CHEF: Nikolas PAPAFINGOS
British/Cypriot
MSc Food Science & Technology (Distinction) / NVQ Food Production Levels 1, 2 & 3
Languages: English, Greek, Spanish
Passionate about cooking and the sea, Nikolas is a chef specializing in culinary arts aboard yachts and private villas. With extensive experience in high-end private estates, catamarans, and Michelin-starred restaurants, he is dedicated to providing a top-tier gastronomic experience on the water.
Before focusing on private yachting, Nikolas built a strong foundation in both the culinary arts and food science. He holds an MSc in Food Science and Technology alongside a degree in Hospitality Business Management.
He refined his culinary techniques by training in acclaimed kitchens across the UK, including placements at the 3-Michelin-starred L'Enclume, the 2-Michelin-starred Ynyshir, and The Ledbury in London. To expand his culinary range, he also traveled internationally to complete intensive master courses in traditional Washoku cuisine in Japan and Thai cuisine in Thailand.
Throughout his career as a private chef, Nikolas has worked with a wide variety of high-profile international clients. Notably, he spent time cooking full-board at a private villa in Hydra for an A-list Hollywood actor and the crew during a major movie production. His unique background in food science and nutrition has also allowed him to design specialized, health-conscious menus, with his research on sustainable dining even being highlighted in The Guardian newspaper.
Nikolas works with fresh, seasonal products, prioritizing local flavors and quality ingredients to create customized menus based on his clients' preferences and dietary needs. He offers a wide variety of cuisines, from refined Mediterranean dishes to authentic Asian concepts and global flavors.
As a licensed sailor, Nikolas is completely at home on the water. Onboard CUTE LITTLE CAT for 2 years, Nikolas takes great pride in sharing his love for Greek hospitality, tailoring every day's menu to the guest’s personal tastes, wellness goals, or dietary requirements.

CAPTAIN: Dimitris RODOPOULOS
Greek
BA Economics & Master’s in Sports Management
Languages: Greek, English (Fluent)
Born with a deep connection to the sea, Dimitris has been sailing since the age of seven. Growing up with a father who was a sailing instructor at the Aegean Nautical Club, he began as a competitive regatta sailor before turning professional 23 years ago.
Since 2017, Dimitris has been the permanent Captain aboard Cute Little Cat, working closely with the same owner. Over their years together, he has followed the owner to his various coastal residences, navigating the yacht through the US East Coast, New England, Maine, and down to the Caribbean for a full charter season.
With extensive command across both international waters and his native Aegean and Ionian seas, Dimitris knows every hidden cove, quiet anchorage, and remote corner of Greece. His passion for the outdoors extends well beyond the helm; he is an excellent kitesurfer and a certified IKO instructor who loves teaching the sport and guiding guests through water activities when anchored by the beach.
He has a BA in Economics from the University of Wales and has acquired a Master degree in sports management.
During the winter off-season, he stays active in the mountains, working as a snowboarding instructor and a white-water rafting guide, bringing that same energetic, safety-first mindset back to the sea each spring.
Highly adaptable and deeply experienced with high-end international clientele, Dimitris possesses a sharp sense of service. When guests are on board, his focus is entirely on tailoring the itinerary to their unique pace and preferences, ensuring a seamless, secure, and genuinely welcoming experience throughout their journey onboard CUTE LITTLE CAT.