The team of CroSkipper is composed of nautical professionals who are passionate about boats, with excellent knowledge of the yachting environment. Their efficient organization will guarantee your perfect sailing holiday.
About Igor
FUN FACTS
Born and raised in Zagreb, capital of Croatia. My favorite sport (other than sailing, of course) is skiing. I never miss an opportunity to ski. My list of hobbies also includes painting. When I paint I’m relaxed, focused and calm. It’s very stress-reducing, time just passes and I love that feeling. I can compare it to that magical state of freedom that happens when sailing.
BUSINESS CAREER
My business career started right after I graduated from University. I was working as a sales representative for promotional products in one of the best creative agencies in Croatia and gained experience to work as a buyer in the purchasing department of Nestle Adriatic. The position of operational manager in a hospitality company came next. After years of amateur sailing and boating in private arrangements I transferred my career to sailing industry.
MY SAILING BACKGROUND
I started sailing with my parents when I was a child. My first formal sailing education was at the age of twelve when I finished optimist class sailing school. In 2005 I got my first boat skipper license, B category. In the following years I finished ‘Professional skipper preparation course’ and ‘Advanced maneuvering course’.
TURNING POINT IN MY CAREER
2018 was the year when I decided to work only as a skipper/boat captain. I got my C category boat skipper license and started doing boat transfers over the Mediterranean and the Adriatic in spring. In the summer I worked with charters in Croatia. After the season ended I wanted to learn and practice more which resulted in Yacht Master Category license. The next step will be the British RYA Yacht Master.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Six months in Vancouver working as a manager assistant in Vancouver Marina was a valuable asset for understanding administrative and financial side of yachting industry. International experience gave me confidence to partner up with Vedrana and open our own travel agency.
CREDENTIALS
· Certificate of Competency as Yacht Master, Category A (yachts up to 100 GT)
· Safety Training Certificate – Standards of training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW VI/1)
· Master of Business Administration
· Languages: native Croatian, fluent English, basic Italian
About Vedrana
FUN FACTS
Born and raised in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb. I was always very active; I played volleyball, took piano lessons and read all the books available in my school. The school librarian still remembers me. Because I always loved learning a bit of everything, I studied journalism.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
My formal education in sailing started 2018 when I got my boat skipper certificate, B category. In the beginning of 2020 I completed a program of study and passed the professional exam for Branch managers (Head of tourist offices) and partnered up with Igor to open our Travel agency. This year, I also got licensed as a professional Tour Guide so I can familiarize people with the history, functions, and customs of Croatia.
DESIRE TO LEARN
I was always curious about the world and opened to new experiences. That resulted in traveling the Europe and working in different parts of Croatia; Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Vis and Istria. I moved to Canada for two years, first to Toronto and then to Vancouver. In that period I travelled the USA as well. My favorite mode of transportation is the train.
WORKING AND FUN FACTS
My CV includes working in hospitality, wedding organization and sales. I also worked in clothing industry as an assistant buyer and in cultural production. Many volunteering roles, from public kitchen, different movie festivals to small art projects helped me to gain experience in different fields and it build a sense of responsibility for my community. My biggest interest is the travel industry. I love my job as a member of the crew on yachts and in the office of our agency. Both of the jobs are very creative and combine all of my expertise and knowledge.
WORLD OF WINE
I love studying about wine, assisting in winemaking and exploring fascinating vineries around the world. I’m currently working on getting my Level 3 certificate with Wine & Spirits Education Trust of London. I worked as a sommelier in Croatia and Canada. I’m a wine consultant for several crewed boats, private yachts and companies.
MY LOVE FOR COOKING
From an early age I helped my grandparents in the family farm. They taught me how to plant vegetables, take care of animals and prepare food for winter. Time spent with them helped me understand all the benefits of organic food cooked at home and they were the best cooking teachers. Later on I participated in many professional and amateur cooking classes, in Croatia, Canada and while traveling.
CREDENTIALS:
· Certificate of Competency as Boat Skipper, Category B (yachts up to 30 GT)
· Safety Training Certificate – Standards of training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW VI/1)
· Certification Level 2 with Wine & Spirits Education Trust of London
· Languages: native Croatian, fluent English, conversational Spanish, basic German