PHOTOS: courtesy Studio Vafiadis
“I adore seeing a boat being built, coming along from nothing to something nice and unique,” says Paris Dragnis, the owner of O’Ptasia and Golden Yachts, her builder. “This enjoyment in boatbuilding pushed me to make my own yard. I have built many boats, 11 up to now, all designed by my good friend Giorgio Vafiadis. I enjoyed the building of each of them, but I must say that the pleasure I had building O’Ptasia, it was rare.”
Dragnis feels this way for a few reasons. First, built in just 28 months, the 279-foot (85-meter) O’Ptasia posted quite a challenge for Golden Yachts. One of the biggest challenges: needing to rely on abundant subcontractors and suppliers throughout Europe, the UK, and the USA. Greece, home to the shipyard, has few marine manufacturing firms. Furthermore, the entire interior was created in Italy. Even the initial mockup was created there, then shipped to Greece for fitting onboard the partially completed yacht for inspection and approval. In Dragnis’ hands now for nearly a year, O’Ptasia meets his desire for an attractive cruiser that’s simultaneously thoughtfully executed. She is as practical for him as she is for charter guests. What’s more, she also reflects a bit of whimsy.
Meant for an owner’s party of 22 (12 on charter) and 26 crew, O’Ptasia understandably prioritizes a high level of service and privacy. Pantries spread across each deck, for instance. In fact, one behind the gym is for healthy smoothies and snacks. Particularly for charter guests with staff or small children, twin cabins accompany the two master suites. While two master suites (one on the main deck, the other on the upper deck) may seem unusual, too, they’re actually quite useful. Dragnis can treat treasured friends or family to one, for example. Alternately, charters where two couples are the primary paying parties will appreciate it. (On a related note, O’Ptasis had weeks of bookings her first season, and already has most of this summer booked as well.) Finally, guests aren’t the only ones who have an elevator (above) at their disposal. The crew gets a dedicated elevator, and stairway, too.
These practical touches underpin a soothing experience onboard. Studio Vafiadis, run by Giorgio Vafiadis and his son Stefano, played with natural and artificial light. This is why windows are so large and the main stairway’s steps (onyx) are backlit. So, too, they played with light and dark woods. Eucalyptus, lati (a pale yellowish brown), ebony, and more appear throughout the megayacht. Onyx, marble, mother of pearl, embroidered leathers, and lacquers appear as well. “Nothing is too shiny, too sparkly, too dazzling,” the Vafiadis team asserts. “There is balance between the very simple and the very refined.”
There’s also a balance with whimsy. Witness the artwork of Tin Tin behind the wheel of a car in the upper-deck master suite (above). In one of the twin staterooms, Mickey Mouse adorns a giant puzzle piece. Pop art punctuates every deck, in hallways and private spaces. You can’t help but smile—and smile even more at the glowing purple triangle in the guest elevator.
At 2,350 gross tons, O’Ptasia looks and feels voluminous. Thankfully, her generous 45’3” (13.8-meter) beam does not overwhelm. Dragnis credits Studio Vafiadis with properly balancing large, open alfresco areas with equally large but welcoming interior areas. “I adore her great lightness and brightness,” Dragnis says.
See more of what he adores in this armchair tour. Click any of the images above to launch a slideshow.
Golden Yachts goldenyachts.gr
Studio Vafiadis studiovafiadis.com
Leave a Reply