M/Y Halas 71

Initially purchased in
March of 1914 by the Ottoman Government, for strategic reasons relating to the
ongoing World War I, the British Government refused to allow her delivery.She was first used
to transport coal and later as a mine ship. It was only after the signing of the Armistice of Montreux in 1918 at the end of WWI that she arrived in Turkish waters. However, for the first four years she was in Turkey, during the Allied occupation following WWI, she was used by the British Allied Headquarters. On 6 October 1923, she was handed over to the Government of the newly
established Republic of Turkey and her name was officially changed to Halas,
meaning deliverance. The Halas was used as a passenger ferry on the Bosporus for 65 years. She was the largest ferryboat with a capacity of 1053 passengers in summer and 961 passengers in winter. In 1984, the Halas was bought. and was converted into a 15 cabin luxury cruiser. Over a four – year period, the Halas was completely refurbished and fitted with
the most up-to-date machinery and equipment while preserving her original
character. In 2009 she was sold to her new owners who put her through a two
year total renovation. She now has 12 cabins and is available for charter as a
luxury cruiser and for special events and day cruises on the Bosporus in Istanbul
during the winter. Since 1988 she is a fully-licensed luxury coastal cruiser available in Istanbul and
along the Southern and Western Coastlines of Turkey. The Halas has hosted
numerous international VIPs including members of the Royal families
members and many internationally known figures. The renovation project of the historical Halas boat was done with the idea to successfully preserve the authentic spirit and nature of the original style while enhancing and bringing out the vessel’s original feature. The material and furniture used were selected from the finest brands and collections in an attempt to recreate the athmosphere of its time. The decoration along with beautiful Turkish kilims bring back to an age of classic and quiet elegance of old time cruisers when travel was an adventure for the happy few. The owner’s suite at 43 m² is comprised of a separate sitting room, dressing room and bathroom. It also has one junior suite (20 m²), 3 executive cabins (19 m²), 3 superior cabins (17 m²), and 4 deluxe cabins (12 m²). All rooms are decorated with beautiful fabrics and the luxurious Haremlique linnens and towels. The Halas has a large indoor dining room which can seat up to 60 people. She has a spacious wood-panelled lounge, gleaming brass wrapped around its bar and a stately staircase between the decks, as well as a comfortable sitting room with a large TV area. For those looking for a quiet moment to browse though books there is a cosy library on the other side. The upper deck features a large sunbathing area with an additional covered
outdoor dining section that can seat up to 42 guests.