O'Mathilde

  • 56m | Golden Yachts | 2018
the Captain
Panitsas Manos

Over the past 20 years, Greek Captain Panitsas Manos has stood at the helm of some of the world’s best superyachts – including the iconic Maltese Falcon.

“I have had a love for the ocean and boats from a young age,” he says. “My dream was to be able to combine my love for the sea with my profession. The ability to offer these incredible, once-in-a-lifetime moments to people on a yacht trip is an excellent side effect of my job.”

Here, be it a relaxed family charter or week of partying, Captain Panitsas Manos explores what guests can expect during a stay on board O’Mathilde.  

Can you tell us a little about your background – how did you get into the industry?

I have had a love for the ocean and boats from a young age, and my dream was to be able to combine this with my profession. The ability to offer these incredible, once-in-a-lifetime moments to people on a yacht trip is an excellent side effect of my job.

I got my start back in 1999 for the summer season as a skipper in sailing yachts before I joined the merchant marine academy Of Hydra later that year. My first sailing yacht was a skipper 55-footer.

What are some of the other yachts you have worked on? 

After graduation in 2003 I worked as captain of a small motor yacht, a Riva 78 ft, for a couple of years. I also had the opportunity as staff captain to join bigger yachts private and charter such as RM Elegant, Faribana, Sagitta and relief captain of Maltese Falcon, where I got valuable experience. I moved over to Jaan 42m in 2017 where I stayed for two years, and last year I joined O’Mathilde as captain.

I also hold instructor licenses for scuba diving, water skiing and wakeboarding.

How would you describe the owner’s vision for the yacht?

The owner of O’Mathilde is very passionate and enthusiastic. His vision is to build yachts with a focus on quality and innovation, and O’Mathilde is no exception.

How would you describe the style and personality of the yacht?

She offers chic charter living with a dose of fun! She is the perfect holiday retreat and has a superb modern design and great charter reputation.

How would you describe the ambiance on board? 

O’Mathilde presents the right balance of large yacht ambiance blended with an interior décor boasting warm woods, fine marbles and quality furnishings throughout. The salon and dining are an open plan. Panoramic windows fill the space and natural light creates an airy ambiance. Exterior living aboard O’Mathilde is generous, ideal for relaxing and entertaining. A big swim platform provides effortless water access.

What’s the best thing about working on board O’Mathilde?

I think the ability to offer these incredible, sometimes once-in-a-lifetime moments on a trip to others has just been an excellent side effect of my job.

Which types of client are most attracted to a charter on board?

O’Mathilde can accommodate all types of clients, from families with their kids to couples who want to have their privacy and relaxing moments, as well as clients that just want to party all day.

What types of experience can you offer charter guests? 

We offer an environment filled with seven-star service and luxury accommodation. O’Mathilde is a personal floating oasis. The experience is something that is just unmatched, in my opinion. Amongst O’Mathilde’s many features are a fully-equipped outdoor gym area, an enormous sundeck with terraces for dinning and lounging, a jacuzzi on the sun deck and an outdoor cinema on the main deck with spectacular sea views.

How would you describe the style and approach of the crew?

The crew is very passionate and highly energetic. We all work together to create a place where guests can come on board, forget about their daily stresses, escape to somewhere new and exotic, or even tick something off their bucket list. 

What are your usual cruising grounds?

We usually sail in the east Mediterranean, mostly around the Greek islands.