Captain: George Liassides
Cheerful, responsible, and professional!
These are some of the skills endorsed by AD ASTRA 80 guests for Captain George. The experienced captain was born in Cyprus in 1970 and has had Athens as his permanent residence since 1990. He began sailing in 1993 until he decided to make his love for yachts and tourism part of his career and life in 2001.
He studied Shipping, Travel & Tourism. His naval education includes the MCA/RYA Offshore Yacht Master, National Sailing Offshore Diploma, and Greek Coastguard powerboat certification (up to 24m). Additionally, he is certified for "GMDSS/GO," "Medical Care," "Medical First Aid," "STCW/95 B. Safety Course," "Crowd and Crisis Management Ro/Ro Passengers," "Survival at Open Seas," "PADI Open Seas Scuba," and "IATA/UFTA.
His experience as captain of several luxury sailing and motor yachts in Greece and the South Mediterranean has given him the opportunity and pleasure to sail to the most amazing and secluded spots in the Greek seas! As a captain, he maintains a professional and friendly attitude, making all guests feel welcome and ensuring they have the sailing holiday of a lifetime. For Captain George and his crew, providing high-quality hospitality to their guests is their top priority on a daily basis.
Chef: Panagiotis Tsekeris
Panagiotis, born in 1999, brings a fresh culinary perspective to the team aboard Ad Astra. Having graduated from LeMonde in 2020, he embarked on a journey through some of Greece's finest restaurants in Athens, Skiathos, and Mykonos starting from 2018. Fluent in Greek and English, Panagiotis not only crafts delectable dishes but also fosters a welcoming atmosphere with his exceptional customer service. His strengths lie in his team spirit, his ability to thrive under pressure, and adept problem-solving skills, ensuring seamless operations in the galley and beyond. With his dedication to culinary excellence and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, Panagiotis is determined to elevate the gastronomic journey aboard Ad Astra to new heights.
Previous Yacht: Serenissima
Chief Stew: Vassiliki Maragkou
Vasiliki Maragkou brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Chief Stewardess. With a decade in the luxury service industry, specifically in 5-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants, she excels in providing top-tier service and ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience for all guests. Vasiliki's keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills make her an invaluable leader of the stewarding team.
Vasiliki holds WSET Level 1 and Level 2 certifications in Wines from W.S.P.C. LDT Athens, and she has also studied Food and Beverage Management at Le Monde College Athens. Her educational background further enhances her ability to deliver exceptional service and manage the culinary experiences on board.
Deck/Stew: Marina Affatato
Meet Marina, the vibrant stewardess on board Ad Astra. A dynamic blend of Italian heritage and Greek roots, Marina brings with her a stellar maritime background, having served as a Petty Officer in the Hellenic Navy. With her seafaring precision, impeccable service skills she’s set to elevate the onboard experience. Currently pursuing Maritime Studies in Athens, Marina is fluent in Italian, Greek, and English, and thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments. Energetic, adaptable, and always professional, she’s known for her calm presence, sharp eye for detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence!
Deckhand: Loukas Douvaras
Introducing Loukas, a dynamic 29-year-old deckhand set to embark his journey on Ad Astra 80 this year. Born in 1994, Loukas swiftly transitioned from a base technician/manager role to become a deckhand for day cruises during 2023. His adaptability and eagerness to learn propelled him into various sea-related tasks, including yacht transfers from France to Greece. Despite his relatively recent entry into sailing, Loukas's profound love for the ocean drives his dedication and reliability in all circumstances.
Loukas's array of interests, spanning winter skiing, boxing, running, swimming, and reading, mirrors his vibrant and enthusiastic character. Armed with outstanding communication skills and an unwaveringly motivated demeanor, Loukas exudes a sense of serenity and composure when faced with the challenges of navigating the open waters. His multifaceted talents and team spirit, make him an indispensable addition to the Ad Astra team.
