Your Crew
CAPTAIN Andreas Gkiatis & COOK Raphael Arapakis
Captain - Andreas Gkiatis (Greek)
Captain Andreas was born in 1992 in Athens, Greece, and has been passionate about the sea from a young age. He holds a sailing license, a speed boat license, a first aid certificate, and certifications in life-saving and firefighting techniques. Fluent in English, Andreas combines strong maritime qualifications with hands-on experience, making him a confident and capable captain. He has spent four full seasons operating as Captain on daily cruises across the Cycladic islands, including Paros, Naxos, and Koufonisia. His intimate knowledge of the Aegean Sea, hidden coves, and picturesque anchorages makes him an expert at curating memorable and personalized itineraries for his guests. Additionally, Andreas spent two years as the deckhand and trusted right hand of the Captain of a Lagoon 65. Working onboard year-round, he was an invaluable part of the crew, responsible for the day-to-day operations, guest services, and overall upkeep of the yacht. His dedication, attention to detail, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of his team and the trust of guests. Andreas is known for his calm demeanor, professionalism, and natural leadership. He is deeply committed to delivering exceptional service, ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone on board, and creating unforgettable experiences at sea.
Chef - Raphael Arapakis (Greek)
Born and raised in Piraeus, with a proud family legacy spanning five generations in fishing, his love for the sea and food was almost inevitable. His passion for the culinary arts is combined with a deep love for traditional Greek gastronomy. He holds extensive experience in the culinary field, having worked across restaurants, hotels, festivals, and private events. His culinary philosophy is founded on authenticity and simplicity: fresh, high-quality ingredients, refined techniques, and flavors that pay tribute to Greek tradition. His aim is to craft dishes that awaken memories and evoke genuine emotion. Chef Raphael looks forward to welcoming guests aboard with heartfelt hospitality and unforgettable flavors that tell the story of Greece.
Deckhand/Steward - Dimitris Stratomitros (Greek)
Dimitris was born in 2005 and is embarking on his third year onboard S/Cat Valium 55’. With deep-rooted passion for sailing, he has participated in numerous sailing races and regattas, showcasing his exceptional maritime skills. Dimitris brings both his dedication and expertise to the team, making him a valuable asset. Beyond sailing, he has a strong passion for sports, particularly football, tennis, free diving, and spearfishing. He is fluent in both Greek and English.
22nd of September to 27th of September 2025
Our family of eight had a wonderful time aboard Valium 55!<br />
The crew made such a memorable trip!<br />
We are leaving with wonderful memories!<br />
Efcharisto! :)<br />
Love from USA.
11th of September to 18th of September 2025
Andreas, Dimitris, Rafael,<br />
Thank you for being an incredible crew, you all make our trip the best! <br />
Andreas did a phenomenal job navigating and keeping us safe. <br />
Dimitris is multi-talented, from helping with the table to incredible boat skills.<br />
Rafael, you created an amazing meal menu. The flavours and presentation were dazzling!<br />
In addition, you are all lovely people, because of you we had the best time!<br />
Thank you so much, you have a special place in our hearts!<br />
Most sincerely,<br />
Susan and Chelsea<br />
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Andreas, Dimitris & Rafael,<br />
Every single day with you on Valium 55 has been a delight! Each of you have contributed to a joyful memory we will cherish the rest of our lives. Thank you for sharing with us your beautiful country, food and culture. <br />
We wish you the best future as you pursue what makes you happy.<br />
Warmly, <br />
Jason, Chelsea<br />
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To Jason's favourite guys, Andreas, Dimitris and & Rafael, <br />
Thank you for making our visit to the Greek islands a dream come true. Our time here will always include memories of the three of you.<br />
Rafa, the food was fabulous and we have agreed to not measure ourselves for at least 10 days. We may have put on a few extra pounds but every bite was worth it. We believe every vacation should be filled with delicious food and you exceeded our expectations.<br />
Dimitris and Andreas, we appreciate how attentive you were to all of our needs. You are a stellar crew and we wish you much happiness. Thanks again for the joy you brought to me.<br />
Kindly, Jason & Chelsea<br />
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Dear Andreas, Rafael & Dimitris,<br />
We cannot thank you enough for being an incredible crew. Your expertise in navigation (Andreas), cooking and presentation (Rafael) and boating (Dimitris), really made our trip a phenomenal experience! Everything exceeded our expectations! <br />
We will see you again!<br />
Best, Susan and Alan<br />
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