We finally had the necessary documents in hand and fair weather for sailing on March 11th. We set out cautiously and sailed around the huge Bay of Marmaris getting a feel for the boat and practicing using the sail hydraulics. We tucked in at Kumlu Buku for our first night aboard away from the dock.

We had an early start on March 12th. The calm place where we had tied up the night before became windy and rough and we were anxious to get out into the Bay and get back under sail. Once again we toodled around the Bay and ended up tucked in at Ciftlik at the end of the day.

The little bay at Ciftlik is protected by an islet—Ciftlik Adasi. It is safe to enter on either side of the islet. Ciftlik was all but deserted when we were there in mid-March; there was one other sailboat tied up there. We tied up at the jetty and we were able to walk ashore and explore the few streets. It is a busy spot for day-trippers from Marmaris during the tourist season. In March there were people working getting things ready; but, no other visitors. There are a few restaurants; but, nothing was open yet. There is a big beach. It was lovely with lots of flowers and trees in full bloom.