MARY GRACE II

Skipper Profile: Stamatis (Sam) Kouloulias

Stamatis is a seasoned professional skipper with a career spanning since 2016. His extensive background in competitive sailing, with 20 years of experience participating in cross-country and Panhellenic races, showcases his dedication and skill in the sport. Growing up in Alimos, Greece, Stamatis developed a deep connection to the sea, which fueled his passion for sailing from a young age. He also brings a wealth of athletic experience as a former professional water polo player, a career he pursued for 10 years, further enhancing his leadership and team dynamics skills. Annually, Stamatis undertakes boat transfers across the Atlantic, demonstrating his expertise in long-distance maritime navigation and vessel management.

Stamatis is highly experienced and passionate about sailing, evident from his lifelong commitment to the sport. His competitive sailing background has honed his skills and knowledge, making him a proficient and reliable skipper. His experience in boat transfers across the Atlantic each year highlights his capability in handling challenging and demanding maritime tasks. Stamatis's strong communication and organizational skills ensure efficient crew management and vessel operations. Dedicated to safety and excellence, Stamatis is a trusted skipper whose passion for sailing and extensive experience make him an invaluable asset on any voyage.

Hostess/Chef: Saira Koyama

Saira is a friendly and motivated hostess/chef with a strong hospitality background. Raised in Japan and having studied in the USA and Greece, she is culturally aware, adaptable and comfortable working with guests and crew from diverse backgrounds. Her experience in Japanese restaurants has shaped her calm approach to service, strong attention to detail and respect for professional working environments.

Cooking is one of Saira's passions, with Japanese cuisine being one of her biggest strengths! She also enjoys Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Since moving to Greece to finish her studies in aviation she has tried and tasted every single dish while practicing them constantly for her friends and family. She is flexible, attentive to guest preferences and dietary requirements, and works collaboratively with the crew to offer the best possible service.

Favorite Island: Crete
Favorite dish: Shrimp linguine
Signature dishes to cook: Japanese Tonkatsu curry and Greek Moussaka
Favorite TV show: The friends
Favorite time of the day: The Sunset
Hobbies: Travelling, baking and running
Fun fact: She is passionate about aviation