Our Assistant Marina Manager, Vasilis Kareklas, celebrates more than 10 years with us, at Limassol Marina
What is one memorable moment that stands out to you from your time at Limassol Marina?
One of my most memorable moments is the arrival of the first superyacht. We had no idea what the superyacht industry was, or what to expect, and it all began here with us. And though we are all, by now, used to seeing these awe-inspiring vessels docked in our marina, this first one to sail in was truly an astonishing sight, and we pave the way for the future.
What have you learned from working at Limassol Marina that you didn’t know before?
The yachting industry is a brand new one for Cyprus, so my entire time here has been a remarkable learning experience. We learned how to run safe operations at the Marina, how to welcome customers with excellent customer service, and generally all the logistics that surround the yachting industry.
How do you feel about Limassol Marina reaching this 10-year milestone?
Excitement, pride, and profound happiness.
What are you most proud of as you look back at the last ten years?
Limassol Marina itself is truly something to be proud of, particularly when you consider what this area was like at the time. There was nothing here, and watching the Marina slowly transform from an idea to a reality is impressive. And we have overcome so many challenges to get here – from financial crises to the pandemic, and yet we are still here, still flourishing.
What does Limassol Marina mean to you personally?
Limassol Marina is my second home. The friendly environment, the customers from all around the world that we have built relationships with - it’s a community that I love. I am proud to be a part of it.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
When working in Marina operations, every day is different. This is not a typical 8-5 job, and it is never boring. There is always something new to learn, a new challenge to overcome, and this keeps us enthusiastic about coming to work every day.
What emotions do you feel when you see the changes and growth over the years at Limassol Marina?
I feel a sense of accomplishment, nostalgia, and I feel rewarded to have been a part of this journey.
Describe Limassol Marina in one word.
I have two words – exceptional and prestigious.
What do you think people feel when they visit Limassol Marina?
I believe there is a sense of excitement and relaxation at being in a luxury space that feels limitless, and a feeling of belonging in this community that we created.
Do you have a story to share from the Marina’s 10 year history?
One of my most memorable stories was from the time when we hosted the Offshore Racing Congress in 2018. It was a huge event, and professional sailors came in from all over the world. It was amazing to see them operate their vessels, and the care for their boats was very specific and demanding. We had to organize our time to make sure we had time to offer a high level of service to all the vessels, so suffice to say, we were busy! But what really made this day significant was that it was a day before my wedding! I can’t say my wife was too thrilled at the timing (laughs).
What do you find most special about Limassol Marina?
Limassol Marina is a unique blend of luxury and community spirit, and I believe it’s very rare to find a place that combines these two attributes so seamlessly.
What does a typical day look like for you at Limassol Marina?
Every day at the Marina is different and unique. Looking after yachts – one of the most precious assets a person can own – is a big responsibility, and we always go the extra mile to make sure both owners and captains are happy. There are certain tasks that our team performs daily – such as making sure boats are moored safely and they have access to electricity and water, inspecting the water surrounding the marina to ensure it is clean, operating fuel bunkers, and more. But at the same time, there is so much going on that we must remain alert and able to make quick decisions to ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely.
Do you have any memories from Opening Day?
It feels like all of Cyprus came to see Limassol Marina that day. There were long lines of cars waiting to come here. This was a project long time in the making, and everyone wanted a sight of it. And this went on for weeks, not just on the opening day.
What are your memories of the first yacht arrival?
It was a modest vessel, but we were all still very excited. I could feel that this was the start of something big, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Do you have any community stories to share?
This is a very recent story, but it’s close to my heart, and it involves the owner of one of the superyachts here. We rarely speak with the owners, our communication is usually with captains or other crew members, but the owner happened to be here and was taking daily cruises around the island with his crew. One day before departure, he came up to me and told me that he had been to all the marinas in Greece, and most of the marinas around the world, and he believes that none of them can compare to Limassol Marina, particularly in terms of our customer service, our security, and the community we provide. This comment stayed with me, and made me feel very proud of what we do.
