Countdown is on for the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2023

By Nina Done 25 April 2023

With only a few days to go until the 8th Mediterranean Yacht Show (MEDYS) in Greece, we take a look at what to expect during the 5-day industry-only charter event, which kicks off on Saturday.

Running between April 29 - 3 May, the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2023 will be set against the beautiful backdrop of the historical port of Nafplion, a charming town on the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese that has now become the permanent home for the show.

With 95 yachts already confirmed to attend, the show’s organizers, Greek Yachting Association, suggest this year’s event is shaping up to be their best year yet. Promising a lively programme of receptions, speeches, exhibition areas, Chefs’ Competition and a whole host of yacht viewings, we take a look at what is in store for MEDYS 2023.

Superyacht lineup

With predominantly sunny conditions expected, experienced charter brokers and yachting industry professionals from across the globe can enjoy the balmy Grecian sun as they peruse an impressive line-up of gleaming superyachts, showcasing recent refits and a raft of luxury amenities on offer as they gear up for a busy summer charter season ahead.

Bringing together a large exhibition of charter yachts, ranging from motor and sailing yachts to luxury gulets and catamarans, this year’s fleet comprises an impressive selection from some of the finest yards in the industry.

These include the 2018-built 85m (278ft) superyacht O’PTASIA from Golden Yachts, Nobiskrug’s recently refitted 74m (241ft) motor yacht LADY VERA and the striking 55m (180ft) yacht GECO, launched by Admiral Yachts in 2020.

For a more in-depth look at some of the standout charter yachts attending this year's show, read our article: Must-see charter yachts at the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2023

Chefs’ Competition 2023

One of the highlights of the show is the Chefs’ Competition, showcasing Greek gastronomy at its best. This year superyacht chefs face the challenge of creating a dish that explores sustainable eating, with the theme “Zero Waste From the Greek Seas”.

Participating chefs must prepare a dish using ingredients sourced from Greece's beautiful waters in their entirety, while embodying the essence of Greek traditional cuisine.

The judging panel this year includes Chef George Papazacharias of Delta restaurant in Athens, whose commitment to zero-waste is already legendary, earning him a coveted Michelin Green Star. He will be joined by Chef Antonio Mellino of the exceptionally elegant Quattro Passi restaurant in Nerano, Italy. Both restaurants proudly hold two Michelin stars.

The Chef Competition will run alongside the Tablescaping Competition where yacht crew will get to unleash their creative flair to produce show-stopping table settings complementing the chefs' creations to impress the judges.

YachtCharterFleet will be on hand, of course, covering the results as they are announced as well as reporting on other findings from the show.

Other events taking place at MEDYS 2023

In addition to the lineup of charter yachts and Chef Competition, there will be the usual hive of activity in the exhibition zone, where a range of exhibitors prepare to showcase their luxury lifestyle brands, yachting services, marine products and the latest water toys and accessories.

There will also be the usual cocktail parties and yacht hops, as well as the welcome reception, awards ceremony and the much-anticipated Captain and Crew after-show party.

YachtCharterFleet pose on board a yacht at the Mediterranean Yacht Show, Greece

Toys on board a yacht at the Mediterranean Yacht Show in Greece

A DJ spins his decks at the Mediterranean Yacht Show in Greece

MEDYS 2023 commences on Saturday morning when the yachts will open for viewing and, in the evening, an official opening ceremony in the port of Nafplion will provide a glittering welcome to the yacht professionals, who have traveled to Greece from across the world.