The Honorary Award for Seamanship, recognizing their extensive maritime service and exemplary dedication to the nautical profession and ideals, was presented by the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Mrs. Melina Travlos, to Captain Giannis VarVates and Chef Giannis Ptinis during an event organized by the Union of Greek Shipowners.
The program “Fair Winds and Following Seas” invited the two veteran sailors to discuss their long journeys at sea and on ships. They share emotions, thoughts, experiences, and stories about their choices and the lives they dedicated to Greek commercial shipping, while also offering advice to newcomers entering the maritime profession.
They expressed no regrets about their choices and are very happy with the lives they’ve lived at sea and on ships. Notably, they emphasized: “If I had to start again, I would become a sailor. We were all one family,” said Yiannis Ptínis.
“The day I became Chief Engineer, my son, the youngest, was born. My whole life is tied to the sea,” commented Yiannis Barbatés.
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis