In 2021, Ioannis Togias became the first owner of a Nordkapp in Greece. The journey to finding his ideal boat began after parting with their beloved vintage 1972 Riva-Bertram 20 Bahia Mar.

How did you first discover Nordkapp, Ioannis?

"I came across Nordkapp through Nordic Marina, my local dealership near Athens," Ioannis explains. "I have long admired Norwegian shipbuilding, so it seemed only natural for me to look at a Norwegian brand that demonstrates qualities I have come to appreciate: quality, sturdiness, lean and innovative design, and, of course, smart and practical solutions."

What made you choose the Noblesse 660?

"The Noblesse 660 first caught my eye with its well-protected cockpit, which I saw as perfect for our young children—one being an infant at the time," he recalls. "Its attractive design, practical layout, and features typically found on much larger boats were also appealing.

"While initially searching for a day boat, the added flexibility of the well-equipped cabin and generous storage space made the Noblesse 660 stand out compared to other, more common options in our area.

"I thoroughly researched the boat, gathering all available articles from Nordic boating magazines, reading comparative tests with other brands, and watching Mr Thorup's interview about the Noblesse 660. The boat's award at the Düsseldorf Boat Show also influenced my decision."

How does the boat's Scandinavian design blend with life in the Mediterranean?

"The Noblesse 660 masterfully combines functionality with elegance without compromising its design," Ioannis says. "While its innovative exterior stands apart from the traditional Mediterranean boat styles, it still blends harmoniously with the region's aesthetics, offering a fresh, eye-catching presence.

"Whenever we visit a marina or anchor in a bay, at least one fellow boater comes over to admire the boat, compliment its design, or ask for more details. The Noblesse 660's distinctive look, uncommon in this area, consistently attracts attention.

"Moreover, whenever I mention owning a Noblesse 660 to my Norwegian business associates, it's met with nods of approval or praise for the brand's quality and reputation."

Can you describe the driving experience?

"I was spoiled by the driving experience of our last boat, but the Noblesse 660 hasn't let me down!

"My driving experience with the boat has been excellent. It handles perfectly, even in choppy conditions. The ride is always controlled and safe, and by adjusting the angle of attack in head seas, slamming can be minimised, making for an enjoyable trip. The low centre of gravity and sleek profile add to the sense of security, providing a stable ride and reducing motion while at anchor.

"Given our relaxed boating style and two young children, we've never pushed the boat hard regarding speed or weather. We typically cruise at a leisurely 25 knots, even though it's capable of much higher speeds. Its ability to stay on plane at lower speeds is particularly valuable when slowing down in adverse conditions, ensuring a smoother, more comfortable ride.

"Manoeuvring and docking solo has been straightforward, even without a bow thruster or stern anchor windlass. Despite the occasional challenge of high winds, rough concrete docks, or anchor fouling, the boat performs admirably. The low hull profile reduces wind resistance, and the 360-degree access in the cockpit makes it easy to set up fenders, mooring lines, and anchors. While extra hands are always welcome, the boat can be safely operated solo, even by a moderately experienced boater.

"Finally, the boat's fuel economy is staggering—at cruising speeds of 20 to 25 knots, it's almost below 1 litre per nautical mile!"

What features of the boat excite you the most?

"I'm always eager to highlight the luxury and versatility of the boat's social area—the cockpit. It quickly transforms from a cosy lounge to a dining space or even a sleeping area for later in the evening. Hosting lunch for six people around the table is a real luxury for a 6.5-metre boat!

"I also love to point out that the fully enclosed cockpit, combined with the cabin, WC, and freshwater system, provides enough comfort for a family of four to enjoy an overnight stay.

"Lastly, I can't overlook the smooth ride, even in windy and choppy conditions. The wrap-around windscreen and low cockpit design ensure a very dry and comfortable experience, which we greatly value."

What's it like boating in Greece?

"The crystal-clear waters and warm weather are ideal for boating from April to October, and even in winter, day trips are possible. Greece offers varied and exceptional scenery, from sandy shores to wooded coastlines.

"However, boating here does have its challenges. The sun is the enabler of our extended boating season, but the heat can be immense in summer. Other challenges include the Aegean's steep waves, powerful winds—especially in August—and the limited number of purpose-built marinas. This forces boaters to consider alternative docking solutions, like dry berths, which adds stress when planning a trip. Uncertainty around berth availability until arrival at the destination, combined with the need to execute berthing or bow-to-anchoring manoeuvres in small harbours with rough concrete dock walls—often lacking fixed fendering or pre-installed moorings—can be daunting, especially in stiff winds.

How does the Noblesse 660 help you overcome those challenges?

"The Noblesse 660's canopy provides excellent protection against sunlight and heat—so much so that we keep it up on 95% of our trips. We've customised an additional canopy section, extending the solid fabric to the windscreen for extra shade.

"Nordkapp has also taken another step in ensuring comfort for boaters in these regions by introducing the new Dune interior, which is better suited for the climate.

"When it comes to windy or choppy conditions, the boat delivers a smooth, dry ride. Despite not opting for a bow thruster, the Noblesse 660's manoeuvrability is impressive, making docking in tough conditions manageable. The boat's easy access around the deck simplifies mooring and anchoring, even without the aft anchor windlass, which we chose to forgo to install a backup motor on the port bathing platform."