Murat Manoglu – Captain
A Passion That Began from Moda
For as long as I can remember, my life has been defined by two shades of blue: that of Istanbul and that of the Aegean. Born and raised in the Moda district of Kadıköy, Istanbul, and spending my summers in Bodrum, I learned very early on that the sea was not just a view, but a way of life.
The Optimist Years: Discipline and Confidence
My maritime journey officially began at the age of 8 or 9, when my mother enrolled me in the Optimist sailing course at the Istanbul Sailing Club (IYK). For a child of that age, sailing was more than just a sport; it was a school that built character.
Waking up early every morning, cycling to the club, rigging the boat alone, setting sail, and then hauling, cleaning, and storing the equipment despite being exhausted… This routine taught me discipline and responsibility. On days when adults hesitated to send their kids out due to rough weather, I would wait with excitement to set sail. Heavy weather meant freedom and challenge, not fear. Escaping to the Moda Pier when the group was small, and getting scolded by our instructors chasing us in zodiacs, remains one of my fondest memories.
Winds of Youth and Unbroken Passion
As years passed, my childhood friend Batu and I left the club, but we never left the sea. We continued chasing the wind every summer on our Rota 4.70 dinghies at their summer houses in Paşalimanı, in the middle of the Sea of Marmara. Although I tried various sports with the energy of youth, I never found the sense of freedom sailing gave me anywhere else. My compass always pointed to the sea.
Stepping into Professionalism
In my twenties, it was time to ground this passion on a more technical and professional foundation. I received my first serious yacht training from the president of the Amateur Seaman’s Federation at the time and obtained my Amateur Seaman’s Certificate. But in seamanship, learning never ends.
To solidify experience with knowledge, I upgraded my IYT certification to the “Yachtmaster Ocean” level through advanced training at Kechi Sailing. Offshore training, storm sailing courses, boat deliveries, and participating in races as a BAYK licensed athlete showed me every face of the sea.
During this process, I wanted to be someone who not only “uses” but “understands” boats. I delved into the technical side by taking specific training in boat dynamics, electrical systems, maintenance, repair, and marine surveying, particularly for fiberglass vessels. To gain competence in maritime contracts and law, I obtained my 149 GT Yacht Captain license.
New Horizons: The World Tour
Today, I am blending all this accumulated knowledge for the biggest project of my life. For about two years, I have been preparing for a world tour by sea. My goal is not to break records or rush to a destination, but to travel with my “floating home,” without time constraints, savoring the places where the wind and my curiosity take me.
This article series is a reflection of the technical experience I gained while searching for and preparing that “floating home.” Time will tell where the journey takes me, but my course is set: The horizon.
