Inside the MEDYS Chef’s Competition 2025: Tradition, Innovation & Luxury at Sea
The 10th edition of the Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) has officially set sail, and from the very first moment, it’s clear this year is something special. Nestled within the captivating port of Nafplion — one of Greece’s most picturesque coastal gems — MEDYS 2025 opened its doors with grandeur, elegance, and an unmistakable sense of celebration.
At the official Opening Ceremony, hosted along the sun-drenched waterfront, Mr. Michael Skoulikidis, President of the Greek Yachting Association, welcomed distinguished guests and partners from across the public and private sectors. Among the notable attendees were Deputy Minister of Tourism Anna Karamanli (representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis), Governor of the Peloponnese Dimitris Ptochos, and Mayor of Nafplion Dimitris Orfanos, all signaling strong institutional support for Greece’s growing global role in the yachting and hospitality sectors.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests gathered at the iconic Palamidi Fortress for a spectacular Welcome Reception, capped by a stunning drone light show over the harbour — a fitting tribute to a decade of innovation, elegance, and maritime excellence.
From Orange Groves to Culinary Gold: A Look Back at 2024
Last year’s show-stopping theme, “Cooking the Orange,” challenged chefs to pay tribute to the vibrant citrus heritage of the Argolis Region, where Nafplion lies nestled among endless orange groves.
The competition drew some of the finest yacht chefs in the East Mediterranean, each tasked with crafting dishes that showcased the zest, sweetness, acidity, and nostalgia of the orange — not as garnish, but as the soul of the plate.
The Judges
The competition was judged by an esteemed panel including:
Chef George Papazacharias, Executive Chef of Delta Restaurant in Athens — the only restaurant in Greece currently awarded two Michelin stars.
Chef Luca Piscazzi, Executive Chef of Pelagos Restaurant at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, holder of one Michelin star.
Plus charter industry leaders Stefania Cappiello of Mondovela SRL and Alma Laganara of Bluewater Yachting.
2024 Winners – Category A Platinum:
1st Place: Aristeidis Vlachogiannis – M/Y Africa I
2nd Place: Dimitrios Paidis – M/Y Lady G
3rd Place: Eleftheria Varelaki – S/C Sameli
Tablescaping Award: Michael Papalekakos – M/Y Ancallia
2024 Winners – Category A:
1st Place: Sotiris Mpempedelis – S/C Nova
2nd Place: Polixeni Marina Velli – S/C Alma
3rd Place: George Elekidis – S/Y Meliti
Tablescaping Award: Myrto Bampeti – S/C Alma
The award ceremony, held at Valaora Restaurant, brought together chefs, brokers, and judges in a celebration of craft, cuisine, and camaraderie — a fitting end to a competition that continues to raise the standard of what’s expected on the water.
Photo credit to @ValaoraRestaurant
Photo Credit to @MediterraneanYachtShow
This Year’s Theme: Greek Gastronomy Through the Ages
The 2025 competition theme, “Greek Cuisine: A Gastronomic Journey Through the Years,” invites chefs to traverse time through taste — paying tribute to ancient Greek recipes, regional heritage, and historical techniques while applying modern culinary finesse.
Already, entries are revealing a creative dialogue between history and innovation, from slow-cooked Mycenaean-style meats to minimalist interpretations of Cycladic island dishes.
Why It Matters
The Chef’s Competition is more than a showcase — it’s a reflection of the evolving role of cuisine in the charter experience. Guests today are looking for more than indulgence; they’re seeking:
A sense of story and place through food
Menus that balance pleasure with wellbeing
Dishes that honour heritage with contemporary flair
In this context, yacht chefs are stepping into a new spotlight — as creators, curators, and quiet storytellers. MEDYS continues to provide the ideal stage to celebrate their craft and contribution.
What’s Next from CHEFS MAG
In our next issue, CHEFS MAG hopefully will feature exclusive interviews with the judges and winners of MEDYS 2025.
And talk about:
What dishes truly stood out and why
How chefs are innovating with Greek heritage
The evolving expectations of today’s luxury charter guests
All4Chefs Is On Site
All4Chefs is proud to be present at MEDYS 2025 — not only to cover these incredible culinary stories, but to connect with chefs, brokers, yacht owners, crew agents, and partners who share a passion for excellence at sea.
We’re here to collaborate, spotlight talent, and support the next wave of hospitality professionals redefining luxury. If you’re attending this year’s event, we’d love to meet you.
To learn more about MEDYS 2025 , visit Mediterranean Yacht Show Website
For features, collaborations, or to connect at the show Get in touch
