Srecko Ilić is a professional yacht chef with over 13 years of experience in high-end hospitality and charter environments. Trained as a Master Chef with a specialization in Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine, he has worked in fine dining restaurants, private villas, and on luxury yacht charters. On board Green Ray, Beyond the galley, Srećko is e-foil instructor, bringing guests unforgettable experiences on the water. This unique combination of skills makes every day on board a blend of flavor, adventure, and freedom.
We asked him a few questions about his life on board, balancing cooking and e-foil instruction, and what makes his role so special - here’s what he shared.
Chef Srecko Ilic
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY ON BOARD LOOK LIKE, CONSIDERING YOU ARE BOTH A CHEF AND AN E-FOIL INSTRUCTOR?
Interestingly, there is no typical day on board - each one is different, and that’s exactly what makes this job so special. Life as a chef and eFoil instructor is dynamic, sometimes demanding, but always inspiring. Days usually start early, with calm seas and a quiet yacht, the perfect time for meal preparation. The kitchen is always the first priority, where organization, cleanliness, and attention to detail are essential. Planning meals, sourcing ingredients, and adapting to guest preferences require precision and flexibility, balancing structure with the spontaneity guests seek while on vacation.
After morning preparations, attention shifts to eFoil activities. In coordination with the captain, locations are chosen based on weather and sea conditions, and a brief theory session ensures guests understand balance, control, and safety. The most exciting moments come during the eFoil rides, usually between 11 am and 1 pm, when guests “lift” above the water for the first time. Each person has their own pace, and witnessing these first flights, the mix of excitement and freedom - is what makes the experience unforgettable.
The day then returns to the kitchen for lunch, dinner, and evening preparations. While the work rhythm can be intense, the combination of creativity, responsibility, and breathtaking surroundings brings deep satisfaction.
Chef Srecko riding e-foil in front of motor sailer Green Ray
WHAT IS MORE CHALLENGING FOR YOU, PREPARING A PERFECT MEAL OR TEACHING SOMEONE TO RIDE AN E-FOIL FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Honestly, everything on board is a challenge, with something new happening every day in both the kitchen and at sea. The kitchen, however, is my territory - a place I know well and where I feel confident. I enjoy every detail, from preparation to presentation. Cooking on board has its unique aspects, but it’s in that simplicity that the best dishes are created: fresh, light, and full of flavor, that’s my idea of a perfect meal.
Fliteboarding, on the other hand, is a completely different experience. It’s more than just an activity, it changes the way you see the sea. For those willing to try, it becomes a moment of pure freedom, silence, and connection with the water.
Teaching someone isn’t always easy at first, as everyone has their own pace. But with the right guidance, a few tips, and some practice, it’s possible. I’ve seen people achieve their first stable rides in just 15 minutes, and those moments are unforgettable.
In a way, cooking and Fliteboarding share something in common. One brings satisfaction through taste, the other through movement and freedom. One is calm and precise, the other thrilling and different. Yet both, in their own way, create the same feeling.
Chef Srecko riding e-foil
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE WORLD OF E-FOILING?
Interestingly, it all began simply because I couldn’t try it. On previous yachts, I often saw eFoil boards and they seemed almost unreal - people “flying” above the water, silently, without waves. I observed, read, and tried to understand how it worked, but never had the chance to experience it myself. That curiosity only grew. The more I couldn’t try it, the more I wanted to feel it. The first real moment came when I finally saw a board up close, everything I had imagined suddenly made sense. I knew I had to try it.
Opportunities were limited, so I took the next step, I bought my own board. The beginning was tough, full of trial and error, falls, and small victories. Then, as often happens with good things, the energy spread. People around me noticed, asked, and wanted to try. Slowly, it grew.
That led to Adriatic Glide - a place where anyone can come, try, learn, and experience the unique feeling of riding above the sea. The idea was simple: to give others what I hadn’t had - the opportunity.
On board, this became a natural extension of my work. The kitchen remains my foundation, but eFoil added a new dimension. Combining gastronomy with a different way to experience the sea felt like a natural step and it was the right one. Today, it’s more than a job; it’s a way of life, blending flavor and freedom, and constantly reminding me why I started this path in the first place.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON FEAR GUESTS HAVE WHEN TRYING E-FOIL FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND HOW DO THEY OVERCOME IT?
