Your Crew
CAPTAIN NIKOLA KRSANAC & CHEF IGOR VRTIC
NIKOLA KRŠANAC: Captain
Nikola, a twin brother of Jure, is a father of 3 kids. He studied a Master degree on a Faculty for Tourism and Hospitality management in Opatija. Like his brothers, he started sailing when he was 8 and was a member of the national team in Optimist, Europe and 470 class.
Nikola is well-rounded, and with more than 20 years of experience in charter business, he will be an excellent guide for your Adriatic sailing adventure. Together with Jure and Josip, he has a great knowledge of Croatian coastline and islands and will bring you to the most special places. Nimble, resourceful and problem solving oriented, Nikola will bring even most challenging situations to a smooth end.
In his free time, Nikola likes to spend time with his kids and American wife, often going to hike on nearby mountain Učka or taking his grandfather's old 5 meter long motorboat and making a cruise and swimming on the beautiful Opatija`s riviera.
Nikola is fluent in English, German and Italian.
FUN FACTS
Which is your favourite island in Croatia and why?
It really depends on the situation (time of the year, weather etc..) but in ideal conditions I love Vis, especially the town of Komiža. In my eyes, the quieter locations are the best!
Which is the best bay? "One boat bay" on the south side of Vis (it used to be my secret bay a long time ago...)
What is your favourite food? Melanzane parmigiana is a great summer (vegetarian) dish. Another one we like to do on Cool Change is Lamb stew with root vegetables (njam!)
Which is your favourite restaurant to recommend to guests? Konoba Bako in Komiža (same crew and owner for the last 20 years, great terrace overlooking one of the most picturesque harbours in Croatia.
IGOR VRTIC: Chef/Host
With nearly four decades of elite culinary expertise and over 12 years of professional maritime experience, Chef and Co-Skipper Igor offers a rare, high-value skill set tailored for the world’s finest luxury yachts. He seamlessly bridges the gap between high-end galley operations and active deck leadership, making him an exceptional asset for demanding owners and high-profile charter guests.
Igor’s culinary foundation began in 1986 with a prestigious internship at the Grand Hotel Toplice in Slovenia, followed by formal culinary training in Maribor. His career quickly ascended into the pinnacle of European hospitality, where he spent decades working as a chef in elite five-star hotels and fine-dining establishments across Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Croatia. His notable tenure includes world-renowned properties such as the iconic Sacher Hotel in Vienna, Hotel zur Tenne in Kitzbühel, and luxury Alpine retreats like Burg Vital and Hotel zur Krone in Lech. This background equips him to deliver five-star, bespoke menus tailored to diverse international palates.
For the past 12 years, Igor has successfully translated his culinary precision to the sea, managing high-pressure galleys on a variety of luxury vessels. More than a chef, he is a seasoned and capable mariner. Holding two successful Atlantic crossings under his belt as a co-skipper, he brings vital navigation support, watch-keeping experience, and deck confidence to any crew.
A natural host and true professional, Igor adapts effortlessly to changing seasons. In the winter months, he utilizes his Alpine background to work as a private ski instructor. Fluent in Slovenian and highly proficient in German, he is a grounded, reliable professional with two grown children, currently in a stable relationship, and ready to deploy globally.
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