Alistair Best reflects on the figure who shaped his career in yachting, and why that influence now drives him to imagine his own next chapter.
Sep 27, 2025
,
Alistair Best
Who’s My Biggest Inspiration in the Yachting World?
By Alistair Best
Every career is shaped by a few defining people. In my journey through yachting, no one has influenced me more than Theo.
We first met at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2016. Amid the bustle of introductions, he remembered my name and face after a single meeting. Months later, at the Monaco F1, he recalled details about me with disarming precision. In a world of fleeting encounters, such attention stood apart.
At the time, Theo was a young yacht designer fighting for recognition and struggling for shipyard meetings. Watching him persevere step by step until he launched his own shipyard, Astra Nord, has been a lesson in resilience and ambition.
His influence on me has been deeply personal. My lowest point came when the boat I had poured my blood, sweat, and tears into was suddenly sold. I felt my place in the industry slip away.
“At my lowest point, when I was ready to walk away from yachting, Theo helped me refocus and reminded me the industry still had more to offer.”
That day in London we walked and talked for hours. His perspective pulled me back from giving up and reminded me why yachting was still worth the fight.
Theo has been generous in every way, opening doors, extending invitations, and widening my network. More than that, he has always been available, answering calls, returning messages, and never too busy to make time.
In an industry built on spectacle and speed, it is rare to find someone who combines sharp instincts with loyalty and generosity. For me, Theo has been that inspiration. He has encouraged me to look forward, to consider the next chapter, and to believe that building my own business could be within reach. Watch this space.
Theodoros Fotiadis Managing Director-Head Designer at T. Fotiadis Design GmbH
Abi McGrath caught up with Theo at the ACREW Lounge in La Rascasse and shared Alistair’s perspective. He found it really touching to hear that he had positively impacted Captain Alistair and said “yachting is a relationship business. I’ve built my career on authentic relationships and collaborative working.”
Theo also shared his exciting news about PROJECT NEON, listed by Moravia and to be built in Astra Nord. Theo’s successful design business goes from strength to strength.
Project Neon
“A yacht as free as the sea itself”
A 78-metre superyacht celebrating freedom, fluidity, and open-air luxury on the open ocean.