The first encounter with eFoil often brings a mix of excitement and fear, which is completely normal. People wonder about speed, depth, falling, and control, the idea of “floating” above the water at 20 km/h can be intimidating.
My role goes beyond instruction; it’s also about psychological preparation. Encouragement, humor, and a relaxed atmosphere help ease tension. We start with the basics - riding technique and, importantly, how to fall safely. Knowing how to fall removes much of the fear.
Every guest is different, so the approach is always individual. The most rewarding moment is when fear turns into confidence, when someone realizes they have control and lifts above the water for the first time. What seemed intimidating becomes natural. With preparation, clear guidance, and a bit of courage, every fear can be overcome, and the feeling afterwards is unforgettable.
Guest riding e-foil in front of motor sailer Green Ray
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE FEELING OF RIDING AN E-FOIL FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER TRIED IT?
Describing the feeling of riding an eFoil is difficult; it truly has to be experienced. Above all, it is freedom: freedom of movement, of direction, speed, and rhythm. There’s no engine noise, no vibrations, just silence and the sea beneath you. One moment you’re on the surface, the next you’re floating above it.
It’s also about exploration - of the surroundings and of your own limits. Every ride is different: calm bays, open sea, flat water, or small waves that require focus. Each time, you learn something new - about the board, the sea, and yourself.
You hear the sea, feel the wind, and focus on the movement. It’s a rare mix of calm and adrenaline. Over time, movements become natural, more precise, and the experience even deeper. You learn to “read” the sea and get the most out of each ride.
You simply have to step on the board and feel it.
Chef Srecko riding e-foil with guests
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO SWITCH FROM THE ROLE OF CHEF TO THE ROLE OF INSTRUCTOR?
At first, it may seem like a big shift - from the structured kitchen to the unpredictable sea. In reality, the transition is quite natural. Often, it’s as simple as changing clothes, putting on a wetsuit, and jumping in. After a few days on board, guests start to understand the rhythm, get used to the workflow, and connect with the crew. With more active groups, everything falls into place naturally.
Of course, it depends on the guests. Some come for complete relaxation and require more adjustment. Balancing their pace with kitchen duties can be challenging, but that’s where persistence and dedication matter most. When guests show interest and effort, I give my best.
The goal isn’t just for someone to try eFoiling, but to reach their full potential in the experience. At the end of the day, it’s all about ensuring guests leave the yacht having truly felt something special - whether through food, the sea, or the combination of both.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH TO PREPARE ON BOARD?
Choosing just one favorite dish is difficult, but if I had to pick, it would be fish; the fresher, the better. At sea, the quality of the ingredient shines without the need for complexity. Currently, one of my favorites is tuna ceviche with watermelon - light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Classics like gregada or grilled fish are always present too - simple, honest, and always satisfying.
Most of the menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, which naturally fits the environment, but we also adapt to guest preferences. Everything on board is tailored, from ingredients to available resources, all while keeping the food fresh, tasty, and prepared with care. That’s what makes every meal on board work so well.
Guests enjoying al fresco dinner aboard Green Ray
IS THERE A MOMENT IN THE DAY WHEN THOSE TWO WORLDS PERFECTLY COME TOGETHER?
Absolutely, those are the best moments on board, when the kitchen and the sea come together. It’s not just lunch or a ride - it’s a full experience, giving the day its own story.
Even better is when guests want to explore beyond the eFoil, diving into the sea beneath the surface. That’s when everything aligns perfectly: riding, diving, and food. One of my favorite moments is finding something fresh, like shellfish or sea urchins, and turning it into a simple yet exceptional meal.
That’s the sea in its full meaning, a way of life where you’re not just on the water, but truly with it. Every moment matters, whether cooking, riding, or just pausing to enjoy the surroundings, because the sea always has something special to offer.
Sunset aboard Motor Sailer Green Ray
EAT, SAIL & ENJOY
Every day on board with Srećko is a unique blend of flavor and adventure, where gastronomy meets the thrill of the sea. Whether it’s savoring a fresh Mediterranean dish or experiencing the freedom of eFoiling, every moment is tailored to create unforgettable memories.
For culinary and water experiences on board, contact Otium Yachts and discover how your next charter can be perfectly crafted to your desires.