Akira Yacht Charter

Captain: Andrej Gricar

Andrej Gricar - Captain
Andrej gained more than 15 years experience as Captain on board both motor and sailing yachts. He has a deep knowledge of yacht management, from the most technical aspects, such as engineering and yacht maintenance, as well as for delivering high quality guest service. Captain Andrei has excellent communication skills, he knows how to properly run the yacht and motivate the whole crew team.
Among the most relevant certifications, Andrej holds a Yacht Master 500 GT License commercially endorsed, GMDSS (ROC), STCW 95 (10 UPDATE), ENG 1, ARPAR radar, ECDIS, D48-Marine Environmental Awareness, PADI Advance. He speaks English fluently.

Ante Bukulin - Chief Engineer
With a robust background in the yachting industry, Ante Bukulin, Akira’s chief engineer, brings a wealth of expertise to the table, having served extensively on both charter and private yachts. Ante’s experience spans across a broad spectrum of seafaring responsibilities, including crewed navigation, seamless transfers, and meticulous ship maintenance. His tenure in the field is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a deep-seated understanding of the nuances of marine operations. Ante is a seasoned professional, dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of service and performance in every aspect of his role. Croatian native speaker, good knowledge of English.

Josipa Dodic - Stewardess
Josipa Dodic has collected almost 10 years experience as stewardess onboard both private and charter motor and sailing yachts. She provides excellent guest experience through attentive service, maintaining the yacht interior, assisting the crew and listening the the guests wishes in order to make their yacht holiday memorable. Lover of travel, sea and sailing, Josipa has excellent communication skills and knows how to pamper and assist the guests at its best.

Ben Bailey - Chef
He was born in central England before moving to the coastal town of lytham St Annes at the age of 10. After completing high school he was first introduced to cooking as a weekend job and never looked back.
His cuisine is inspired by the area. Lots of fresh seafood and shellfish in a gastro british style. The availability of excellent quality grass fed beef and lamb also features heavily. The dense population of Italian and Mediterranean nationals in the area has had a profound influence over the years on his cooking. The art of simplicity using fresh heirloom ingredients is at play with his plates.
What he loves most about the job is the joy of providing enjoyable meals in an intimate setting. The laughter of a family enjoying good wine and fish, the smile on a child's face tucking into a chocolate pudding. Food is food, but a memorable meal with friends and family is something special.
Fully qualified and with almost 20 years experience in high level restaurants make him well placed to deliver. He’s been Chef de Partie under head chef Chris McGowan (winner of the BBC Great British Menu and previous Head Chef of the Mayfair Hotel in London) and Sous Chef under Tom Greenwood (previously Chef at Gordon Ramsey’s *** Michelin in London).