Kostas Kosifis – Shipbuilder
Kostas Kosifis Shipbuilder
Mr. Kostas Kosifis, the last traditional shipwright of Skopelos, showcases his mastery in wooden boat building, preserving the island's maritime heritage and centuries-old shipyard traditions.
Skopelos keeps its shipbuilding heritage alive thanks to Mr. Kostas Kosifis, the last traditional shipwright of the island. In 2018, the Center for Skopelos Studies organized an event titled “Shipbuilding Art and Shipwrights in Skopelos,” showcasing a craft that once flourished in the island’s shipyards and today survives solely through Mr. Kosifis’s dedication.
In 2013, Mr. Kostas Kosifis built the wooden sailing boat Riginos I. Kathiniotis, a rare example of traditional shipbuilding. Remarkably, this was the first wooden boat constructed on Skopelos in over four decades. From selecting and preparing the pine wood to reconstructing the engine, every detail of the boat reflects the craftsmanship and knowledge inherited from his family, preserving the island’s centuries-old maritime traditions and reviving a nearly lost art.
The history of Skopelos’ shipyards spans areas such as Chora, Glysteri, Panormos, Agnontas, and Glossa. These shipyards once produced caiques, trechandiria, maounes, and other wooden vessels that sailed across the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Generations of Skopelos shipwrights developed exceptional skills, passing their expertise from father to son. Today, however, Mr. Kosifis remains the last living link to this centuries-old tradition, preserving a craft that defines the island’s cultural identity.
Shipbuilding on Skopelos required meticulous organization, coordination of skilled craftsmen, and careful materials handling. The introduction of modern materials such as metal and plastic, along with economic shifts, led to the decline of traditional shipyards. Despite these challenges, Mr. Kostas Kosifis continues to maintain the art of wooden shipbuilding, safeguarding the techniques, stories, and heritage of Skopelos for future generations.
His work is more than craftsmanship—it is a living testimony to the island’s maritime history, ensuring that the legacy of Skopelos shipwrights will not be forgotten.
