Athens, Greece – At 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, the sound of horns echoed across Olympic Marine in Lavrio, signaling the close of the Eastern Mediterranean’s premier event dedicated to yachting and sea tourism.

Bigger, more dynamic, and more international than ever before, the 5th Olympic Yacht Show surpassed all expectations, setting new records and solidifying its place among Europe’s leading yachting exhibitions.

Over 25,000 visitors attended this landmark edition, exploring 140 yachts on the water and discovering 400 luxury brands. The event featured numerous yacht premieres and a rich program of parallel activities, all unfolding in a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and enthusiasm. The growing presence of international visitors and key global industry players further reinforced the Show’s worldwide stature, while extensive coverage from international media once again confirmed its global recognition.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the State, institutional organizations, and leading professionals from the yachting industry. In his welcome address, Gerasimos Gerolimatos, Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the event’s evolution and influence: “Five years on, the Olympic Yacht Show has become an institution in marine tourism and leisure boating. It’s more than just a showcase of yachts — it’s a meeting point for people, ideas, and opportunities, bridging Greek and international markets, land and sea.”

Distinguished speakers included George Prokopiou, owner of Olympic Marine; Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, representing the Prime Minister; Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism; and Angeliki Varela, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO). Each highlighted the Show’s vital role in advancing marine tourism in Greece and positioning the country as a world-class yachting destination.

During the ceremony, the Show presented its honorary awards for the second consecutive year, recognizing key figures for their contributions to the yachting industry and support of the event. Honorees included George Pappas (Pappas Yachts), Alexandros Zeis (Motocraft), Sofia Vachari Tsouvelekaki, Christos Kontovasilis (Pantaenius Hellas), the Azimut Hellas team, and Mary Gogosi (MG Yachts & Villas). The ONDECK team and Gerasimos Gerolimatos also presented George and Alexandra Prokopiou with a commemorative framed cover from Skipper ONDECK magazine in their honor.

A standout feature of this year’s Show was the 1000 Miglia Experience — the world’s most renowned classic and contemporary car race — which made its debut in Greece with a special stop at Olympic Marine, adding an unexpected and stylish twist to the event.

By setting new standards in exhibition quality, aesthetics, and professional networking, the Olympic Yacht Show continues to redefine the national yachting experience. With each edition, it strengthens Lavrio’s position on the global yachting map and reaffirms Greece’s leading role in the world of sea tourism.