On board MAESTRO with her owner

Hear from Costas Delaportas, owner of MAESTRO, as he shares the inspiration behind her contemporary interior, his favourite cruising regions, and what’s next for both the industry and MAESTRO.

Where did your passion for yachting begin?

The sea has always been in my DNA. I grew up surrounded by ships and maritime life, so a deep connection to the water came naturally. Yachting entered my life a bit later, but it felt like a seamless progression. For the past decade, I’ve been actively involved in buying, owning, and chartering yachts. It’s where I truly disconnect and recharge – nothing compares to the freedom, and peace that come from being at sea.

You come from the shipping industry – do you see any interesting parallels between that world and private yachting?

Absolutely. Both worlds revolve around the sea and demand precision and teamwork. In shipping, the focus is on global logistics, performance, and operational excellence. Yachting, by contrast, is about freedom, privacy, and creating unforgettable experiences with family and friends.

While the purpose may differ, the underlying values are the same – passion, professionalism, and people. Whether it’s running a vessel commercially or enjoying a weekend at anchor, it’s the human element that truly defines the journey.

How would you describe your personal style, and do you think it has influenced your design choices on board MAESTRO?

My style is elegant, modern, and minimal, with a strong focus on comfort and timeless design. I believe true luxury should feel effortless.

When we undertook MAESTRO’s 2024 refit – a project of over EUR 4 million – it became the most extensive refit I’ve ever done. We transformed both the interior and exterior completely. It was a major project, but also a very personal one.

Every detail, from materials to layout, was carefully selected to create a state-of-the-art yacht – a reflection of my vision of what a great yacht should be: luxurious, comfortable, and enduring in style.

How would you describe the atmosphere on board MAESTRO – and how do guests tend to respond to it?

MAESTRO has a calm, welcoming, and luxurious atmosphere. We designed the interiors using natural tones and materials to create a sense of ease – nothing over-designed, just elegant, relaxed, and beautifully crafted.

Guests often tell us it feels like a floating private villa, which is exactly the experience we wanted to create. The atmosphere is warm and personal, thanks to a professional yet friendly crew who know how to make everyone feel at home.

We’ve also focused on fun – MAESTRO offers a wide range of water toys and activities, so there’s always something to enjoy, whether you’re seeking adventure or total relaxation.

Tell us about your crew. What makes them such an integral part of the experience on board?

The crew is truly the soul of MAESTRO. Many of them have been with us for years, and their strong teamwork and deep knowledge of the yacht create a smooth, welcoming environment for every guest.

They’re not only highly professional and discreet, but also genuinely warm and attentive. Whether it’s a perfectly prepared meal, a beautifully arranged cabin, or a fun day out on the water, every crew member goes the extra mile to ensure guests feel relaxed, cared for, and completely at home.

It’s their positive energy, attention to detail, and passion for hospitality that make every charter special – and why so many guests choose to return.

How would you describe your collaboration with the Burgess Central Agency team, and what do you value most?

Working with Burgess has been a truly professional and rewarding experience. They understand both sides of the equation – the owner’s priorities and the guest’s expectations – and they strike that balance with great skill.

What I value most is their discretion, attention to detail, and proactive approach. Whether it’s handling bookings or managing guest relations, I have complete peace of mind knowing MAESTRO is in capable and trusted hands.

In my shipping career, I’ve learned that long-term relationships are the most valuable, and I see great potential for that with Burgess. I look forward to building a strong and lasting partnership together.

How do you see the yachting world evolving in the coming years?

The yachting market is evolving rapidly – we’re seeing growing demand, greater sophistication, and rising expectations across the board. While the 35–45 meter segment remains active, I believe the real shift is toward larger yachts – 55 meters and above. Owners and charterers are increasingly looking for more space, more comfort, and more personalised experiences. The trend is clear: the bigger, the better.

In Greece, the potential is enormous, but there’s a clear need for more investment in infrastructure – especially mooring capacity for larger yachts. Astir Marina Vouliagmenis, where MAESTRO is currently berthed, is a great example of what the future of Greek yachting should look like: high-quality facilities, efficient management, and a setting that matches the expectations of today’s yacht owners.

As Greece continues to grow as a world-class yachting destination, I hope to see more marinas across the country follow this standard.