LIBERDADE Yacht Charter

Captain: Ioannis (Giannis) Kourtis

- - - Captain: Ioannis (Giannis) Kourtis (Greek) - - -
Captain Giannis was born in 1985 in Athens, Greece. He is a graduate of the Maritime Academy of Aspropyrgos and holds a Captain Class A Certificate. He also holds skipper's and speedboat licenses. Before entering the yachting industry in 2013 he was 9 years onboard various passenger ferries. His previous experience onboard motor yachts and motor sailers was onboard M/S ERATO, M/S AEGEAN SCHATZ, M/S SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL,M/Y NOEMA , M/Y LADY RINA, M/Y A.M.Z. He is very reliable, hard-working, and really loves his job. Also, he has extensive knowledge of the Greek seas, and he will cruise with the guests to unique bays. You can expect a truly safe and unforgettable holiday experience! He constantly receives excellent comments from the guests. When not working, he enjoys diving and fishing! He speaks Greek and English.

- - - Chief Engineer: Sotiris Ntontos (Greek) - - -
Dynamic and safety-driven Marine Engineer with international seafaring experience and a proven track record of excellence in yacht and ship operations. Known for strong technical expertise, hands-on leadership, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Trained at the Maritime Academy of Thessaloniki and certified with multiple professional licenses, including Speed Boat and Lifeguard, he combines strong technical knowledge with a proactive approach to crew collaboration and guest satisfaction.
Combines discipline and adaptability with a passion for the sea, ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient vessel performance at all times.
He speaks Greek and English.

- - - Chef: Manos Efstathiou ( Greek) - - -
Chef Manos was born in 1982 in Athens, Greece. He is a highly experienced Head Chef with a strong background in luxury yachting and high-end restaurants. He has studied Culinary Arts in Athens and has built an impressive career combining creativity, leadership, and precision in the kitchen. Before entering the yachting industry, he worked in top restaurants in Greece, the UK, and Monaco, gaining extensive experience in Mediterranean, Japanese, Nikkei, and international cuisine. He has been working onboard luxury yachts for many years such as M/Y CASERTA, M/Y SEVEN S, M/Y I-SEA, M/Y KASSANDRA, M/Y DINAIA, M/Y KINTARO, M/Y BILLA, and M/Y POLLUX , offering guests exceptional dining experiences tailored to their preferences. He has also worked as a private chef for a prominent Greek shipowner. Manos is known for his professionalism, creativity, and ability to deliver high-quality cuisine under pressure. He specializes in designing customized menus, combining traditional Greek flavors with modern international and fusion techniques. His attention to detail, presentation, and taste ensures a fine dining experience onboard. He is a strong team player with excellent organizational and leadership skills, always maintaining a positive attitude and high standards in the galley. Guests consistently praise his cuisine and adaptability to their needs. In his free time, he enjoys reading, photography, music, and cooking for friends. He speaks Greek and English.

- - - Stewardess: Katerina Bessa (Greek) - - -
Katerina was born in Piraeus, Greece. She is an experienced hospitality and yachting professional with a strong background in fine dining restaurants, luxury residences and motor & sailing yachts (private & charter). Responsible, detail-oriented and consistent, she delivers high standards of service with professionalism, discretion and a positive attitude. She has studied Hospitality Management and Event Planning & Marketing at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, along with additional education in interior design, restaurant management and related fields. She has also attended specialized seminars in wine fundamentals, housekeeping, service standards and interior management. Her professional experience includes Chief Stewardess positions onboard M/Y REGINA K, M/Y ELIKI, and M/S IRAKLIS–LIANA, as well as fine dining service roles and interior design experience in Greece and abroad (Switzerland & USA). She is a strong team player with excellent organizational and communication skills, able to work efficiently both within a team and independently when required. Polite, discreet, and guest-focused, she ensures a high level of service and a well-maintained onboard environment. Reliable and proactive, she combines experience, education and a genuine passion for the sea and hospitality.
She speaks Greek and English.


- - -2nd Stewardess: Yana Koutouzoiva (Ukrainian) - - -
Yana is a dedicated Second Stewardess with a strong background in luxury hospitality and the yachting industry. Based in Athens, Greece, she brings a professional, proactive and detail-oriented approach to every vessel she works on. She is a graduate of the Khabarovsk State University of Justice (2003) and holds STCW95 certification as well as a valid ENG1 medical (2027). Yana has solid onboard experience including M/Y KASSANDRA (50m), M/Y STARFIRE (73m), solo stewardess onboard an Azimut 28m yacht and M/Y ESTIA ONE. She is highly skilled in silver service, housekeeping and laundry, with excellent attention to detail, strong teamwork abilities, rope mooring experience and a calm problem-solving attitude. Known as a good communicator, she consistently contributes to a smooth and welcoming onboard atmosphere. When off duty, she enjoys maintaining an active and positive lifestyle, always bringing energy and professionalism to her work. She speaks Greek, English, Russian, Ukrainian and has basic knowledge of German.


- - - Markos (Markellos) Xidas (Greek) - - -

Highly motivated and versatile deckhand with extensive maritime experience, combining commercial shipping training and private yacht expertise.
Proficient in deck maintenance, navigation support, mooring and anchoring operations, crane handling, and tender & jet ski operations.
Experienced in watersports assistance and onboard safety procedures. Certified in STCW 2010, ENG1, Powerboat Level 2, and PADI scuba diving. Bringing professionalism, adaptability, and a hands-on approach to every role on board. He speaks Greek and English.


- - - Elmewafy Anas Essayed Ahmed (Egyptian) - - -
Anas was born in 1995 in Egypt. He is a marine professional with over 15 years of seafaring experience, including 8 years onboard cruise ships as AB and Bosun. He holds an AB Certificate of Competency, along with extensive STCW certifications, and a Speed Boat Operator License. He is currently furthering his maritime education at the Mediterranean Maritime Academy, studying towards his 2nd Officer qualification. He gained solid experience onboard M/Y MOBIUS (40m.), M/Y GALILEO, M/Y PAN ORAMA, M/Y HARMONY V, and M/Y WIDE LIBERTY, working across deck operations, navigation support, cargo handling, maintenance, and safety procedures. He has a strong background in ship operations and onboard safety management, developed through both yacht and commercial maritime sectors. He is hardworking, reliable, and highly dedicated to maintaining high operational standards onboard. With extensive sea experience, he brings strong technical knowledge and a calm, professional approach to daily operations. When off duty, he enjoys swimming, fishing, and diving. He speaks Arabic and English fluently and has good verbal communication skills in Greek.