RIANA II Yacht Charter

Captain: Michael Zarifoglou

Michael Zarifoglou
Captain, Greek

Captain Michael is a highly experienced Greek Captain holding a Master Mariner 3,000 GT certificate, with a long-standing career across both charter and commercial vessels. With extensive experience on sailing and motor yachts up to 60 meters, he brings strong leadership, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of guest expectations. Michael has captained a wide range of high-end charter yachts, successfully managing all aspects of navigation, safety, crew coordination, and guest service. His background also includes ship management, tanker inspection, and maritime education, providing him with a well-rounded and highly professional approach to yacht operations. Calm, safety-focused, and highly communicative, Captain Michael is known for creating seamless and enjoyable charter experiences, while maintaining the vessel to the highest standards. His excellent knowledge of Greek waters allows him to design flexible itineraries tailored to guests’ preferences, always prioritizing comfort, discretion, and safety. Languages: Greek, English, Spanish Previous Yachts: ZOE, ELIKI, HARMONY G, PAN ORAMA II, VWISH, SAMOTHRAKI I


Giannis Bouzas
First Officer, Greek

Giannis is a highly skilled and dedicated First Officer with over a decade of maritime and technical experience. He is proficient in navigation, deck operations, and vessel safety. He graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos and holds a degree in Computer Engineering. His specialized training includes a Sailing Yacht Master Skipper certification, a Boating license, and advanced diver qualifications. Throughout his career on luxury motor yachts, Giannis has served as Second Officer on M/Y Loana (35m) and Boatswain on M/Y Sea Wolf (42m) and M/Y Kalimera (31m). His experience also includes serving as Captain of a 12m accompanying vessel for M/Y Rare Find (54.7m). A proactive team player with a background in mechanical maintenance and network programming, he combines technical expertise with a commitment to operational excellence. Languages: Greek, English Previous yachts: M/Y LOANA, M/Y SEA WOLF, M/Y KALIMERA, M/Y RARE FIND, M/Y SEVEN S, M/Y AIMILIA, MARINA II


Pericles Prionas
Chief engineer, Greek

Pericles is a highly experienced Class A’ Engineer with an extensive background in both commercial shipping and large yachts. With a career spanning several decades, including service on VLCC tanker vessels and long-term employment in the yachting sector, he brings exceptional technical expertise, reliability, and safety awareness onboard M/Y RIANA II. Pericles has served as an engineer from Class C’ through to Class A’, gaining in-depth experience in engine room operations, preventative maintenance, safety systems, and regulatory compliance. His strong foundation in tanker operations has instilled a disciplined, methodical approach to engineering, with particular emphasis on safety, efficiency, and operational continuity. Highly organized and proactive, he is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the yacht, including machinery maintenance, spare parts management, budgeting, and compliance with international standards. Calm under pressure and solutions-oriented, Pericles works seamlessly with the Captain and crew to ensure smooth, safe, and trouble-free charters. Languages: Greek, English


Konstantinos Katsaros
Chef, Greek

Chef Konstantinos is an accomplished culinary professional with over 20 years of experience in high end yachting, luxury hotels, and fine dining restaurants. His background includes extensive senior leadership as a Head Chef and Executive Chef on prestigious private and charter motor yachts ranging from 32m to 78m, where he has consistently delivered the highest standards of innovation and presentation for both guests and crew. Throughout his distinguished career, he has managed culinary operations for high profile clientele, including serving as a full time private chef for the Royal Family of Kuwait and catering private events for up to 120 guests. His culinary expertise is vast, specializing in modern Mediterranean and Greek gastronomy while demonstrating mastery in Japanese, Arabic, Thai, Fusion, and pastry arts. He is highly adept at menu customization, including specialized vegan and gluten-free diets, ensuring an elevated dining experience tailored to any guest preference. His background in vegetable carving and plate decoration, combined with a genuine passion for client engagement, makes him a valuable asset to any onboard team and a key contributor to exceptional charter experiences. Languages: Greek, English


