Eleni Kytoudi

Art de Vivre is an exploration of the people, ideas, and craftsmanship behind Greece’s most inspiring stories of luxury living. Each edition brings together conversations with visionaries whose work shapes the country’s cultural and creative identity.

In this first Spotlight feature, we revisit our interview with John Dragnis, CEO of Goldenport Group and the driving force behind Golden Yachts. From building a world-class Greek shipyard to redefining what it means to create a superyacht, he reflects on the ambition, expertise, and attention to detail that have earned international recognition.

The evolution of Golden Yachts has unfolded alongside the gradual maturation of superyachting in Greece. How would you describe this journey, and which key turning points do you believe reshaped the country’s role within the global superyacht industry?

The evolution of Golden Yachts has closely followed the growth of the superyacht sector in Greece. In its early years, Greece was seen primarily as a cruising destination rather than a hub for large yacht construction and management.

A major turning point came when Golden Yachts undertook increasingly complex and ambitious projects, demonstrating that Greece could deliver expertise, craftsmanship, and reliability at an international level. Alongside improvements in infrastructure and regulation, this helped reposition Greece from a scenic destination to a respected player in the global superyacht industry.

Golden Yachts stands as proof that a Greek shipyard can build at the highest level. Through significant investment, G.Y. brings together the finest partners, craftsmen, and specialists for every project, and serves as an invitation for the world to notice that excellence in superyacht construction already exists in Greece.

By combining state of the art infrastructure with a team of highly skilled professionals, Golden Yachts consistently delivers projects that meet the highest global standards, showcasing that world class design, engineering, and execution can thrive on Greek soil.

Superyachts built in Greece by Golden Yachts have received international recognition and awards. In your view, how does this influence the global perception of Greece as a center of expertise and high quality yacht construction?

International awards for yachts built by Golden Yachts play a decisive role in reshaping Greece’s global position. They demonstrate that Greece is not only a country with a long standing tradition at sea, but also a place where complex, design led and ultra premium superyachts are conceived and delivered to the highest international standards.

This recognition is further reinforced by Golden Yachts being the only Greek shipyard admitted as a member of SYBAss, the international association of the world’s leading superyacht builders, an acknowledgment that honors not only the company itself, but the Greek shipbuilding industry at large. Taken together, these distinctions reposition Greece’s maritime DNA as contemporary and innovative, rather than purely historical.

In a traditionally risk averse industry, where the global market has long regarded Italian and Dutch shipyards as the benchmark, such distinctions provide powerful third party validation, enhancing Greece’s credibility and prestige and firmly positioning it at the forefront of the global superyacht construction market.

Clients who choose a superyacht belong to a highly discerning, international audience. What defines today’s superyacht clientele, and what are they seeking beyond size and visual impact?

Today’s superyacht clients are highly discerning international owners who understand that quality is expected at this level. What truly matters is how scale is used to create memorable and unique experiences, whether family time, exploration, wellness, creativity, or quiet escape, rather than simply visual impact.

Modern yachts are increasingly designed around daily life on board, starting from a deep understanding of owners’ routines, habits, and values. Privacy and autonomy are equally essential, with discretion and invisible crew workflows allowing owners complete freedom and peace of mind.

In the world of superyachting, how is luxury defined today? Is it a matter of technical excellence, experience, freedom, or a combination of all these elements?

Today, superyacht luxury is defined not by a single feature but by the seamless combination of technical excellence, thoughtful design, and personal autonomy. Technical excellence is a given. Flawless engineering ensures effortless performance, while carefully crafted, precise interiors, minimalist and harmonious, ensure that nothing feels excessive, yet everything feels considered.

Above all, true luxury lies in the freedom to explore, disconnect, or adapt the yacht to any lifestyle, with balance, authenticity, and sustainability at the core. Modern superyacht living is about enjoying exactly what you want, effortlessly and in harmony with your surroundings.

Do you believe that Golden Yachts is setting a new design benchmark in the superyacht world? How would you describe this contemporary design approach, and what truly differentiates it?

Yes, I believe Golden Yachts is setting a new benchmark in superyacht design. What truly differentiates us is our focus on each owner’s needs, combining contemporary style with Mediterranean elegance.

Our award winning yachts, from Optasia in 2019 to Malia in 2024, are the result of collective work with leading designers like Studio Vafiathis and Massari Design, bringing together functionality, craftsmanship, and uncompromising quality.

This interview is just one of the many conversations featured in Art de Vivre | 10-Year Anniversary Edition, a celebration of the people, places, and ideas shaping exceptional living in Greece. The complete digital edition can be accessed via this link. Alternatively, contact our team at [email protected] to arrange a private consultation with one of our advisors and receive a complimentary printed copy of the publication.