Your Crew
CAPTAIN Nicolas Antonopoulos & DECKHAND/STEWARD Grigoris Siforakos
Captain - Nicolas Antonopoulos
Nicolas is an accomplished skipper with nearly 10 years of experience in the yachting industry, complemented by 15 years in customer service. He has a proven track record in crew management, yacht maintenance, safety operations, and delivering exceptional hospitality services. Over his career, Nicolas has served on both charter and private yachts across Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens. His versatile background includes roles as a deckhand, steward, and cook, showcasing his commitment to providing outstanding experiences for guests and yacht owners alike. Fluent in English, Greek, and Filipino, Nicolas brings strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills to every team. Season 2026 will mark his third year onboard ESPERANCE, continuing his dedication to excellence in yachting.
Chef - Despoina Plakida
Despoina is a passionate and highly skilled cook with extensive experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, now specializing in yacht cuisine. After some succesful seasons in the yacht indusrty she has learned to balance creativity with the challenges of cooking at sea. After spending over a decade working in premium hotels and restaurants, catering to international guests, and adapting to the fast-paced demands of the island. She loves making people happy through food and her experience is a great asset to the team.
Deckhand/Steward - Gregory Syforakos
Gregory was born in 2003 in Greece, he is a very professional, dedicated and kind person. He has valuable experience in private yachts, responsible for the safety and transportation of the passengers. He always looks for ways to improve himself personally and professionally. He is a very hardworking person, known for his team spirit and he is dedicated to ensure the safety and satisfaction of both crew and guests. His responsibility and professionalism in his work makes him a valuable asset. He speaks Greek and English and he loves, swimming, travelling and outdoor sports. Gregory is enthusiastic about his role on the Esperance and is committed to provide an exceptional experience for all charter guests.
14th of September to 21st of September 2025
Dear Nikos, Despina and Gregory,<br />
You made this the trip of a lifetime!!! We know the islands and the sea journey would be fantastic, but we never imagined that the real treasure was on-board. You made the trip so special by being the awesome person you are. Nikos, your sailing and flexibility with the course were supurb. Despina, you need to publish a cookbook because your meals were 10x better than the restaurants. Gregory, you were ever present to take care of everyone's needs, and you are wise way beyond your years. Wishing you the best. We loved hanging out with you.<br />
Love, Georgia and Bud.<br />
<br />
Dear Nikos, Despina, and Gregory,<br />
You were fantastic! The three of you were the heart of the trip, fun, professional, great team and made a family of all of us for a week. Great! The sailing was superb. Wehad a great variety of stops and saw more than i had expected. Juliette also loved the shopping! The catamaran was perfect for the 8 of us, plenty of space and you all made everything look so easy. Oh, and the meals, incredible spreads at every meal on board.<br />
Many, many thanks for such a memorable trip and for making us so welcome.<br />
Love, Ian & Juliette<br />
<br />
Dear Captain Nick, Despina & Gregory, <br />
What a fantastic trip! All thanks to you. We could not have asked for a better crew. Obviously the boat is fantastic, but the crew made the voyage. Excellent "sugobloms" from Captain Nick (which we soon learn to accept), always led to successful and enjoyable days, outstanding food and drink, making us miss the boat everytime we went out to eat. Attentive and always friendly support from Greg, and so much patience! Loved everything!<br />
Thank you for a wondreful trip!<br />
Steve & Helena<br />
<br />
Dear Nick, Despina and Gregory,<br />
This was the most amazing week. The Esperance is a great Cat, and you all made it even better. Great food, great navigation, and great service. Everything exceded expectations. Thank you for a wonderful week!<br />
Steve and Jerome.<br />
<br />
6th of September to 13th of September 2025
Dear Nikos, Despina, and Gregory,<br />
Beth, Bill, Bam and I had the best time ever.<br />
Beth and Bill had raved about the experience as this was their second trip with Nikos, but one can't appreciate the words as much as the experience. Nikos, Des and Gregory couldn't have been more kind, attentive, and generous in spirit and service. They anticipated our needs and needs we didn't even know we had! We can't say enough wonderful things about the three of them and how they will all be friends for life. The boat was fantastic and met every need. We took so many naps, watched movies, played in the water, etc. We hope to find a way to do this again and again, it is simply the BEST!<br />
We love you Nikos, Des and Gregory! Thanks again for everything and please visit us in Califronia!<br />
Beth, Bill, Bam and Tracy