Over the last several years, Aleksejs Halavins has developed a unique tradition: hosting signature yacht trips that bring together close friends, many of whom happen to be well-known actors, musicians, and creatives.
These week-long journeys are not commercial charters or tourist packages, but personal and thoughtfully organised experiences that reflect both Halavins’ background in the maritime world and his strong connection to creative communities.
The idea came about quite spontaneously. Halavins and a friend were sailing together, reflecting on how restorative life at sea could be. Sailing under the stars, disconnected from everyday noise, they realised they could create something meaningful—not as a business, but as a social and personal project. They planned a route, invited a few like-minded friends and set out. The result was far more rewarding than they expected. Guests came away from that first trip feeling recharged, saying it was one of the most memorable weeks of their lives. That simple beginning became the foundation for a series of trips now held three to four times a year, usually during the summer, with occasional winter voyages in Thailand or Bali.
The Nature of the Signature Trips
These journeys stand apart from standard group tours. Halavins calls them signature trips because they are carefully crafted—from the route to the guest list—and always include his personal involvement. The boats are selected based on strict safety and comfort standards. The routes are also custom-made, often sailing along the coastlines of Turkey, Greece, Italy or Croatia, with stops in bays, villages and lesser-known spots that are often ignored by commercial cruises.
A defining feature of these trips is the participation of creative individuals—actors, directors, musicians and writers—not as performers, but as guests. Halavins emphasises that this isn’t about celebrity or entertainment. These are close friends who join the journey not for publicity, but for genuine connection. They share stories, watch films together (sometimes even unreleased ones), play music and simply enjoy being part of a small, relaxed group.
Every evening features impromptu movie screenings, which sail projectors display on the vessel, and performers stage unplanned music shows and poetry readings. The relaxed environment welcomes participants, who frequently refer to these journeys as an “adult summer camp” to reflect the strong bonds and sense of freedom they experience.
Guests and Memorable Moments
Over the years, many well-known names from the theatre and film industries world have joined these voyages. A long list of famous stars have all participated. The focus is not on their fame, however, but on the unique perspective and energy they bring to the group.
Each trip introduces new people and often leads to lasting friendships. As Halavins says, the sea naturally brings people closer together. Sharing a space on a boat for a week, cooking meals and watching movies under the stars—it creates a rhythm of openness and reflection that’s hard to replicate on land.
One of the most memorable planned events is the “Film Festival under Sail”, a concept trip where participants sail along the Aegean coast, stop in scenic harbours, and discuss films with the artists who made them. The idea is simple but effective: slow travel, shared moments and meaningful conversation.
From Professional Navigation to Personal Journeys
These signature trips are only one part of the broader biography of Aleksejs Halavins. Professionally, Halavins comes from a maritime background. Born in Riga, Latvia, he studied at the Latvian Maritime Academy and later built a career in fleet management and vessel operations. His work has taken him from Latvia to Cyprus, the UAE, and beyond, always involving responsibilities such as ship inspections, logistics oversight, and maintaining safety standards.
Halavins keeps discipline and creativity in balance throughout his professional career. He thinks the ocean has influenced all aspects of his life, including his career path and leisure activities. Yachting serves as both his pastime and his means to express himself freely. His personal and business trips have proven to him that expanding your perspective is fundamental.
His experiences on and off duty in different geographic regions teach him valuable lessons about humanity and geography. He views every trip as an opportunity to gain knowledge and pass it on to others.
Looking Ahead
In the coming year, Akesejs Halavins plans to continue hosting new signature trips. The upcoming season adds coastlines to its routes near Bodrum, Marmaris and Göcek, where tourists can witness both natural and heritage attractions. The special character of these places, with distinctive waters, historical sites and authentic local lifestyles, matches Halavins’ purpose to build deliberate and calm tourist experiences.
While these trips remain small and relatively private, they’ve grown in popularity through word of mouth. Many guests return, and new participants are often friends-of-friends who share similar values: curiosity, openness, and a love for the sea.
In many ways, these journeys reflect Alex Halavins’ own life—structured in planning but open in spirit. They blend professional skill with personal connection, much like Halavins himself. Through these trips, he continues to offer not just a holiday, but an experience that invites people to pause, connect and appreciate life from a different point of view.