ALEIN

Name: Yannis Papapanos
Nationality: Greek
Position: Captain
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Captain Yannis was born in 1968 and is married with one daughter. A graduate of the Hellenic Navy, he holds a Master Mariner license along with an RYA Yachtmaster certification. His professional yachting career began in 2010, quickly establishing him as a captain known for his dedication, precision, and guest-focused approach. Captain Yannis spent an impressive ten successful years at the helm of the 25m JULIE M, joining the yacht in 2016. During his long tenure, he led countless charters throughout the Greek islands, earning a reputation for consistently exceptional experiences and an outstanding level of service. His leadership fostered a strong, loyal crew, many of whom remained with him season after season, contributing to the yacht’s high rate of repeat clientele and long-standing guest relationships. Fluent in English and deeply passionate about Greece, Captain Yannis takes great pride in sharing the country’s rich traditions, culture, and renowned hospitality with his guests. With an intimate, almost instinctive knowledge of the Greek islands, he expertly tailors each itinerary to combine iconic destinations with hidden gems. Renowned for his calm authority and excellent eye for detail, he places particular emphasis on hospitality, cuisine, and seamless service, ensuring every aspect of the guest experience is delivered to the highest standard. Now at the helm of ALEIN, Captain Yannis brings with him a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to creating memorable charters, making guests feel not only welcomed—but truly at home in Greece.

Name: Denis Markou
Nationality: Greek
Position:
Position details: Deckhand / Stew
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born in 1998 in Athens, Denis is a motivated and capable Stew/Deck, bringing to M/Y ALEIN a strong blend of seamanship and high-end hospitality experience. He has hands-on experience as Deck/Steward on the 30 m M/Y Caserta and has previously served as First Mate and Deckhand on sailing catamarans. Denis is proficient in tender operations, line handling, docking, anchoring, deck maintenance, and guest service. Apart from being a skilled deckhand, Denis’s background in luxury hospitality, including his role as head bartender at Robinson Club 4- and 5-star hotels in Crete and as a waiter at Grecotel Royal Park in Kos, makes him equally valuable to the interior team. His service mindset enhances organization, attention to detail, and overall guest experience standards on board. Adaptable, team-oriented, and hardworking, Denis speaks fluent English and basic German. He combines strong communication skills, flexibility, and a positive attitude, making him a valuable asset to both the deck and interior departments of M/Y ALEIN.

Name: Christos Livanas
Nationality: Greek
Position: Mate
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Christos joins ALEIN as engineer, bringing over seven years of hands-on experience aboard motor yachts in the Greek islands and beyond. Trained at GMC Maritime Academy and with a background in mechanics, he has worked his way from deckhand through to Third Engineer — developing a thorough command of engine room operations, machinery maintenance, and system troubleshooting. His most recent role aboard M/Y Itoto saw him leading engine room watchkeeping and auxiliary system management to full safety compliance. Equally comfortable on deck and below, his dual deckhand/engineer background makes him a versatile and dependable member of ALEIN. As a qualified drone operator with a talent for aerial videography and video editing, Christos also offers guests something truly special — stunning footage of their charter to take home as a lasting memory. With a passion for the sea, Christos brings warmth, professionalism, and a strong guest-service ethos to everything he does — both in the engine room and on deck.

Name: Anastasia Kostopoulou
Nationality: Greek
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born in 1995, Anastasia is a stewardess with several seasons of yachting experience, supporting both private and charter operations. She has previously worked on M/Y Eternal Spark, M/Y Cookie, M/Y Seammetry , and M/Y Lalu from housekeeping to sole stewardess roles. Anastasia is IAMI-certified with Silver Service training and she is known for maintaining high interior standards and delivering attentive guest care. In addition to her yachting experience, she holds a degree in Physical Education and is a certified fitness instructor. She speaks English and enjoys fitness training, wellness activities, and travelling. She now brings her positive energy, professionalism, and attention to detail to the interior team on board M/Y Alein, contributing to a welcoming and seamless onboard experience for both owners and guests.

Name: George Michalopoulos
Nationality: Greek
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description:
George’s career has taken him through some of the UK's most respected kitchens, including the Michelin-starred Paco Tapas and Casamia, and the Michelin-guide restaurant Casa in Bristol. Working within these skilled brigades under senior chefs gave him a solid grounding in the discipline, precision, and teamwork that fine dining demands — from fresh pasta and sauce work to maintaining the exacting standards of a professional kitchen. His particular strength lies in pastry. Georgios trained at The Pig hotels and the well-known Richard Bertinet bakery in Bath, and has continued to develop his technique through courses at respected pastry schools, including a workshop at Ecole Le Notre in Paris and sessions with pastry chef Antonio Bachour in Miami. He brings a confident hand to both classic patisserie and celebration cakes. Georgios began learning his craft in his native Patras, working his way up through traditional Greek baking and confectionery, and later spent time catering daily for 100 people during his military service — experience that shaped the calm, organised approach he brings to every service aboard. Off duty, Georgios is a competitive kickboxer with several national medals, a former water polo athlete, and a keen angler. Fluent in Greek and English, he pairs solid technical skills with genuine warmth for guests at the table.