Few people have witnessed the evolution of modern yachting as closely as George Kyriazakos. A yachtsman since 1976 and active in the industry since 1984, he has seen the sector evolve from a niche pastime into a global industry shaped by innovation, craftsmanship and increasingly sophisticated owners. As the founder of EKKA Yachts, he has played a key role in the development of the Greek market while building strong relationships with leading international shipyards. In this interview, he reflects on the industry's evolution, the changing profile of yacht owners and the future of yachting.
Looking back over these five decades, the most significant change has been the evolution of yacht ownership. In the 1980s, yachts were generally smaller and owners were deeply involved in navigation, enjoying the challenge and satisfaction of operating their own boats. As yachts grew larger from the 1990s onwards, professional crews became essential, allowing owners to step away from the operational side and focus instead on the onboard experience.
This shift also changed the meaning of ownership. Where the experience once revolved around the journey and the satisfaction of navigating, today it is centred on comfort, shared experiences, and spending quality time with family and friends. Luxury at sea is no longer defined solely by the yacht itself, but by the experiences it enables.
I wouldn't attribute Greece's success to a single defining factor. As owners based their yachts in the Mediterranean, many grew tired of traditional destinations such as Spain and the French Riviera. bringing greater attention to Croatia and the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece standing out for its unique combination of islands, dramatic coastline and exceptional cruising opportunities.
Despite its growing popularity, infrastructure remains one of the country's greatest challenges. Marinas in the Cyclades are still limited and, where they do exist, they were originally designed for much smaller yachts than those cruising today.
The Cyclades will never become Porto Cervo or Cannes. Greece's greatest strength lies in the sense of genuine connection it nurtures with adventure and nature. With thousands of islands to explore, it offers an unmatched variety of cruising experiences, from secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters to rich history and cultural heritage.
Having cruised in many of the world's leading yachting destinations, I can confidently say that the Mediterranean remains the finest cruising region. And within it, the Greek islands stand out as one of its greatest treasures.
When I entered the industry in 1984, professionalism was still largely absent and the roles of yacht dealer and yacht broker were often confused. In many ways, that distinction remains misunderstood today.
A dealer represents a specific shipyard, developing extensive product knowledge and acting as the link between the manufacturer and the owner throughout the purchasing process. A broker, on the other hand, is independent. Much like a real estate broker, their greatest asset is their client network, helping buyers navigate the market and find the yacht that best suits their needs rather than representing a single brand.
From the outset, I recognised the opportunity to bring greater professionalism, transparency and long-term relationships to the Greek yachting market—principles that have remained at the core of EKKA Yachts ever since.
Although I initially entered the automotive industry by establishing EKKA Cars, the structure of the automotive sector did not particularly influence that of EKKA Yachts. There was little transfer of clients or technical expertise between the two sectors. What carried across, however, was a shared commitment to exceptional customer service, professionalism, consistency and integrity.
From the beginning, we believed that a satisfied client is a company's greatest asset. By introducing a strong representation philosophy to the Greek yachting market, EKKA Yachts built lasting relationships founded on trust and long-term commitment.
Today, I am especially proud to see my children leading the company while remaining true to these values. Through their dedication, they have further strengthened EKKA Yachts' reputation as one of the most respected and trusted names in Greek yachting, both nationally and internationally.
Beyond EKKA Yachts, I served on the Board of Directors of the Ferretti Group for seventeen years, overseeing the group's shipyard activities in the United States and advising its operations in Brazil. That experience gave me a global perspective on the pleasure yacht industry and reinforced an important lesson: while yachts can be engineered to the highest standards, they are still built by people.
Unlike many industries, yachts over twelve metres cannot be fully standardised or mass-produced. Their success depends on the passion, vision and commitment of the people behind the shipyard. That is why, when choosing to represent a brand, I look beyond the yachts themselves. The most successful shipyards are those where the owners remain actively involved in the business, stay close to their clients and continuously strive to improve their products.
What continues to excite me most is innovation. Over the past four decades, advances in technology and the evolving expectations of increasingly experienced owners have transformed every aspect of yacht design. Panoramic windows have replaced small portholes, opening terraces and fold-down platforms have redefined life on board, while improved stabilisation systems and more efficient engines have enhanced both comfort and performance.
These innovations have fundamentally changed the onboard experience, creating larger, brighter and more versatile living spaces. Looking ahead, I believe innovation will continue to be the driving force behind the future of yachting.