Yachting management specialist PrivatSea operates a network of global facilities strategically positioned to optimise service. Chairman Stavros Xenakis outlined the core features of the company and the importance of attention to details. Report by Phil Nicholls.
Greece-based PrivatSea is the complete yacht management company. A pioneer in the yachting world, PrivatSea offers full-service management packages, supporting private and corporate super yacht owners.
“What makes us unique is not just the variety of services we offer, but also our dedication to delivering excellent, individualised care,” explained Mr Xenakis. “We don't just handle tasks; we take a thorough approach that revolves around tailoring solutions to match each client's specific requirements.”
PrivatSea is part of the Latsis Group, which was founded in the 1940s by the late John S Latsis, with early entrepreneurial ventures focused on trade and shipping. The group quickly expanded to include diverse business interests such as commercial shipping, energy and real estate. The Latsis Group moved into yacht management in 1977, following the acquisition of Henriette, a 53-metre yacht built in 1949.
Expansion of this involvement in yacht management came with Sete Yacht Management established in 1998, followed by PrivatSea in 2004. Building on this extensive experience, PrivatSea today manages some of the world’s most famous mega yachts. The team works hard to provide a transparent, professional service that accounts for every detail.
“Our esteemed team consists of highly skilled professionals meticulously trained to handle all facets of yacht ownership, with close attention and utmost diligence,”
said Mr Xenakis. “Our notable growth over time serves as evidence of our clients' confidence in our expertise and reliability.”
With offices in prominent locations in Athens, Monaco, London, Geneva, Jeddah and Bahrain, PrivatSea is always close to its clients.
A bespoke portfolio
The focus of PrivatSea encompasses a broad spectrum of projects, from routine maintenance to complex refits and newbuilds. At present, the company is involved in various projects including regular upkeep, intricate renovations and the management of new vessels.
Also within the Latsis Group is the Talos Shipyards, one of the largest shipyards
in the Eastern Mediterranean, with 1,500m of docks and piers, plus 88,000sqm of land. This facility handles large vessels up to 300m, with a maximum draft capacity of 20m.
From 2006, the shipyard was transformed to accommodate vessels for permanent or seasonal berthing, maintenance, refits and conversions. Services available at Talos Shipyards include power, telecommunications, water, waste removal, fuel, storage, office space, 24-hour security and CCTV. The company is licensed by the Greek Authorities for building of vessels, conversions, repairs and maintenance.
In partnership with PrivatSea, Talos Shipyards is committed to providing the highest standards for services at competitive rates. Talos is the shipyard of choice for yacht refits, refurbishments and maintenance for vessels under PrivatSea’s management.
“One notable project was our recent completion of a major renovation for a 62m Amels yacht,” continued Mr Xenakis. “This accomplishment showcased our strong interior design team and technical abilities with meticulous attention to even the smallest details,
further solidifying our standing in the industry as a leading management firm.”
C ore to the appeal of PrivatSea is the ability to deliver a bespoke package of capabilities to discerning clients. This package encompasses a wide range of yacht management services, covering technical, operational and financial aspects, all of which are precisely tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.
“It is this mindset that allows us to form strong, lasting bonds based on trust and dependability, setting us apart in a crowded market,” Mr Xenakis explained. “Furthermore, our Shipyard and Project Management Team contribute significantly to this commitment, ensuring that every aspect of our clients' projects is handled with the same level of attention to detail and quality.”
Solid investments
To maintain these high standards, PrivatSea continues to evolve. Active participation in prominent events underlines PrivatSea’s dedication to propelling the global yachting sector forward. The company encourages industry-wide cooperation and pioneering advancements, according to Mr Xenakis:
“An exemplary demonstration of this commitment is our engagement at the Monaco Yacht Show. Here, we showcased our latest innovations and forged key alliances to drive global progress and innovation within the industry.”
The Monaco Yacht Show is a truly spectacular showcase for the industry, set against the glamorous backdrop of M onte Carlo. PrivatSea is able to welcome VIP visitors to its offices just across the
road from MYS, a location which boasts a terrace with a bird’s eye view of the entire bay. The show is always a great opportunity to have a 360 ⁰ view of the sector, reconnect with associates and discover the latest trends in the world of super-yachts.
Alongside discussing bespoke services face-to-face with clients and prospective clients, the 2023 MYS also saw interest in PrivatSea’s two vessels for sale: MV Minerva and the exquisite MY Lady Sarya. MV Minerva is a boutique cruise vessel, tastefully decorated, that can accommodate 300 guests on six decks. A legendary 76m yacht, Lady Sarya can accommodate 11 guests in six cabins with en-suite bathrooms and up to 36 crew. Refurbished in 2020, the yacht is
the ultimate combination of vintage ambience and classic luxury.
Delivering high standards of service requires close partnership with a network of suppliers. The underlying philosophy at PrivatSea is to foster long-term relationships with suppliers and partners through open communication, mutual understanding and a commitment to shared goals.
“ Our approach emphasizes transparency, reliability and responsiveness, ensuring that collaborations are based on trust and respect,” concluded Mr Xenakis. “We greatly value the contributions of all our partners, as every collaboration is instrumental in our success, collectively contributing to our operational excellence and helping to deliver client satisfaction.” n
