Captain Manthos Gaitis speaks on “Fair Winds and Following Seas – Saturday Shift” on Voice of Greece.
“For me, the sea is a source of inspiration and life itself. It shaped my professional path, and both my family and I have made our living through it. I have never strayed from it and never regretted choosing this profession, because I loved it — just as I loved the sea from a very young age. To follow the profession of a sailor, you must be truly determined and not simply enter a Maritime Academy because of university entrance exams. You need dedication and genuine passion if you want to grow and succeed,” he notes.
He also reflects on how the life and mentality of seafarers have changed dramatically over the past decades, particularly since 2000. “There is certainly greater safety today, but also much more paperwork and administrative responsibility. We think more, carry more stress, and deal with greater pressure,” he explains.
Speaking about younger generations, he observes that fewer young people choose a maritime career today. “We have made life too comfortable for our children, and that works against this particular profession,” he remarks.
Captain Gaitis also discusses the development of maritime tourism in Greece, stressing that yachting has become one of the most dynamic and steadily growing sectors of the country’s shipping industry.
“With its countless beautiful landscapes, Greece has become an increasingly popular destination, and visitors want to experience it in the best possible way with the help of the captain and crew. If I, as captain, am not enjoying the journey, then neither the guests nor the crew will enjoy it. That is why we organise every voyage as carefully as possible — through preparation, research, information and strong communication,” he says.
Finally, referring to maritime tourism overall, he underlines its continuing upward trajectory, while emphasising the importance of education, responsibility, crew skills and leadership. As he explains, a captain “must inspire and listen to the crew in order to bring out the very best they have to offer.”
An engaging discussion about the fascinating world of maritime tourism and yachting.
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis