The Mooring Line

What really happens behind the world’s luxury yachts?

In this episode of The Mooring Line, we sit down with George Valis, Professional Captain and President of PUPYC, for an open and candid conversation about what life in the yachting industry really looks like behind the image of luxury.

From the realities of crew life and the relationship between captains, owners and management companies, to leadership, career opportunities, burnout, safety, salaries and the challenges facing the next generation of yacht professionals. We also discuss the future of the captain’s role, the impact of technology and AI, crew retention, the evolving expectations of yacht owners, and what makes Greek crew competitive in the international yachting market.

No filters. No clichés. Just real experience from inside the industry.

The Mooring Line explores the people, business and realities behind the world of luxury yachting. #Yachting #Superyachts #YachtCrew #Captain #YachtIndustry #TheMooringLine

In this episode of The Mooring Line Podcast, we sit down with Anna Schroeder from Pantaenius Group, one of the most established names in marine insurance worldwide.

With decades of experience protecting yacht owners, charter companies, and marine professionals, Pantaenius has built a reputation for deep industry knowledge and global reach. In this conversation, Anna shares valuable insights into the role of marine insurance in today’s evolving yachting landscape.

From risk management to real-world claims, this episode offers a practical look into what every yacht owner and operator should understand.

🔗 Pantaenius Group

⁠https://www.pantaenius.com/gr-en/about-us/pantaenius-group/⁠

Guest: Anna Schroeder - Pantaenius Group

Thanasis Kontogeorgos - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanasis_kontogeorgos/ (@thanasis_kontogeorgos)

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch The Mooring Line on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@The_Mooring_Line

🔔 Subscribe to The Mooring Line and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

📩 Join our newsletter for exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes access, and updates from global marine leaders:⁠https://the-mooring-line-brief.beehiiv.com/⁠

In this episode of The Mooring Line, we explore the connection between two worlds that often serve the same clientele - private aviation and yachting.

We are joined by Miltos Mouzakis, Founder and CEO of Magna Aviation, a private air charter brokerage based in Athens, Greece. With deep experience in high-end aviation services, Miltos offers a unique perspective on how luxury travel operates both in the air and at sea.

As many yacht charter clients also rely on private jets, this conversation bridges the gap between the two industries, highlighting their similarities, differences, and growing overlap.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Magna Aviation was built and what it specializes in

This episode offers valuable insights for yacht professionals, charter brokers, and anyone operating within the luxury travel ecosystem.

▶ Watch the full episode to understand how private aviation and yachting are increasingly interconnected.

🔗 Magna Aviation ⁠https://www.magna-aviation.com/⁠

🔗 Magna Travel https://www.magnatravel.gr

Follow Magna Aviation:

Follow the guest and hosts:

🔔 Subscribe to The Mooring Line and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

📩 Join our newsletter for exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes access, and updates from global marine leaders:

🎙️ The Mooring Line | Season 2, Episode 3

Guest: Petros Michelidakis | Director of boot Düsseldorf | @bootduesseldorf 

In this episode of The Mooring Line Podcast, we sit down with Petros Michelidakis, Director of boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest boat and water sports show.

Born in Athens and raised between Greece and Germany, Petros built an international career that bridges global trade, exhibitions, and the marine industry. From his early leadership role as CEO of the Central Marketing Association (CMA) in Athens, to representing Messe Düsseldorf across Greece and Cyprus, and ultimately leading the boat and water sports sector in Düsseldorf - his journey reflects decades of global experience in international trade fairs.

As Director of boot Düsseldorf since 2016, Petros Michelidakis plays a key role in shaping the future of the global yachting and water sports industry. Each year, boot Düsseldorf brings together industry leaders, shipyards, innovators, and water sports enthusiasts from around the world, setting the tone for trends, innovation, and international collaboration.

🔗 https://www.boot.com/   |   https://www.instagram.com/bootDuesseldorf/ 

(@bootduesseldorf)

Thanasis Kontogeorgos - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanasis_kontogeorgos/ (@thanasis_kontogeorgos)

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch The Mooring Line on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@The_Mooring_Line

🔔 Subscribe to The Mooring Line and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

📩 Join our newsletter for exclusive industry insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates from global marine leaders: https://the-mooring-line-brief.beehiiv.com/

🎙️ The Mooring Line | Season 2, Episode 2

Guest: Stefano Inglese Vafiadis – Studio Vafiadis

In this episode of The Mooring Line Podcast, we welcome Stefano Vafiadis, yacht designer at Studio Vafiadis, for an in-depth conversation on design, legacy, and the evolving Greek yachting market.

Born in Rome with strong Greek roots and raised around boats, shipyards, and design studios, Stefano shares his personal journey into yacht design and reflects on the rare father–son collaboration that defines Studio Vafiadis.

We explore how legacy and innovation coexist, and what it means to design yachts that reflect the personality, lifestyle, and dreams of a single owner.

