Now in its 10th edition, BOAT heads to the Mediterranean Yacht Show to explore the best of the Greek yachting industry...
Bathed in early summer light and flanked by neoclassical architecture, Nafplio’s old harbour once again became a vision of polished teak and fluttering ensigns as 104 yachts lined the quay for the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS). From May 3 to 7, the historic Peloponnesian port – once the first capital of modern Greece – became the epicentre of the Greek charter fleet, attracting brokers, crew and industry professionals from across the world. The milestone edition of MEDYS carried a celebratory energy and moments of positive reflection, with a record turnout and an unmistakable sense of enthusiasm pulsing through the cobbled streets and aft decks.
Over the past decade, MEDYS has showcased the magnificence of Greece's thriving charter fleet, as well as its appeal as a premier cruising destination. Each year, Greece attracts a significant influx of both charter and private clients to its invitingly warm waters, with this number increasing rapidly on an annual basis. The burgeoning interest in the region was evident at the 10th MEDYS, with its striking array of superyachts, international exhibitors, and the palpable excitement surrounding the event.
“The Mediterranean Yacht Show was built on a dream,” says Michael Skoulikidis, president of the Greek Yachting Association, during the Welcome Reception at the Palamidi Fortress. “An even bigger dream will shape its future. We celebrate what we have achieved so far. But you should know that we have no intention of resting on our laurels. We want more."
As guests gathered under the starry night at the Palamidi Fortress to celebrate the return of the 10th MEDYS, a meticulously choreographed drone display lit up the sky with symbolic tributes to a decade of success. Live music played on into the night, overlooking more than 100 superyachts poised to welcome guests over the coming days of the show.
“In recent years, the yachting industry may have experienced remarkable growth, but it is also displaying increasing complexity. New challenges. New dynamics. New destinations,” adds Skoulikidis. "We are entering a demanding era. One that continuously asks more of us. More innovative solutions. More flexibility. More responsibility towards our clients, our environment, and each other. More healthy competition. That is precisely why the MEDYS matters. Because here, over the next few days, we will do more than view and appraise yachts. We will strengthen our relationships and speak about a sustainable future for our business.
The 10th edition of the show saw an impressive lineup of superyachts ranging from 16.2 to 60 metres. More than 18 international brokerage houses had multiple yachts on display, which were open throughout the show. Highlights of the vessels on display included a 65-metre motor yacht Artisan on display and available for charter with IYC, a 52.1-metre Wind of Fortune on display and available for charter with Afroudakis Yachting Alliance and a 50-metre Invader on display and available for charter with Athens Yachts.
The 10th MEDYS also saw the return of the prestigious chefs' competition. The theme this year was a celebratory one: Greek Cuisine: A Gastronomic Journey Through the Years. Chefs were tasked to explore Greece's culinary identity and the flavours with which it is associated. The judges in 2025 include chef George Papazacharias of the two-Michelin-starred Delta Restaurant and Chef Luca Piscazzi of the Michelin-starred Pelagos at Four Seasons Astir Palace.
After days of fierce competition, this year’s first prizes were revealed at Valaora Restaurant during an exclusive, invitation-only event. During the waterfront ceremony, Chef Georgios Elekidis of the 26.3-metre Meliti in Category A and Chef Ioannis Pirpiridis of the 45-metre Bella Stella in Category A Platinum. The Chefs' Competition was supported by BCA College and Domaine Skouras, who presented gifts to the winners.
Alongside the chefs' competition, the 10th MEDYS was teeming with events throughout the five days of celebrations. The show’s social programme is a huge draw for brokers and industry professionals from across the globe. The programme included Alpha Mare’s party at Ydragogio and the ever-popular White Thing Party organised by Istion that extends long into the night. Many events take place on board, including Fraser Greece’s Women in Yachting event on board 39.8-metre Mamma Mia and TWW Yachts' cocktail evening on board 41.7-metre Serenity.
Nafplio itself added its own magic, as industry professionals filled the many boutique hotels scattered around the marina and tucked into the winding backstreets. Once the first capital of modern Greece, this seafront city is a tapestry of Venetian, Ottoman and neoclassical influences, its pastel facades and bougainvillaea-draped balconies offering a picture-perfect backdrop to the 10th MEDYS. Each day, yacht viewings paused to give brokers the opportunity not only to sample the cuisine on board the exhibiting yachts but also to explore Nafplio’s vibrant local dining scene.
Marking ten years of MEDYS, this edition felt both like a culmination and a turning point. What began as a regional showcase has evolved into one of the most significant fixtures on the international yachting calendar. As the horns sounded across Nafplio on 7th May, echoing in a celebratory clamour, President Michael Skoulikidis looked out over another successful year – and towards the future, as plans quietly began to take shape for the 11th edition in 2026.