Round up of the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2023

By Steph Loseby 10 May 2023

After five days of exciting on-water action, the 8th edition of the Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) has wrapped up for another year. As always, YachtCharterFleet was on the ground gathering exclusive information and taking in-depth tours of the superyachts in attendance.

Comprising 92 registered yachts with a combined length of 3.5 kilometers – and an average length of 44 meters, MEDYS 2023 has been hailed a roaring success. 750 industry professionals and experienced charter brokers came together from 31 countries to witness the dazzling fleet of superyachts on display and once again, Nafplion was filled with all the buzz, excitement and energy from the event.

superyachts lined up in the historical port town of Nafplion

Organized by the Greek Yachting Association (GYA), MEDYS is the world's largest crewed charter yacht show that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the superyacht lifestyle and view the extensive collection of yachts including luxury catamarans, sailing yachts and some of the most indulgent motor yachts.

This year's MEDYS was one of the biggest turnouts yet, with 92 registered yachts and 30 more on a waiting list, a cumulative LOA of 3.5 kilometers as well as 750 brokers and trade visitors

The show commences

With the red carpet rolled out along Nafplion harbor and a selection of superyachts dazzling in the beautiful sunshine Greece is renowned for, conditions were perfect for the start of this year’s Mediterranean Yacht Show.

Show-goers were kept busy as they took detailed tours of the charter superyachts in attendance, getting to know the captains and crews, and gaining invaluable insights on some of the industry's most sought-after charter yachts.

showgoers walking on the red carpet at the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2023

By evening, guests gathered at the Port for the annual opening ceremony hosted by GYA President Michael Michael Skoulikidis which got the event officially underway. This was followed by an exclusive welcome reception at the Venetian fortress of Palamidi where beautiful views and a warm atmosphere set the scene perfectly for networking opportunities.

The superyacht stars of the show

With a strong turnout of vessels at this year’s edition, leading the way in terms of length was the 85m (278ft) superyacht O’PTASIA. Delivered in 2018 by Golden Yachts, this luxury motor yacht turned many heads on the red carpet as she showed off her vast swim platform, impressive beach club, and extensive water toy collection.

YachtCharterFleet was lucky enough to step onboard to enjoy a tour around O’PTASIA and witness her voluminous living areas, top-tier design and craftsmanship firsthand.

Her onboard highlights include a Pink Floyd-inspired elevator serving all five decks, stunning interiors with an array of artwork and sculptures adding a playful touch to her neutral scheme and a multi-purpose upper saloon replete with numerous games and gadgets, as well as a bar for happy hour every night between 8-9 pm.

Showgoers were also keen to check out the freshly refitted 60m (196ft) superyacht O’EVA whose brand new Whisper Gray hull sparkled in the sunshine as she welcomed brokers and industry professionals onboard.

Boasting a newly designed main salon and upper deck lounge, which was revamped by Massari Design, the yacht had plenty of spacious, luxurious and comfortable areas onboard where guests could kick back, relax and enjoy their yacht charter vacation in style.

Other refitted yachts at the show included the likes of 73m (241ft) superyacht LADY VERA and the spectacular 35m (118ft) yacht O’NIERO, both of which impressed with their compelling line-up of spacious living areas and abundance of stand-out amenities that come together to create great yacht charter platforms.

As the show continued, the weather began to cloud over, but this didn’t stop the show goers from immersing themselves in conversations on the boardwalks and continuing the tours.

YachtCharterFleet stepped onboard the impressive 47m (154ft) yacht ORIENT STAR, which showcased her wonderful alfresco dining opportunities, valued sundeck space and spacious sky lounge perfectly at the show. In pristine condition for her busy upcoming charter season, the yacht is ready to welcome guests onboard from their home port in the sparkling Turkish Riviera resort of Gocek.

Located right at the end of the harbor, the 50m (163ft) Admiral yacht OURANOS looked formidable with her prowling bow and sporty good looks. Impressing all her guests at the show with her elegant and understated interiors, the yacht oozed a luxurious and comfortable feel which could be felt from the moment you stepped onboard.

Invited onboard for a delicious open breakfast, our team on the ground gained valuable insight into the delectable food and excellent service charter guests would receive during their vacation.

ouranos at the mediterranean yacht show 2023

main salon onboard charter yacht ouranos

sundeck onboard luxury charter yacht ouranos

Chef competitions and tablescaping creations

Day two of this year's MEDYS also welcomed the long-awaited launch of the Chef’s Competition, a fan favorite and highlight of the show. This year’s chefs faced the challenge of creating a dish that explored sustainable eating, with the theme “Zero Waste From the Greek Seas” where judges looked for the best dishes that showcase Greece's most significant export, seafood, while also minimizing waste.

judges of the MEDYS chef competition 2023

After a couple of challenging days of pioneering culinary competition, winners were announced at the award ceremony which took place on Tuesday at the spectacular Valaora Restaurant. Winning category A of this year’s chef competition was Manolis Perros, who is the chef onboard the 27m (87ft) Sanlorenzo yacht ZEN. Also praised for her culinary expertise was the chef onboard the 36m (121ft) yacht HAKUNA MATATA, Tatiana Konstantinidi, who took home the Category A Platinum award.

It is such an honour to receive First Place in this year’s Chef competition, most importantly because it comes from such recognised and prestigious chefs. Chef Antonio Mellino and Chef George Papazacharias awarded with two Michelin stars each.
Tatiana Konstantinidi, Chef onboard yacht HAKUNA MATATA

Each year, during the chef’s competition, the chief steward/esses are also competing to create exquisite table settings. This is a much loved MEDYS tradition that showcases the extraordinary talent of crew members as they work hard to present a creation that will complement the chef’s dishes.

Taking home the award this year was Nikol Petrou from Baglietto yacht SOLE DI MARE, who spent a grand total of 20 hours creating a stunning table piece that perfectly complemented the dishes that were presented onboard during the show.

table scaping winner at the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2023

the winner of the Medy's 2023 table scaping competition

Exclusive parties and events

As is customary every year, many yachts at MEDYS hosted themed parties in the evenings where guests can enthusiastically embrace the festive atmosphere. From white parties to celebrations through music and dance, this year’s show definitely didn’t disappoint with an abundance of entertainment and events each evening.

The end of a successful show

The Mediterranean Yacht Show 2023 was a grand success for all involved and once again, Nafplion proved why it is the perfect location for the show. As is tradition, the celebratory sound of the attending yachts' horns began in unison and continued for around 8 minutes, signifying the end of another successful event until next year.

If you would like more information on any of the yachts that attended the 8th edition of the Mediterranean Yacht Show, please contact a recommended yacht charter broker.

Alternatively, you can view the entire fleet of superyachts available for Greece yacht charters.