British Ensign in Turkey?

[MedMan]

We are hoping to sail from Greece to Turkey this year. With the Drums of War in the Middle East beating ever louder, three questions:

1. Are we silly to go at all?

2. Will our Red Ensign be a liability, or even a danger?

3. If the answer to the first question is 'No' but the answer to the second is 'Yes', is there a practical solution to the dilemma?

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[TonyD]

I don't believe you will have a problem. The Turks (in the coastal areas, anyway) have always been friendly, welcoming and pro-British. They are much more welcoming than the Greeks! Their main preoccupation is ensuring that their businesses survive, and for that they need out custom.

I was in Turkey on 11 Sept 01 and the horror that the Turks showed, and the sympathy they expresssed towards Americans was obvious to see. You are more likely to have problems taking a British flagged vessel into Greece than into Turkey.

Whilst it is a Muslim country, their faith is not worn like a badge, as it is in many other more radical countries, and in some parts of the UK. There will always be radicals as there are in our own country, but I do not believe the majority will be swayed by this.

However, I suppose the man with the weapons of mass destruction, George Bush, could always change that!

 

[mikewilkes]

We worked there a couple of years ago in the far east of Turkey, the bit just before you get to Syria. Although predominantly muslim they seem to be very much more libel than most. Especially when it come to certain religious times of abstinence - if you can follow my drift. Great people, very friendly so enjoy and to hell with George W.
Mike

 

[RustyNail]

I agree with Tony. And it could be worse, you could be flying a Cypriot flag!!

All the best

 

[wazza]

Worse still....... an American flag

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[charles_reed]

Why not fly the blue ensign.

After all Turkey is part of NATO and the local authorities recognise the significance.

I find I have far less hassle from French douaniers (and Guardia Civile) than red ensign wearers - but then the latter has been devalued by its use as a flag of convenience by French who want to avoid the premium on the droite de navigation for large power yachts.

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