Record registrations, strong international presence, and a significant industry impact for the world’s largest crewed yacht charter show

Greece once again took centre stage in the global luxury
yachting industry with the return of the 11th Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS), the world’s largest crewed yacht charter show, hosted once again at the port of Nafplion. Held from 2 to 6 May 2026, this year’s edition not only reaffirmed MEDYS’ leading position within the international yachting calendar, but also set new industry benchmarks, recording historic registration figures and attracting the elite of the global brokerage community. The 11th edition once again brought together some of the finest Greek-licensed professional yachts, hundreds of industry professionals from around the world, as well as dozens of exhibitors presenting products and services related to yachting and maritime hospitality.

This year’s show recorded unprecedented demand, with all available berthing positions secured almost immediately after registrations opened. In particular, 130 yachts registered within just a few days, further underlining the show’s international appeal and
growing momentum. MEDYS 2026 ultimately welcomed 106 participating yachts, with a combined total length of 3.98 kilometres, while an extensive waiting list further reflected the strong demand surrounding the event. At the same time, 902 industry professionals
from across the globe attended MEDYS, reaffirming the strategic importance of Greek yachting on the international stage.

During the opening ceremony, Mr Ioannis Kourounis, President of the Greek Yachting Association, stated: “The remarkable increase in participation at this year’s Mediterranean Yacht Show reflects the continued upward trajectory of the sector, as the Greek fleet continues to evolve and expand. Greece is now firmly established among the world’s leading yachting destinations, while MEDYS demonstrates in practice how a single yacht generates an entire ecosystem around it, from crews to local businesses. With the appropriate investment in infrastructure and education, this show will continue to elevate the overall value of our tourism product.”

Opening remarks were also delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, the Governor of the Peloponnese Region, Mr. Dimitris Ptochos, and the Mayor of Nafplio, Mr. Dimitris Orfanos. Among those in attendance were the Secretary General
for Ports, Port Policy and Maritime Investments of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, the Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development, Ms Vasiliki Koutsoukou, as well as numerous representatives from the political and business communities. A particularly significant moment during the opening ceremony was the appointment of Mr Michael Skoulikidis as Honorary President of the Greek Yachting Association. Mr Skoulikidis, a founding member and former President of the Association, played a pivotal role in its development and evolution over the years. 

Alongside the show, the Greek Yachting Association organised a high-level discussion on Marine Protected Areas and Anchoring, held under the auspices of the Ministries of Environment and Energy, Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and Tourism. At a pivotal moment for the future of the industry, the discussion focused on the need for an operationally viable framework capable of safeguarding marine ecosystems without compromising the competitiveness of Greek yachting, while also highlighting the important role the sector is called upon to play in shaping future policy.

The discussion took place on Saturday, 2 May, at the historic “Vouleftiko” hall, with the participation, among others, of Mr Evangelos Kyriazopoulos and Ms Vasiliki Koutsoukou. The opening day of the show concluded with the traditional welcome reception, hosted this year at the historic Bourtzi fortress in an atmosphere of refined elegance accompanied by live music. The highlight of the evening was the spectacular drone show curated by Sky Symphony, during which hundreds of drones illuminated the Argolic sky in synchronised formations, offering guests a truly memorable visual
experience. 

The Chefs’ Competition once again emerged as one of the defining highlights of the event. Chefs from the participating yachts were invited to create dishes distinguished by exceptional presentation and culinary excellence. The judging panel featured two prominent names from the Greek and international gastronomic scene: Giorgos Papazacharias from Delta Restaurant, the only restaurant in Greece awarded two Michelin stars, and Michelin-starred Chef Luca Piscazzi from Pelagos Restaurant at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. Their participation further enhanced the prestige and international visibility of both the competition and Greek hospitality overall.As an established annual point of reference for the global brokerage community, MEDYS attracts the industry’s elite year after year, standing as the only event of its kind in Greece and the largest internationally dedicated exclusively to the upper tier of luxury
yachting, featuring yachts over 24 metres operating under a Greek professional licence.

Leading industry professionals from every corner of the globe attended the show to experience the Greek fleet firsthand and immerse themselves in the unique MEDYS experience. This year’s impressive participation once again demonstrated the exhibition’s international recognition and influence. Participating companies included, among others, Camper & Nicholsons International, Fraser, TWW, Burgess, Edmiston, and Northrop & Johnson. The Mediterranean Yacht Show was co-organized by the Greek Yachting Association and the Municipality of Nafplio, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, with the support of the Region of Peloponnese.

MEDYS in Numbers

• Number of yachts: 106 participating yachts
• Total combined yacht length: 3.98 kilometers
• Number of visitors: 902 industry professionals
• Countries represented: 32 countries
• Number of exhibitors: 39 exhibitors – 56 booths

Event Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor: Elinoil
Gold Sponsor: Eurobank
Silver Sponsors: Alpha Mare, Jotun
Sponsors: Chauffeur Greece, HOWDEN, Domaine Skouras, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, Periklis Winosophy
Global Official Media Sponsor: Boat International
Greek Official Media Sponsor: Skipper ONDECK
Supporter: Artmonia