With several international yachting companies recently expanding into Greece, we find out more about what’s driving these recent developments.
Greece is amongst one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world with an increasing number of people feeling drawn to experience the idyllic blue water conditions, the renowned maritime history, year-round sunshine and rich variety of beautiful cruising destinations. It continues to boast one of the world’s largest yachting fleets as well as being ranked within the top five countries of superyacht owners in the world.
Greece’s appeal is obvious, with its natural beauty and endless potential for maritime activity around its vast coastline and scattered islands. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Greece is easily accessible to those coming from Europe and the east. The unique qualities of the region as a cruising destination, means sailors and yachtsmen can experience everything from tranquil secluded sandy beach moorings to traditional marinas nestled in historical waterfront villages and dramatic mountainous coastlines dropping into turquoise seas. There is an experience that everyone from the charter guest, to the experienced yachtsman can relish in.
More recently, notable interest from international yachting companies who offer a range of yachting services from yacht sales and yacht management to charters and marina management, has come to the forefront and luxury yachting specialists such as Fraser and Camper & Nicholsons have opened in Greece, with others likely to follow suit. We spoke to Sea Alliance Group (SAG) who recently strengthened their operations by expanding into Greece to offer a fully-fledged brokerage, charter management and marina management service, bolstering their existing Central Agencies (CAs) which were already in place across Greece.
As an established international business, Sea Alliance Group came to The Athenian Riviera earlier this year and opened new offices to serve the increasing interest and developments within the Greek marine market. Utilising their expertise and know-how to maximise the potential opportunities they identified, they have also become one of the first international companies to offer marina management services there.
With these large international yachting companies tapping into rising demand and setting up bases in Greece, charter business is rapidly increasing along with a range of other yachting services. In addition, the on-going development of the Athenian Riviera highlighting world-class structures and boasting seven marinas along its coastline, makes it a promising investment for these companies. Acting as a natural channel between the Eastern and the Western Mediterranean, the country’s location also allows for an upbuilding business association between the Sea Alliance Group’s head office in Gibraltar and its sister company, Stream Yachts, located in Israel.
“Greece as a destination is perfect for maritime businesses – there is a long history of sea culture, perfect sailing conditions and a vast array of different experiences and locations for all types of water enthusiasts to enjoy. There is so much potential for future development across Greece to pave the way for charter, marina management and yacht brokerage businesses. The region’s infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped as much of it has been caught up in the longstanding traditions of its famous maritime history. With the success and experience we’ve built up within our sister companies, we began looking at new opportunities and took the step to expand into Greece and develop our much-needed services there.” said Roy Klajman of SAG.
“We saw a lot of potential in Greece” said Roy. “ With an abundance of coastline, high levels of tourism and a developing maritime infrastructure which is ripe for investment, we were very confident that we can build a business which serves not only sail tourism and the abundance of yacht owners but also one that feeds into the wider strategy for improving the maritime industry of Greece.
“We want to bring a new level of service to the local market, we take every client’s needs and wants seriously and truly believe in our slogan ‘Big enough to deliver, small enough to care’. This combined with all that Greece has to offer, makes it the perfect location to expand into and continue to grow within.”
Sea Alliance Group already manages several CAs from Greece, offering luxurious cruising aboard 35m sailing yacht My Star which is actively operating in Greece as well as other private and charter use boats.
“With the support of our sister companies, we aim to offer a full Med service, helping to deliver after sales, concierge service and charter management to meet the increasing demand for this type of service across Greece. The recent interest and investment in Greece from international companies illustrates why the maritime industry in Greece is set to evolve over the coming years.”
Sea Alliance Group has a wealth of marina management experience and although there has been significant recent investment across many of the country’s marinas, they still see potential for further development in marina facilities; “Greece’s marinas can truly benefit from and take advantage of the expertise of specialised businesses such as ours to help drive improvements and services for yacht owners, tourists, visiting yachts and berth holders. It’s an exciting time for Greece’s yachting industry as we begin to see very real investment from many international yachting companies.” concluded Roy.
