Welcome aboard: Big Blue
Meet the captain
Captain Panos is an enthusiastic and experienced sailor with local knowledge of the Greek waters and a deep respect for the sea. Being born in Athens in 1979, he already started participating in water related activities from a young age. From waterskiing to surfing and scuba diving to sailing, both cruising and racing.
As soon as Panos turned 18 he got his Powerboat Certificate and then the Basic, Advanced and Racing Sailing Certificates from the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC). In 2005 he received the RYA Yacht Master Ocean Qualification, after having completed a transatlantic crossing from Bermuda to Madeira, as well as his RYA dinghy sailing and RYA windsurfing instructor qualifications.
Over the years he has been participating in numerous yacht races, deliveries, long passages and charters. Both as crew and skipper. With all this experience he is now offering unforgettable tailor-made sailing holidays to the most idyllic islands around Greece on his Hallberg-Rassy 49.
Being a cheerful, positive and sociable person, he is always excited to meet new people and share wonderful experiences with them. The decision to rent out his boat through Barqo was an easy one for him.
Having realized that Barqo is being used by people who belong in different age groups and backgrounds, but who have a common great interest in traveling, exploring and sailing, I Immediately knew that Barqo was the best way to promote my sailing holidays to an enthusiastic and passionate crowd.
When Panos was young he developed a great passion for Hallberg-Rassy yachts and filled the walls of his room with pictures. When he finally managed to buy his own Hallberg-Rassy yacht in 2016, it felt like he had achieved one of his greatest lifetime goals. In 2017 he gave the yacht a major refit, which included installing a new generator, overhauling the engine, rebuilding the entire engine room, installing electric toilets and replacing the upholstery (including the furniture, curtains and carpest). Panos says:
“When my boat is shining, I am shining too!”
Last October Panos had the pleasure to host a wonderful family coming from the UK, but currently living in France. The family consisted of three kids, their parents and the grandparents. With everyone aboard they had a relaxed and fun time exploring a group of islands called “The Small Cyclades”. They visited several secluded beaches, fished under the moonlight, explored several remote bays with the stand-up paddle board and discovered some authentic small Greek villages lying “off the beaten track”. It was an amazing and very special week for everyone, and most importantly the kids loved it!
Would you like to experience a unique sailing experience with Panos? Take a look at Panos’ page to get in touch with him.