The 6th Olympic Yacht Show opened in Lavrio with a ceremony attended by representatives of the State and the yachting industry.
With a strong institutional message and a dynamic presence from the Greek and international yachting community, the 6th Olympic Yacht Show got under way on Thursday, October 15, at Olympic Marine in Lavrio. The opening ceremony, held at 16:00, marked the start of the most important event for yachting and maritime tourism in Greece.
The atmosphere at the opening was festive, with representatives of the State, institutional bodies and leading industry professionals in attendance. In their remarks, the speakers highlighted the strategic importance of maritime tourism for the Greek economy, the growth prospects of yachting, and the pivotal role the Olympic Yacht Show plays in promoting Greece as a leading international destination.
Journalist and event host Eleftheria Ntavatzi invited the President of the Olympic Yacht Show (OYS) Organizing Committee, Gerasimos Gerolimatos, to speak first. Mr. Gerolimatos stressed that Greece needed a major boat show worthy of the country’s strength in yachting and maritime tourism. The Olympic Yacht Show, he added, is a common meeting ground for institutional bodies, professionals and sea lovers, and has by now earned its own place on the international exhibition map. “The aim of the show is to strengthen our country’s outward-looking orientation and to highlight new partnerships and business opportunities,” he noted.
Next to take the floor was Konstantinos Lampsias, Managing Director of Delos Navigation Ltd, representing Giorgos Prokopiou, owner of Olympic Marine, which is hosting the event for the sixth consecutive year. Mr. Lampsias explained that, after five successful editions, the OYS has become established as a unique opportunity for industry professionals to exchange views and contribute to the development of the sector and of Greek shipyards, while also serving as a platform for promoting maritime tourism abroad.
Representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni described the Olympic Yacht Show as an established institution that makes a decisive contribution to promoting maritime tourism, recalling that Greece has established itself as one of the world’s top destinations. “Maritime tourism is an immediate priority for our country,” she said, noting that the sector is posting strong results in arrivals and revenue, even outside the peak season. Her aim, she added, is to make the most of Greece’s advantages and to work with all yachting stakeholders, which strengthens both the country’s outward orientation and the sector itself.
“Yachting is a key pillar of maritime tourism, and it is growing among both Greeks and visitors from abroad,” stressed Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece Stefanos Gkikas. He pointed out that upgrading port infrastructure is at the heart of government policy, and described yachting as a highly competitive sector that helps Greece rank among the world’s top tourist destinations.
Next, the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping George Alexandratos, took the floor. He recognized the Olympic Yacht Show as a steady point of reference for industry professionals and a gateway to international markets. “Greek yachting keeps growing, which is a major challenge,” he noted. As he explained, the sector affects every area of tourism, both economically and socially, and the potential it offers must therefore be fully exploited.
Visitors to the event will have the chance to see dozens of impressive vessels up close in their natural environment, as Angela Varela, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), pointed out. “The OYS is an asset for our country and for its promotion abroad,” she said. In her view, the show serves as a communication platform for Greek shipyards and businesses in the sector, while also bringing together leading companies from around the world.
The importance of the event was also addressed by the Deputy Regional Governor of East Attica, Dimitrios Damaskos. “The Olympic Yacht Show is an institution that showcases the strength of Greek yachting both in our country and internationally,” he said. In his view, the show helps keep Greece at the top of the world’s destinations and acts as a magnet for new visitors from abroad.
The floor was then taken by EKO’s COO, Nikos Tzinieris, who stated: “EKO has supported this institution as a sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. Yachting has enormous potential for the Greek economy: it creates value, attracts new investment and develops quality tourism. The OYS is an institution with international reach, and it becomes more important with every passing year.”
EKO was honored for its long-standing contribution to the event, with the commemorative plaque presented by the President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Mr. George Alexandratos, to company executives Iakovos Sigalas (Senior Manager, Marine Sales & Services), Christina Miliaraki (Marketing Director) and Nikos Tzinieris (COO).
In addition, Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni presented an award to Konstantinos Koronakis, President of the Manufacturing Department of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), while Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece Stefanos Gkikas handed the commemorative plaque to Stavros Katsikadis, President of the Greek Marinas Association.
Finally, the following athletes were honored for their sailing achievements: sailor Eleni Triantou, presented by the President of Star Bulk Carriers, Spyros Kapralos; sailor Iason Panagopoulos, presented by Konstantinos Lampsias; sailor Stefanos Samaras, presented by offshore sailing champion Simos Kabouridis; and sailor Marianna Makri, presented by Olympic sailing medalist Dimitris Deligiannis.
With the close of the first day leaving a highly positive institutional imprint, what follows is expected to be even more exciting, with presentations of new models, business meetings and networking opportunities that are redefining the future of the sector. The 6th Olympic Yacht Show is organized by ONDECK EVENTS at the modern facilities of Olympic Marine in Lavrio, confirming its role as the leading platform for showcasing the innovation and outward-looking spirit of Greek yachting on the domestic and international stage.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Grand Sponsor: EKO
Venue Partner: OLYMPIC MARINE
Gold Sponsors: KORONAKIS SA, AZ HELLAS, AZIMUT YACHTS
Silver Sponsors: TECHNOHULL, ATALANTA MARINE,HAMER, PAPPAS YACHTS, FOUNTAINE PAJOT GREECE, SELENE YACHTS
Bronze Sponsors: SYNERGY YACHT SALES & CONSULTING, MAKAI POWER CATAMARANS, CHAPMAN FREEBORN
Supporters: D.K. FOTINAKIS, FURUNO, ELXIS, REVENGER, KAKTOS, ELTRAK
Strategic Partners: Istion Yachting, MyCrown Collection, E.EN.E, COMMUNAUTE HELLENIQUE DE MONACO, CEO CLUBS GREECE, PANAS GROUP
Official Car: MOKE
Premium Spirit Partner: APEROL
Sustainable Luxury Partner: μ. ARTISAN WATER
Premium Coffee Partner: COFFEE BERRY
Premium Apparel Partner: BROOKS BROTHERS
Premium Medical Partner: ATHENS MEDICAL GROUP
Premium Sportswear Partner: DIMITRIADIS ACTION & LIFESTYLE DISTRIBUTION
Premium Furniture Partner: άβαξ
Official Mobility Partner: AVIS
Premium Gift Partner: ALDIGRON
Official Yacht Inspection & Valuation Partner: NAUTICAL SERVICES
Premium Catering Services: MULTI TASTE
Luxury Living Partner: ECOFIRE
Digital Experience Partner: SEAGO
Official Media Sponsor: SKAI, Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ
Media Sponsor: NOVA
Official Magazine: SKIPPER ONDECK
Media Partners: ARTECNIKO, EPIXEIRO.GR
International Press Office: SANDPEOPLE COMMUNICATION