Ioanna Maria Gkioni
Chief steward/ess, Greek

Ioanna Maria Gkioni is an experienced and dedicated Chief Stewardess with a strong background on both private and charter yachts. Since 2023, she has been a key member of the team onboard M/Y RIANA II, where she consistently delivers high standards of hospitality and ensures a seamless guest experience. With several seasons of experience on yachts up to 37 meters, including time as a Solo Stewardess, Ioanna is highly organized, adaptable, and confident in managing all interior operations. Her strengths lie in guest service, table settings, housekeeping, and anticipating guests’ needs with discretion and professionalism. Alongside her yachting career, Ioanna is pursuing studies in Greek Philology at the University of Athens, reflecting her strong communication skills and attention to detail. Calm under pressure and naturally service-oriented, she works exceptionally well within a team environment and contributes positively to both crew dynamics and guest satisfaction. Languages: Greek, English Previous Yachts: PANDION, ZELDA


Eirini Nikoletta Christakakou
Stewardess, Greek

Eirini Nikoletta Christakakou is an enthusiastic and service-oriented stewardess with a strong hospitality background and a natural ability to create memorable guest experiences. Born and raised in Athens, she combines her professional service training with a warm personality and a genuine passion for client satisfaction. She most recently worked as a Solo Stewardess onboard ESTIA YI in Athens, where she was responsible for guest service, reservations, and assisting with water sports activities. Prior to that, she served as Chief Stewardess on DREAM YACHT in Athens, managing service operations and ensuring guests enjoyed a smooth and comfortable onboard experience. Before entering the yachting industry, Eirini built a strong foundation in high-end hospitality. She worked as a Service Sommelier at LABROS Restaurant in Vouliagmeni, where she specialized in wine presentation and service while also training new team members. Her experience also includes roles as Service Manager at COVE in Paros and Sales Manager at Art and Design Secrets, which further strengthened her communication, organizational, and customer service skills. Eirini’s diverse professional background also includes experience as a swimming instructor and lifeguard, demonstrating her strong sense of responsibility and safety awareness. Energetic, positive, and highly adaptable, she thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys working closely with guests and crew alike to ensure an exceptional onboard atmosphere. Languages: Greek, English Previous Yachts: ESTIA YI, DREAM


Antonis Kamitsis
Deckhand, Greek

Antonis is a motivated and hardworking deckhand with several years of experience in the yachting industry. Born in Athens and a graduate of the Nautical High School of Piraeus, he developed his passion for the sea early on and has since built solid hands-on experience onboard motor yachts ranging from 27 to 50 meters. Antonis began his career aboard the 30.5m M/Y SUNFIX, where he spent over two years gaining valuable experience in deck operations, yacht maintenance, and guest service support. During this time, he also assisted with operations on the 12m speedboat TAM TAM, further strengthening his seamanship and practical boating skills. He later participated in a yacht transfer of the 50m M/Y REVEDOR from Italy to Greece, demonstrating reliability and adaptability during demanding passages. He continued to build his experience onboard M/Y JOANNA B (35m) and M/Y ARGO (27m), where he further developed strong teamwork skills and a professional approach to yacht operations. Antonis is known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to perform efficiently in fast-paced environments. Friendly and approachable, he works well within multinational teams and is always ready to assist both crew and guests to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience onboard. Languages: Greek, English Previous Yachts: SUNFIX, JOANNA B, ARGO, REVEDOR, TAM TAM


Anastasios Tountas
Deckhand, Greek

Anastasios is a reliable and experienced deckhand with a solid background on both private and charter yachts. He has been part of the team onboard M/Y RIANA II since 2017, where he serves as Bosun, bringing continuity, strong seamanship skills, and in-depth knowledge of the vessel’s operations. With many years of hands-on experience on motor yachts ranging from 22 to over 38 meters, Anastasios is highly competent in deck maintenance, mooring operations, tender handling, and guest assistance. His leadership abilities, calm demeanor, and strong work ethic make him a valuable asset to the deck department and a trusted support to the Captain. Holding all required certifications, including STCW, Skipper Class B’, and Speed Boat License, he places strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and smooth daily operations. Professional, approachable, and service-oriented, Anastasios contributes positively to both onboard efficiency and the overall guest experience. Languages: Greek, English Previous Yachts: KINTARO, AGETO, LADY BETSY, VALCO, IRIS