Enjoy the security of dealing with an old-established company.
Since 1962, the Archipel team of enthusiasts invites you to discover the Greek islands on board its yachts in a simple and authentic way. We believe our success and reputation are attributed to our professional friendly crew and well maintained boats. Our commitment to superior service is what sets us apart from other operators. Together, we have a deep knowledge of the onboard conditions you are likely to experience, the Aegean Sea environment and how to ensure you have a memorable and safe sailing vacation. We offer skippered and fully crewed catamaran charters.
1962 Dimitri and Odile Gritsis, two sailing enthousiasts, establish Archipel in Athens. Dimitri and Odile tuning their racing boat. Contrasting to the low, wet and intricate yachts of those days, our fleet consisted of simple, user-friendly, ocean capable boats. 1964 Business is conducted by snailmail and marketing is carried out with classified ads in european yachting magazines. The yachts provides the luxuries of the 60’s: dry bunks, cool drinks, hot meals and (sparingly) a fresh water shower. For Northamericans the fashion is to buy a second hand VW van in the Netherlands, tour Europe and cruise the Greek islands on one of ten Archipel’s sailing yachts. 1969 George Gritsis at 10 years old. Athens. 1987 / 1997 Map of the two sailing world wide tours of George Gritsis. 2003 In 2003, George and Vanessa take over the management. They move Archipel to Paros in the heart of the Cyclades islands, a world renowned sailing paradise. While they remain faithful to the principles which led the previous generation, they create a custom charter catamaran fleet, the Pahi. These purpose built yachts are to sail, no-nonsense and above all sea worthy. Archipel's base in Paros, Parikia. 2005 George Gritsis and his crew during the maiden voyage to Greece of the first custom built Pahi catamaran. 2006 James Wharram and George Gritsis in discussion. 2011 George Gritsis training his 9 and 8 years old boys in Parikia's bay, Paros. 2012 Our catamaran sailing trips reviewed by HK Magazine
George Gritsis Operations Manager Date of birth: 1959
George spend 2 decades circumnavigating the globe under sail and skippering large yachts. In 2000 he receives a literary prize for the narrative of his voyages while in 2006 he won the "Man of the Year Award" in Greece for his maritime achievements. When he is not skippering, he can be found at the pier making sure things are running smoothly and our yachts are in perfect condition. George loves to share the wonders of the Greek culture with everyone, so be prepared to learn a lot!
Vanessa Rousselot Bookings, Logistics Date of birth: 1973
Vanessa is Archipel's office star, handles all enquiries, bookings and website. While she values perfect logistics, particularly in the harsh marine environment, she will give you all the necessary info and assistance you may need, 24/7. Having traveled a lot off the beaten track and mother of three, families will value her experience onboard yachts with children.
Hugo Woerner Skipper Date of birth: 1994
With already six seasons as a coastal sailing instructor at Glénans and UCPA sailing schools and two seasons in Greece with the Archipel team, Hugo has not wasted his time! His solid sailing experience, his kindness and his professionalism make him a well liked skipper.
Vaggelis Patrikis Skipper Date of birth: 1968
Vaggelis was born in Athens. He has graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy of Oinnousses Chios. He holds an A’ class Master Captain’s diploma as well as a diploma of offshore sailing and advanced medical and life safety certificates. He started his career from various tankers and cargo ships travelling all over the world. Since 2009 he is the permanent captain of the luxury Lagoon 500 catamaran. He speaks fluent Greek and English.
Sophia Gritsis Skipper Date of birth: 1961
Fluent in Greek, French and English, Sophie is part of the reception team at the Paros base. Sports and venue management specialist, she shall help you solve any arising logistics problems.
Julie Stojakovic Skipper Date of birth: 1997
Oceanographer and professional diver, it was only a matter of time before Julie learned to sail
at the Glenans sailing school, where eventually she became an instructor. A true lover of the oceans,
Julie will be delighted to share with you all the hidden secrets of the Greek islands. Julie speaks English, French, and a little German, she is also very in tune with families.
Adrien Baccot Skipper Date of birth: 1990
After several years working as an engineer, Adrien pursued his dream and turned to professional sailing. UCPA offshore instructor, boatswain onboard three masted sailing replica L'Hermione frigate, captaining yachts in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, he has all the qualities to help you experience or rediscover the pleasures of sailing the Greek islands.
Raphael Noirot Skipper Date of birth: 1986
Raphael, the Norman of our team, is a sailing buff boasting lots of professional sailing in the Atlantic and the Aegean sea. With a history degree, he found in the Greek islands the ideal territory to combine his passion for sailing and his thirst for culture.