🔗 Studio Vafiadis - Yacht design

https://vafiadis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiovafiadis/

(@studiovafiadis)

Evangelos Angelatos - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evangelosangelatos/ 

(@evangelosangelatos)

Thanasis Kontogeorgos - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanasis_kontogeorgos/

(@thanasis_kontogeorgos)

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch The Mooring Line on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@The_Mooring_Line

🔔 Subscribe to The Mooring Line and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

📩 Join our newsletter for exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes access, and updates from global marine leaders:

🎙️ The Mooring Line | Season 2, Episode 1 (2026)

Guest: Žiga Jarc – Founder & CEO, EJET Electric Yacht Tenders

We kick off Season 2 of The Mooring Line with an inspiring conversation to start 2026. Host Thanasis Kontogeorgos sits down with Žiga Jarc, Founder and CEO of EJET Electric Yacht Tenders, to explore his journey into the world of yachting and innovation. From the early days of his career to leading the electric tender revolution, Žiga shares the vision behind EJET and explains how electric tenders are transforming the boating industry - offering a superior, sustainable, and seamless transportation experience for yacht owners and their guests.

🔗 EJET Electric Yacht Tenders

Žiga Jarc - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigajarc/ (@zigajarc)

Thanasis Kontogeorgos - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thanasis_kontogeorgos/ (@thanasis_kontogeorgos)

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch The Mooring Line on YouTube

🎧 Listen to The Mooring Line

Follow The Mooring Line on Instagram:

#TheMooringLine #Yachting #ElectricTenders #MarineInnovation #SustainableYachting #Podcast

Welcome to another bonus episode of The Mooring Line: Crew Edition — a platform dedicated to empowering yacht crew through real conversations and practical tools for wellbeing at sea.

In this bonus episode, we speak with Mrs Sofia Rizou, Director of Client Success & Mental Health Services at Maritime & Healthcare Group (MHG). A pioneer in maritime mental health support, Sofia leads the strategy behind Seafarers Boost, a transformative program focused on emotional resilience, communication, and creating psychologically safe environments onboard.

From long seasons away from home to high-pressure team dynamics, Sofia shares her expertise on how we can move beyond the uniform and build a healthier, more supportive culture for everyone at sea.

Website: www.maritimehealthcare.co

✨ Let’s raise the standard for what it means to thrive at sea.

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Mooring_Line

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uNgUIMRzQhDzZ1wJ2EC37

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mooring-line/id1802192919

Produced by Jam2Studio

In this episode of The Mooring Line, we sit down with Mrs Gina Polemi, Founder and Managing Director of Regatta Plus, a boutique yachting firm redefining excellence in the Greek maritime world.

Join us as Mrs Polemi shares her inspiring journey into yachting, the vision behind Regatta Plus, and how she’s helped shape Greece into a premier luxury yachting destination. From leadership insights and high-end client service to industry policy and unforgettable sailing moments—this conversation dives into the heart of Greek yachting.

🔗 Regatta Plus - https://www.regattaplus.com/ 

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Mooring_Line

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uNgUIMRzQhDzZ1wJ2EC37

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mooring-line/id1802192919

Produced by Jam2Studio: https://www.jam2studio.gr/

Welcome to a special bonus series of The Mooring Line: Crew Edition — a supportive platform designed to empower yacht crew through valuable resources and open conversations around mental health and well-being in the yachting industry.

In this episode, we dive into Mindset Matters, a session inspired by health and performance coach, Ms. Cally Cooper — owner and founder of WellCrew.

Instagram: Cally_Cooper

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.well-crew.com

Join us as we explore how your mindset shapes not only how you perform under pressure but also how you communicate, lead, and support your teammates onboard.

Whether you're in the engine room, on deck, or managing the interior, this episode offers tools to help you grow personally and professionally — because your well-being matters.

✨ Let’s raise the standard for what it means to thrive at sea.

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Mooring_Line

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uNgUIMRzQhDzZ1wJ2EC37

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mooring-line/id1802192919

Produced by Jam2Studio: https://www.jam2studio.gr/

In this episode, Mr. Dimitris Angelakos, Managing Director of Angel Yachts Co. Ltd., shares his journey and the story behind one of Greece’s most distinguished names in the luxury yachting world.

With a deep-rooted passion for the sea and extensive expertise in maritime transport, Mr. Angelakos offers insights into leading a high-end yacht company, the importance of crew development, and how innovation and professionalism have fuelled Angel Yachts’ impressive growth in just four years.

We discuss: 

🔹 The evolution of Angel Yachts

Whether you're in the industry or simply love the sea, this episode offers a closer look at the vision and drive behind a name shaping the future of yachting.

Follow Angel Yachts:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angel_yachts_/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@angel.yachts

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-yachts-co-ayc-ltd

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yachting.

📺 Watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@The_Mooring_Line

📺 Watch on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uNgUIMRzQhDzZ1wJ2EC37

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mooring-line/id1802192919

Produced by Jam2Studio: https://www.jam2studio.gr/