Our Story · Since 2009

A Different Kind of Gulet Charter Company

How It Began

Born From a Lifelong Love of the Sea

Exclusive Gulets was founded in 2009 by Ahmet Sozen — who came to yachting not from the boatyard, but from a career in finance and a lifelong passion for sailing. When the 2008 financial crisis reshaped his path, he chose to build something rooted in what he loved most: the quiet bays, warm waters and timeless coastlines of the Mediterranean.

His conviction was simple. The unhurried magic of a crewed gulet — and the coasts it opens up — shouldn’t be a secret kept by a fortunate few. Exclusive Gulets began as a way to share it: to put genuine, first-hand knowledge of the boats, the crews and the coastline into the hands of guests who wanted to discover it for themselves.

Fifteen years on, that conviction hasn’t changed. We remain a specialist — not a booking platform — pairing each guest with the right gulet and the right crew for the way they want to travel. Many of our guests return year after year, and much of our new business still comes by personal recommendation.

Today Exclusive Gulets is a proud Corporate Member of MYBA, The Worldwide Yachting Association — the industry’s hallmark of professionalism and trust — curating charters across Türkiye, Greece, Croatia and Italy.

“We don't sell charters. We craft memories that stay with you for a lifetime.”

Team — Exclusive Gulets

Philosophy

Three Pillars of Excellence

Specialists, Not a Platform

Every gulet we offer is one we know — its crew, its cabins, its character. Our advice is first-hand, never filtered through a screen.

Fifteen Seasons of Judgement

Since 2009 we’ve learned which bays, which boats and which crews suit which guests. That experience is the difference between a good week and an unforgettable one.

Trusted, and Accountable

As a Corporate Member of MYBA we’re held to the industry’s professional standards — and to a higher one still by the clients who return to us and recommend us.

The Team

People Who Know the Sea

Behind every charter is a small team who know these waters personally — and who treat your week as if it were their own.

Ahmet Sozen

Founder

Ahmet founded Exclusive Gulets in 2009 and remains hands-on across all aspects of the business to this day. A passionate sailor who holds an RYA Skipper's licence and spends as much time on the water as possible, he built the company on a foundation of genuine love for the sea — and that passion shapes everything Exclusive Gulets does. With a background spanning financial services, business development, and travel, Ahmet brings a rare combination of commercial rigour and industry depth to the helm. He has a strong track record of managing teams, developing partnerships, and building sustainable revenue across both international and domestic markets. Approachable, self-motivated, and naturally outgoing, he leads with the belief that great people and great relationships are at the heart of any successful business.

Tom Richmond

Charter Broker

Tom is a German national currently based in Portugal, though the word "based" hardly does him justice — he has lived all around the world and visited over 65 countries, giving him a breadth of perspective that few can match. That restless curiosity and love of discovery translated naturally into a career in yachting, a world he is genuinely passionate about. As a Charter Broker with Exclusive Gulets, Tom's focus is simple: finding the perfect yacht for each client. He takes the time to truly understand what people are looking for, drawing on deep knowledge of the fleet and the destinations to make the right match. His clients keep coming back — and they send their friends too.

Victoria Levynska

Charter Consultant

A graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Viktoria fell in love with island life during her studies and has spent years exploring the Greek islands firsthand — discovering the most beautiful and authentic places along the way. Having also travelled through Europe and Africa and speaking four languages, she connects naturally with clients from all walks of life and brings genuine first-hand knowledge to every journey she plans. As a Charter Adviser with Exclusive Gulets, Viktoria guides clients through every step of their charter — from crafting the perfect itinerary to liaising directly with yacht managers, crew, and owners to make sure every requirement is met. She also takes care of the bigger travel picture, helping arrange flights and hotel stays before or after your charter so the whole experience feels seamless from start to finish.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or simply want to explore possibilities, our team is here to listen.

Speak with an Advisor