Professional Background:
Captain Vinko has over a decade of experience in the gulet and yachting industry, beginning his maritime journey in 2007. After serving as captain on numerous motor yachts and gulets across Croatia, he took the helm of Nostra Vita in 2018, transforming her into a family-run business where he serves as co-owner and captain. A graduate of the Maritime School in Split, Vinko holds all Croatian licenses for navigating vessels up to 500 GT. His previous experience includes service in the Croatian Army as a coast guard, further enriching his extensive seafaring knowledge. Vinko’s deep connection to the sea, coupled with his great knowledge of the Croatian coastline, ensures his guests experience the finest dining spots, secluded bays, and pristine beaches, all while enjoying an unparalleled level of hospitality and service. Vinko's affable personality, sense of humor, and dedication to guest satisfaction create a warm and lively atmosphere aboard Nostra Vita, making each journey memorable and enjoyable for all. His language skills, coupled with his deep maritime expertise, make him an engaging and knowledgeable captain who provides exceptional service on every voyage.

Personal Interests:
Outside his life at sea, Vinko has a passion for cooking, woodworking, and fishing. He also manages a family olive grove during the off-season, where he cultivates and cares for 160 olive trees. His time spent living in Italy fostered both his love for Italian cuisine and his skill in preparing Mediterranean inspired dishes, which he loves to share with his guests onboard.

Languages Spoken:
Croatian (native), Italian, English

Professional Background:
Chef Željko Škarpa, fondly known as Jacky, has been a dedicated yacht chef for over a decade, working alongside Captain Vinko to create a seamless and memorable guest experience. Having completed formal training as a chef, Jacky specializes in local Croatian cuisine, offering guests an authentic taste of the region’s rich culinary traditions. His partnership with Vinko on both gulets and motor yachts throughout Croatia has allowed them to form a dynamic duo, renowned for their impeccable service. In addition to his culinary expertise, Jacky also holds a skipper's license, showcasing his versatility and deep connection to the maritime world.

Personal Interests:
Beyond being a yacht chef, Jacky is passionate about making traditional Croatian cured meats like prosciutto and pancetta, reflecting his commitment to local gastronomy. His dedication is evident in his dishes, which blend Croatian flavors with his own flair. Jacky's culinary philosophy emphasizes simplicity and authenticity, showcasing Croatia's vibrant food culture.

Languages Spoken:
Croatian (native), English

SIGNATURE DISH
Jacky's Šoltanski brudet with pasta, from the island of Šolta, is a standout dish. This traditional fish stew features freshly caught fish in a rich, aromatic sauce, with pasta cooked right in to absorb the flavors. Jacky's skillful touch turns this rustic dish into a refined experience, reflecting Dalmatia’s maritime heritage.

Professional Background:
Zoran Čapalija, better known as Chapo, serves as Captain Vinko's trusted Co-Captain and is the yacht's charismatic public relations leader. With over 20 years of experience captaining various gulets along the Croatian coast, Chapo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. A native of the city of Šibenik, he splits his time between his hometown and Pučišća on the island of Brač during the winter months. He is a graduate of the Maritime School in Šibenik and holds all Croatian licenses required for navigating ships up to 500 GT. Chapo’s extensive background includes not only tourist and passenger yachts but also cargo ships, giving him a broad understanding of maritime operations. His engaging and communicative personality makes him an essential part of the guest experience onboard, ensuring that every voyage is both smooth and enjoyable. His friendly, approachable nature and ability to communicate effortlessly enhance the overall experience, making every guest feel welcomed and cared for.

Personal Interests:
Outside of his professional life at sea, Chapo is an avid diver and enjoys underwater fishing, further strengthening his connection to the sea. His passion for the water extends to cooking, where he incorporates the fresh catches from his dives into his own culinary creations. Chapo’s enthusiasm for the sea and Croatian culture shines through in everything he does, from his maritime skills to his personal hobbies.

Languages Spoken:
Croatian (native), English

Professional Background:
With over 20 years of experience in yachting, Tania is a dedicated and detail oriented hostess who has worked on numerous gulets and motor yachts in Croatia. Her background in healthcare, having graduated from medical school as a nurse and later completing studies in pharmacy, adds a unique layer of care to her role. Before transitioning to yachting, she worked in hospitals, bringing a compassionate and attentive mindset to her hospitality work. Her professionalism and thoroughness make her an invaluable member of the crew, ensuring guests enjoy a spotless and comfortable stay. Tanja is multilingual and speaks Russian, Ukrainian, English, and Croatian. Her ability to communicate in multiple languages ensures that guests from various backgrounds feel welcome and well cared for, further enhancing high level of service provided aboard. As Co-Captain Chapo’s life partner, Tania brings both warmth and professionalism to the team, creating a harmonious and enjoyable environment on board.

Personal Interests:
Tania is an adventurous spirit with a passion for nature and outdoor activities. She is an avid squid fisher, often engaging in this unique and challenging form of fishing with great success. Her love of exploration extends beyond the sea as a dedicated practitioner of tai chi and trekking, having traveled to the Himalayas seven times and explored the Amazon in Brazil.

Languages Spoken:
Russian, Ukrainian, English, Croatian.