Join us as Filip Jakir, owner of Yacht Maia, shares how he transformed a love for maritime tradition into a one-of-a-kind Adriatic sailing experience. Yacht Maia blends classic style with eco-friendly design, inviting travelers to explore Croatia’s coastline and beyond, at their own pace. With a warm, welcoming vibe and tailored charters, Filip makes every journey unforgettable. Discover how Yacht Maia is redefining Adriatic travel—combining sustainability, elegance, and a true love for the sea.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to get into yachting?
I've always been drawn to the sea, growing up in a family with a deep maritime tradition. One of my relatives spent his life researching our family history and wrote a book about it, he found ties between our family and the sea reaching back eight generations. However, in my immediate family, my grandfather Filip was the first captain and shipowner. Without my grandfather’s persistence and sacrifice, I wouldn’t be answering these questions today.
I have been at sea since I was three. I was a hyperactive child, so when my sister was born, my mother would send me to sea with my father. These were only small voyages, but they were my ‘first steps’ at sea and where it all began. I wasn’t pushed into this profession, the joy I felt at sea and still feel at the helm is real. My love for boats and sailing was instilled in me from a young age. It was a natural progression to turn this passion into a career.
What was your vision when you decided to build this new yacht?
My goal was to create something unique, a yacht that reflected my love for classic design and the sea. Maia is more than just a vessel; it's a homage to the golden age of yachting.
I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and enjoy the process of construction. My initial vision was to build an old-school sailing yacht, but that would have been a huge financial commitment. After considering various options, such as purchasing a gulet in Turkey, I ultimately decided to sketch the yacht myself, and that's how Maia was born. When I shared the design with Ivana from Otium Yachts, she confirmed that I was on the right track, and I began the journey to bring Maia to life.
What makes your yacht unique compared to others? Could you share some standout features and amenities guests can expect aboard?
Maia is a yacht with a classic design, inspired by the golden age of yachting. It's not built to stand out for its luxury, but for its refined, understated elegance that appeals to a specific type of guest. Beyond its appearance, there’s a technical advantage focused on cost efficiency and sustainability – the hull is designed to minimize resistance, which significantly reduces fuel consumption. For example, at a cruising speed of 11 knots, Maia consumes only 70 liters of fuel across both engines, which reduces APA to 25%.
You’ve been a part of our fleet for a long time. How has your experience been working with our agency?
Our partnership with Otium Yachts has been fantastic. Ivana (Charter Director) has been involved from the very start of the project, advising me throughout the planning and construction stages, and her input has been incredibly important to me. She and her team are always there to offer constructive feedback and assist in making crucial decisions. Their expertise and dedication to providing exceptional service have been invaluable.
How do you ensure that your crew provides the highest level of service to guests?
I believe in leading by example and creating a positive and supportive work environment for my crew. I don’t expect the crew to give 100% every day, but I do ask for consistency. I understand that no one can operate at full capacity all the time, but it’s important to maintain steady service quality, especially as the season progresses. The key principles we follow are structure, responsibility, and camaraderie.
Can you share a memorable experience or guest feedback that highlights your dedication to this business?
One of the most rewarding experiences has been hearing guests say that they feel like they're part of the family. It's a testament to the personalized service and warm atmosphere we strive to create. We are always thrilled to receive positive feedback from our guests. Our guestbook aboard Tajna Mora is filled with touching comments that reflect how much we value every detail of providing excellent service.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the tourism industry. How does your new yacht address environmental challenges?
As I mentioned earlier, our hull and engines are designed to reduce fuel consumption, and we use specific propellers for better efficiency. We are also aiming to use as many sustainable materials as possible during construction. Additionally, we are committed to minimizing waste, which is a crucial part of our environmental approach.
Personalized vacations are a key part of our service. How do you personally ensure that each charter meets the individual needs of your clients?
First and foremost, it’s essential to carefully review guests’ preference lists and honor their wishes. At the start of every charter, I sit down with the guests to discuss their itinerary and preferences, and throughout the journey, I adjust plans based on their interests. The key is adaptability – sometimes guests aren’t sure what they want, but it’s important to sense their desires and tailor the experience accordingly.
What do you love most about sailing along the Croatian coast, and what hidden gems would you recommend to your guests?
The Croatian coast is a hidden gem, with its crystal-clear waters, stunning islands, and charming coastal towns. I enjoy sailing to remote and lesser-known spots, where the true beauty of the Adriatic can be felt. However, I like to keep these hidden gems a surprise for guests when they step aboard.
How do you maintain your passion for sailing and hospitality after so many years in the industry?
My passion comes from embracing new challenges and the satisfaction of delivering a great charter experience. I started as captain of our family boat, Tajna Mora, where I honed my skills and fell in love with the yachting industry. After several years, I moved on to captain Scorpios, which allowed me to gain valuable experience working on a luxury vessel while my yacht, Maia, was still in development. Each of these steps has fueled my passion, and now, as I build Maia, I’m excited to offer something truly unique to our guests. The moment I stop enjoying what I do, I’ll step away from this work because doing this without passion holds no meaning for me.
The name of a yacht often holds special meaning. Can you tell us the story behind the name "Maia"?
My sister Maja and I have been like cats and dogs our whole lives, so maybe I owed her this one—naming a boat after her feels like the least I could do! But joke aside, she has always been a great source of inspiration and support. Beyond the sibling dynamics, though, "Maia" has rich meanings in different cultures. In Latin, it translates to "she who is great," and in Greek mythology, Maia is the mother of Hermes, symbolizing nurturing and strength. These layers of meaning perfectly embody the spirit of the yacht – elegant, strong, and crafted with care.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during the construction of this new yacht, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenges were planning and visualizing every detail of the yacht. Every system on the boat had to be carefully designed and implemented, as there was no room for error. So one of the biggest challenges was ensuring that all the systems and components worked together seamlessly. Countless hours spent drawing in AutoCAD and constantly refining the plans helped me overcome these challenges.
What opportunities do you see in the current market that excite you most about the launch of this new yacht?
Croatia is slowly establishing itself on a yacht charter destinations map, and this presents a huge opportunity. With the growing demand for luxury yet sustainable travel, I believe this is the perfect time to launch Maia, which combines classic design with an eco-friendly approach. Guests are seeking personalized experiences, and Croatia offers spectacular destinations that can meet those specific desires. That being said your destination of choice doesn’t have to be Croatia because Maia is also equipped with the international navigating license. What excites us most is the opportunity to attract guests who are looking for something a bit different, and Maia is designed precisely for that.
Lastly, what message would you like to send to potential guests considering booking a charter on your new yacht?
I would say, if you're looking for a yachting experience that goes beyond just luxury, Maia could be exactly what you're after. What matters to us is creating an atmosphere where you feel at home and well cared for, from the moment you step aboard. Whether it's the personalized itineraries or the small details we tailor just for you, we aim to offer something truly unique and memorable.
We’d love to welcome you aboard and help you discover the beauty of the Croatian coast—or wherever your journey takes you. It’s not just about the destination but the experience of being at sea, and I’m confident you’ll feel that same joy I’ve always felt. I’m personally involved in every charter, so I’m here to ensure your trip is everything you imagined and more.