Captain: Sokrates Koyros

Captain: Socrates Koyros

Meet Socrates, an unwavering and conscientious mariner who embodies an exceptional level of commitment and reverence for the maritime world. With a lifelong passion for sailing and diving since the tender age of five, Socrates has cultivated over a decade of extensive experience in sailing, diving, training, and facilitating charters that have brought him in contact with individuals from every corner of the globe. Beyond his maritime prowess, Socrates stands as a professional sailing athlete, boasting notable accomplishments in Nationals, Europeans, and Worlds Championships. His accolades include an impressive 5th place finish in the World Youth Sailing Championship of 2007 and a commendable 8th place in the World Men's Championship of 2008. These achievements not only underline his dedication but also his undeniable proficiency in navigating the competitive waters of the sailing arena. Yet, Socrates's true distinction lies in his capacity to anticipate and surpass the expectations of each and every guest he encounters. However, his commitment to growth and improvement remains unwavering. As a mariner who thrives on adaptability and embraces the opportunity for constructive growth, he is consistently seeking ways to elevate his skill set and ascend to higher echelons within his field.
When Socrates isn't traversing the seas, he finds solace and inspiration in his other passions. His degree in music synthesis is a testament to his aptitude for harmony both on and off the water. Additionally, his adventurous spirit extends to extreme sports, whether it's conquering mountains or embracing the challenges of the open sea. In the capable hands of Socrates, you're not just engaging a mariner; you're inviting an embodiment of dedication, excellence, and ceaseless curiosity to join your team. With Socrates at the helm, you're not merely navigating waters, but steering a course toward boundless horizons of maritime possibility.

Chef: Hector Bitter Kourounis

Hector Bitter-Kourounis is the chef on board Madinina, where he brings a wealth of culinary expertise honed in some of the most prestigious kitchens in Greece and France. Born and raised in Athens, Hector pursued his passion for cooking at the IEK Delta Culinary School in Chania, following his education at Lycée franco-hellénique Eugène Delacroix.
Hector’s culinary journey began in 2016 and has since taken him through a series of esteemed establishments, including the Four Seasons resorts in Athens, Nice and Megève. His experience spans a variety of roles, from Commis to Chef de Partie, with a strong emphasis on both hot and cold stations. His versatility has allowed him to excel in managing services for meat, fish, garnishes, and more. Additionally, Hector has experience in inventory management and purchasing, ensuring smooth operations in the kitchen.
As the chef on board Madinina, Hector’s ability to craft exquisite dishes under any conditions is matched by his dedication to quality and service. Fluent in English, French, Greek, and proficient in Spanish, Hector is well-suited to work in international and multicultural settings, making him an ideal fit for the diverse environments he encounters at sea.
Hector’s background includes work in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Prima Restaurant at Chalet du Mont d’Arbois, which has refined his skills and deepened his understanding of fine dining. His knowledge of HACCP standards further ensures the highest levels of food safety and hygiene in all his culinary endeavors.
With a solid foundation in both classic and contemporary cuisine, Hector is an invaluable asset to the Madinina crew, offering an exceptional dining experience at sea.

Deck/Stew: Panagiotis "Notis" Karampogias*

Born in 2004, Panagiotis "Notis" Karampogias was raised near the sea, where he spent his childhood fishing alongside his father. Coming from a family of fishermen, Notis has developed extensive knowledge of underwater ecosystems and various fish species. This deep connection with the sea continues today, as he still enjoys fishing with his father whenever he gets the chance.

Notis is the deckhand of Madinina, where he brings his extensive experience and passion for the maritime world to the crew. He holds a skipper's license for vessels up to 24 meters and a speedboat license, and his experience as a speedboat owner has equipped him with practical skills in boat engine repairs, making him a well-rounded and capable seaman.

In addition to his sailing duties, Notis enjoys mountain biking, hiking, spearfishing, and photography, reflecting his adventurous spirit and love for nature. While pursuing a degree in Computer Science, he continues to nurture his passion for the sea.

Friendly and accommodating, Notis is always eager to assist and make others feel welcome on board. His experience, enthusiasm, and personable nature make him a valuable asset to the Madinina crew!