Artemis Artemakis
Savvas Lichanidis
Vasilis Papoutsoglou
Meni Ralli
Maria Mehmed
Captain: Artemis Artemakis
The captain of ABOVE & BEYOND is Artemios Artemakis, also known as Captain Artémis, a pleasant yet assertive character, with over 30 years of sailing experience as part of his pure love for sea activities. His high responsibility and natural talent to work under pressure are two powerful endorsements he gained from his successful career in Mechanical Engineering (University degree). For over the last 15 years, Artémis has been working as a professional skipper in both sailing and motor yachts in the East Mediterranean and the Caribbean (Dominican Republic), is a RYA/MCA Yachtmaster. In addition, he has been a divemaster since 1998 holding a PADI & NAUI certificate, with diving experience both in the greek and the Dominican waters. Artémis is the kind of man who makes you feel assured and relaxed. He is an excellent trainer in both sailing and scuba diving, really dedicated to serving his co-sailors every single day. Languages: Greek and English (fluent)
In addition, he has been a divemaster since 1998 holding a PADI & NAUI certificate, with diving experience both in the greek and the Dominican waters. Artémis is the kind of man who makes you feel assured and relaxed. He is an excellent trainer in both sailing and scuba diving, really dedicated to serving his co-sailors every single day.
Languages : Greek and English (fluent)
Previous Yachts: Selene, Namaste
Chef: Savvas Lichanidis
Chef Savvas, born in 1989, stands out as one of Greece's most promising culinary talents. He acquired his culinary expertise at the professional school OAED, complemented by a degree in Fast Pace cooking and participation in seminars on Japanese and molecular cuisine. Commencing his journey at the esteemed King George Palace Hotel in 2005, Savvas progressively climbed the culinary ladder.
In 2018, he achieved a notable fourth place in the Master Chef competition in Greece, showcasing his exceptional culinary skills. With experience as the Chef for renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, including the esteemed Divani Caravel Juju Bar Restaurant, where he earned the FNL Star award, Savvas has collaborated with some of the industry's top chefs.
Driven by his passion for the sea, Savvas ventured into the world of yachts, aiming to bring the Michelin guide's excellence from restaurants to the high seas. His culinary creations are a fusion of flavors, skillfully blending Greek local elements to craft exquisite dishes.
Notable achievements include winning 1st place in the Platinum category at MEDYS 2022 and securing the 1st place in the Diamond category at EMMYS 2023.
Chef Savvas continues to elevate the culinary experience, promising a gastronomic journey that reflects his dedication and innovation.
Previous Yacht: Genny
Chief Stewardess: Meni Ralli
Meni, born and raised in Florina, Greece in 1980, inherited her love for the sea and travel from her father, a seasoned ship chef. Early in her life, she embraced sailing, marking the beginning of her connection with maritime adventures.
Meni's extensive travels have fueled her passion for meeting people and immersing herself in diverse cultures, shaping her into an easily adaptable professional. In recent years, she has served as a hostess on sailing yachts, and she eagerly embraces her new role as chief stewardess.
Beyond the sea, Meni finds joy in theater, films, and sports, reflecting her diverse interests. Fluent in English and Greek, she brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to ensure an exceptional and culturally enriched yachting experience for her guests.
Previous Yachts: Selene, Namaste
Deckhand/Stewardess: Maria Mehmed
Born in Bulgaria in 1998, Maria now calls Greece her home. When she's not aboard the yacht "Above & Beyond," she resides on the picturesque Cycladic Island of Milos. Maria's passion for the sea extends to all things maritime. Having obtained her sailing license, she transitioned to the yachting industry two years ago after a diverse career in hotels, where she served as a receptionist, accountant, and waitress.
Maria brings a wealth of customer service experience to her role, characterized by kindness and professionalism. Always ready with a smile, she takes pleasure in assisting guests. A seasoned team player, Maria navigates yachts with ease, displaying a strong work ethic and an unwavering determination to elevate her skills. Fluent in Bulgarian, Greek, and English, she also possesses proficiency in Turkish and basic French. Maria's commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to the crew.
Deckhand: Vasileios Papoutsoglou
Vassilis Papoutsoglou, born in Athens in 1993 and currently residing in Piraeus, has a remarkable maritime journey that began at the age of seven. Starting in the Optimist class, he achieved numerous national and international victories, showcasing his early prowess in sailing. Transitioning through the 420 class in 2006-2008 and the 470 Olympic class in 2008-2009, Vassilis has been a member of the Greek National Team since 2005 and a part of the Pre-Olympic team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Currently holding the title of National Champion in the Class 470 Olympic.
In 2018, he ventured into the yachting industry as a deckhand, contributing his expertise to vessels like Sea Energy V (Fountaine Pajot Saba 50) and Lusea (motorboat - Princess 78). Vassilis seamlessly supports the crew in managing the yacht, drawing from his exceptional accomplishments and experience. His commitment extends to ensuring guests have a memorable experience, always ready to provide attentive service.
Fluent in French and English, Vassilis Papoutsoglou brings a wealth of sailing expertise and dedication to enhance the overall yachting experience
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