George Poulis, founder of Cyanos Yachting , shares on Baptista Greece how the waters of the Aegean and the stories woven into the Greek islands inspire him to create a new yachting company; one driven by the pursuit of the ultimate lifestyle experience at sea.
1.Would you like to share a few things about yourself? Where did you start, where are you now, and where do you want to go?
Of course, I’d be happy to share a little about my journey.
My professional involvement began at a very young age. Whether during my summer school holidays or later, parallel to my studies, I worked in our family-run technical company — a successful business with over 40 years of history in the construction sector, which I continue to actively be involved in.
My love for the sea has always been present. Since I can remember, being in contact with the marine element gave me a unique sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. As I grew older, I started traveling with friends, chartering boats and exploring the islands of the Aegean and Saronic. The hours and days I spent at sea held a special place for me. The experience was so intense that even just one day at sea felt like three.
Combined with the uniqueness of Greek islands, their beauty, authenticity, and cultural diversity, I was deeply inspired. Thus, the desire to turn this passion into a profession was born.
I was the one who envisioned and, along with my brothers, founded Cyanos Yachting — a company created with the aim of offering high-quality maritime tourism experiences.
My vision for Cyanos is to establish it in the yachting industry as a company that prioritizes experience — with honesty, quality, and a sense of responsibility towards our clients.
2. Cyanos Yachting consists of a team with a mission to share the love for the sea in an experiential way. On a personal level, what is your relationship with the water element and the Greek islands?
Personally, I am an explorer at heart. The water element has always been present in my life, as far back as I can remember. Even when my activities weren’t directly related to the sea, its presence existed somewhere inside me — as a feeling, a need, a reference.
My relationship with the Greek islands is a natural extension of this connection. Our islands are not just places — they are experiences, characters, memories. They are the way the sea becomes life, culture, and human contact. For me, touching the islands is a way to connect nature, history, and my own self.
3. Yachting development started in Greece in the 1930s to utilize Greece’s maritime beauty. What is your personal vision when you decide to create your own company? What inspired you to engage in this sector of shipping?
Greece has a deep, timeless relationship with the sea. Its coastline and unique archipelago represent a rare phenomenon of beauty and geographical value on a global scale. It’s no coincidence that Greece is consistently ranked among the top yachting destinations worldwide.
My vision is to bring this wealth closer to the visitor. To give travelers the chance to experience it as I do — authentically, safely, swiftly, and meaningfully. To explore our seas and islands not just as tourists, but as travelers deeply connected to the landscape and culture.
My personal experience, the feelings that arise every time I sail in Greek waters and discover a new island destination, served as the inspiration for creating Cyanos Yachting. This is exactly what I want to share with our guests: the genuine, living experience of the Greek sea.
4. Horizons: They reflect boundaries or the lack thereof. As horizons expand, they offer a completely new meaning to life. How does this idea manifest in your own life?
For me, the horizon isn’t a limit or its absence. Quite the opposite — it’s a goal — or rather, a journey.
The horizon is always there, open, inviting us. We observe it, study it, and plan our path towards it. And once we reach our destination, it’s again there, ready to guide us to the next journey.
5. The reference to Cyanos Yachting’s cyan color clearly directs thoughts towards bright blue-green shades, symbolizing tranquility and calmness. On the other hand, yachting is a maritime activity associated with exploration and luxury. Which elements from these do you believe contribute to creating an experience with Cyanos Yachting?
For me, the luxury that Cyanos offers is not in material elements or objects, but in experiences. It’s the blue-green shades of the sea, the feeling of calmness and serenity that envelops you when you are at sea. It’s the silence that speaks, the beauty that needs no words.
Luxury, in my view, is no longer something material. It’s a lived experience — an experience that makes you feel more meaningful, more connected with your surroundings — and ultimately, with yourself. That is the kind of genuine, tranquil luxury that Cyanos Yachting aims to deliver: a calm, authentic luxury that touches the soul.
6. It’s been said about Cyanos Yachting that it isn’t just a boat rental company. It offers experiences that combine luxury with safety and comfort. In the past, luxury often referred to something idealized and not easily accessible. Do you believe the same concept applies today?
At Cyanos Yachting, our entire philosophy revolves around — and is continually evolving with — the core principles of safety, high-quality service, and personalized experiences at sea.
This personalization and privacy in the journey are what make it a more special and distinguishable choice for a traveler who wants to enjoy their time and destinations at their own pace.
In this context, the concept of luxury doesn’t equate with opulence, but rather with trust and connection with the place and oneself. For example, we have invested in and chosen a fleet consisting exclusively of Rafnar ships, which are globally recognized for their innovation in shipbuilding and stability in demanding sea conditions. It’s worth mentioning that these vessels are manufactured in Greece.
Similarly, our team consists of experienced professionals with a true knowledge of hospitality at sea.
The real luxury offered by a well-organized, high-quality journey lies in confidence and a deep connection with the destination and ourselves.
7. How much have you personally invested in Cyanos Yachting?
Personally, the greatest investment I have made is the time I have dedicated to Cyanos. For me, time is priceless — it’s something far more valuable and meaningful than any monetary investment. It’s presence, thought, energy, and soul that I put daily to build something authentic and timeless.
8. What are the biggest challenges you face? How do you manage them?
One of the biggest challenges we face is remaining true to our goals and vision, while simultaneously maintaining healthy business growth. It’s a balance that requires consistency, patience, and daily dedication.
I am very pleased that, so far, through Cyanos Yachting’s journey, we have managed to achieve this, proving that growth can coexist with the values that define us.
9. How do you envision your next steps?
My next steps for Cyanos are aimed at stability, based on the values that truly represent me. Central to our development is collaborating with people who share our philosophy, ethos, and vision. Our goal is to proceed with solid foundations on selected islands, establishing a strong presence, as well as carefully expanding our fleet, always prioritizing quality and the authentic experience we want to offer.
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