ABOVE & BEYOND

Captain: Artemis Artemakis
The captain of ABOVE & BEYOND is Artemios Artemakis, also known as Captain Artémis, a pleasant yet assertive character, with over 30 years of sailing experience as part of his pure love for sea activities. His high responsibility and natural talent to work under pressure are two powerful endorsements he gained from his successful career in Mechanical Engineering (University degree). For over the last 15 years, Artémis has been working as a professional skipper in both sailing and motor yachts in the East Mediterranean and the Caribbean (Dominican Republic), is a RYA/MCA Yachtmaster. In addition, he has been a divemaster since 1998 holding a PADI & NAUI certificate, with diving experience both in the greek and the Dominican waters. Artémis is the kind of man who makes you feel assured and relaxed. He is an excellent trainer in both sailing and scuba diving, really dedicated to serving his co-sailors every single day. Languages: Greek and English (fluent)
In addition, he has been a divemaster since 1998 holding a PADI & NAUI certificate, with diving experience both in the greek and the Dominican waters. Artémis is the kind of man who makes you feel assured and relaxed. He is an excellent trainer in both sailing and scuba diving, really dedicated to serving his co-sailors every single day.
Languages : Greek and English (fluent)

Previous Yachts: Selene, Namaste

Chef: Savvas Lichanidis
Chef Savvas was born in 1989 and he is one of Greece’s most promising chefs. He received his culinary training at the professional school OAED. He also has a degree in Fast Pace cooking and has attended seminars in Japanese and molecular cuisine. Chef Savvas began his internships at the prestigious King George Palace Hotel in 2005 and worked his way up through the ranks. In 2018, he finished fourth in the Master Chef competition in Greece. He was the Chef for many Michelin-star restaurants, like Divani Caravel Juju Bar Restaurant, where he held the FNL Star award. He has collaborated with some of the top chefs. His love for the sea led him to start his cooperation with yachts. His goal is to bring Michelin guide from the restaurants to the yachts. Savvas enjoys creating Fusion cuisine using Greek local elements to create delectable dishes.
* Savvas won 1st place in the Platinum category at MEDYS 2022
* 1st place winner in Diamond category at EMMYS 2023

Previous Yacht: Genny

Chief Stewardess: Meni Ralli

Meni she was born and raised in Florina, Greece in 1980. Like her father, who was working as a chef on ships for many years, she learned to love the sea and traveling. Growing up, she started sailing. She travels a lot and she likes meeting new people and experiencing cultures from various countries, which has helped her to become easily adaptable to her job. The past few years she has worked as a hostess on sailing yachts and is excited about her new role as chief stewardess. She loves theater, films, and sports. She speaks English and Greek.

Previous Yachts: Selene, Namaste

Deckhand/Stewardess: Maria Mehmed

Born in Bulgaria in 1998, Maria now calls Greece her home. When she’s not aboard the yacht “Above & Beyond,” she resides on the picturesque Cycladic Island of Milos. Maria’s passion for the sea extends to all things maritime. Having obtained her sailing license, she transitioned to the yachting industry two years ago after a diverse career in hotels, where she served as a receptionist, accountant, and waitress.
Maria brings a wealth of customer service experience to her role, characterized by kindness and professionalism. Always ready with a smile, she takes pleasure in assisting guests. A seasoned team player, Maria navigates yachts with ease, displaying a strong work ethic and an unwavering determination to elevate her skills. Fluent in Bulgarian, Greek, and English, she also possesses proficiency in Turkish and basic French. Maria’s commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to the crew.

Deckhand: Vasileios Papoutsoglou

Vassilis was born in Athens in 1993 and currently resides in Piraeus.
In 2000, at the age of seven, he began sailing in the Optimist class, where he achieved many national and international victories. From 2006 to 2008, he competed in the 420 class, and in 2008-2009 he moved up to the 470 Olympic class. He has also been a member of the Greek National Team since 2005 and the Pre-Olympic team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Current National Champion in Class 470 Olympic.
He started working as a deckhand on yachts in 2018 and was aboard Sea Energy V (Fountaine Pajot Saba 50) and Lusea (motorboat – Princess 78). Vassilis is ideal to support the crew in running the yacht based on her prior accomplishments and experience. Additionally, he strives to provide guests with a memorable experience and is always willing to serve them.

He speaks French and English.