildly varied group of personalities, ages, and skill levels bonded quickly. Each person in the group was a dedicated writer, emphatic about improving their skills. And each worked at it, showing up for every class each morning and evening and for personal consultations with the instructor throughout each day.
1st class of the day begins over breakfast
After a week that included idyllic sailing along Turkey’s curvaceous coastline, swimming and kayaking in aquamarine waters, visits to small villages, hiking among the ruins on Cleopatra Island, eating outrageously delicious, healthy food that just kept coming and coming, meeting and talking about writing, and producing heaps of newly informed and inspired pieces, we disembarked with indelible memories, new friends, and vastly enhanced writing skills.
Our magic carpet, The Kaptan Sevket, is a sleek, solid, 82 foot, hand-built Turkish gulet with majestic sails that tower high above as we head each day into the next bucolic harbor. Ensuite cabins are large, each with 2 single berths or one double bed. We did not see one other boat on the water last September that could compare to ours! And the crew, how we loved them. There was the capable, all-knowing, story teller extraordinaire Kaptan Mustafa. And sweet, efficient Levent, Batur and Tuncay.
The food. Well, if you know anything about Turkish food, you know you’re in for a treat. I cannot say enough about the fabulous food our crew prepared, and so I won’t. Check out photos here: http://ontheroad.destinationtbd.com/2008/10/04/the-food/
In September 2009, we’ll begin a bit further south in the village of Gocek. From there we’ll head south to Ulu Deniz – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We’ll snorkel over ancient cities in Kas, sail past Lycian ruins that date back to Jesus Christ, go ashore when the mood strikes, and yes, once again, we will write. And we will do it on the Kaptan Sevket with the same crew. They are family now.
Local girls at the market in Turkish village
The price for the workshop, boat, excursions, and food is $2800 usd. (airfare separate). You may reserve your spot by sending $1400 via Paypal.com to [email protected]. Spots are filling fast so be sure to reserve yours soon. And please purchase travel insurance as deposits are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your spot.
To learn more about our instructor, Larry Habegger, co-editor and founder of Travelers Tales Books, have a look at the following links:
http://travelerstales.com
http://larryhabegger.com
Here is what some of our participants have to say about last year’s workshop:
When I signed up for the workshop, I couldn’t have imagined what I would leave with: deep friendships, a new understanding of myself and writing goals, an amazing collection of photos, and a great big notebook of souvenirs in the form of writing tips, techniques, and guidance I received from Larry, who has replaced my 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Klein, as my favorite instructor of all time. Sailing on a handsome gulet along the gem-colored shoreline of the Aegean Sea is the perfect place to get inspired, forget about all the distractions at home, and devote yourself to a week of writing. – Cheryn Flanagan, San Francisco, California
This workshop exceeded my expectations a million times. I had a vague idea I could write commentary but had no confidence in my ability to write description. I came away feeling like I can now do both. Larry helped me find continuity in my notes and pull them together into something that was actually writing instead of just ideas on a page. Listening to everyone else was valuable in pointing me in the right direction. Having optional and flexible individual consultations was perfect. Being on a boat in gorgeous surroundings crystallized everything into one great experience. – Nicola Prentis, Istanbul, Turkey
Carrie relaxing on the bow
Thank you for a wonderful experience aboard the Kaptan Sevket! The trip was well organized. It was a nice touch making decisions as a group about specific destinations on a day-to-day basis. As a lover of the wilderness, I enjoyed mooring in secluded bays absent of resorts and other development. I liked meeting in the morning and reconvening in the evenings for writing. The private meetings with Larry were a real plus. Our group was diverse in many ways, and I appreciated the different personalities. Thank you so much for an inspiring, relaxing and colorful experience! – Carrie Visintainer, Fort Collins, Colorado
So, reserve your spot soon and I will see you in Turkey in September 2009!
Robin Sparks in Istanbul, Turkey
OneWorld Ltd – Accommodations for the Global Traveler and Writing Workshops that Rock!
https://robinsparks.com
In the unlikely event that a minimum of 8 students is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the workshop and return all deposits.
Comments are closed.