AN INNOVATIVE GREEK YACHT CHARTER FAMILY ENTREPRISE

Two sailing enthousiasts, Dimitri and Odile Gritsis establish Archipel Club in 1962 in Athens. It is the very first sailing boat charter company in Greece. Contrasting to the low, wet and intricate yachts of those days, their fleet consisted of simple, user-friendly, ocean capable boats.
Business is conducted by snailmail and marketing is carried out with classified ads in european yachting magazines. The yachts provides the luxuries of the 60’s: dry bunks, cool drinks, hot meals and (sparingly) a fresh water shower. For Northamericans the fashion is to buy a second hand VW van in the Netherlands, tour Europe and cruise the Greek islands on one of ten Archipel Club’s sailing yachts!
 
 
George Gritsis spends 2 decades circumnavigating the globe under sail and skippering large yachts. In 2000 he receives a literary prize for the narrative of his voyages while in 2006 he wins the "Man of the Year Award" in Greece for his maritime achievements.
In 2003, George and his French wife Vanessa take over the management of Archipel Club. Vanessa is a business communication executive. Having lived in several countries since her childhood, she loves traveling off the beaten track while she values perfect logistics, particularly in the harsh marine environment. Families will appreciate her experience onboard yachts with children.
 
They move Archipel Club to Paros at the heart of the Cyclades islands, a world renowned sailing paradise. While they remain faithful to the principles which led the previous generation, they create a custom charter yacht fleet. Unique in Greece, these purpose built yachts are to sail, no-nonsense and above all sea worthy.