Meet the Captain, Filip Jakir from Gulet Tajna Mora
What is your family history at sea?
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 – so you can say we have a long family history at sea. 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.
When did your story at sea begin?
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.
There are many seafarers these days but unfortunately, not everyone in this industry enjoys their profession. I had luck that my family instilled in me a love of sailing and the sea, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
How long have you and your crew been with Tajna Mora?
My family bought Tajna Mora in 2014; I have been the captain ever since. Our waiter Ivan joined in 2016, while our current chef (also) Ivan joined in 2017, stewardess Ana joined us in 2020 – though we feel like she’s been with us for longer. My youngest brother Luka has been with me since the beginning; one day I hope it will be him answering these questions.
Have you sailed other destinations besides Croatia and the Adriatic?
I sailed aboard Oosterschelde in the eastern Atlantic because I wanted to sail on a classic ship. Oosterschelde is a 50 m three-masted topsail schooner built in 1918; sailing aboard her was a definite highlight and another experience that cemented my love for the sea and sailing. I’ve also sailed in the Caribbean. I was honored when previous guests from Tajna Mora chartered a yacht in the Caribbean and asked me to be the skipper.
What are some of your standout memories as the Captain aboard Tajna Mora?
This question is hard to answer because there are so many aspects of this job that I love. It could be something as simple as the look of amazement on guests’ faces when you manage to surprise them – with food, sailing or scenery. Many guests arrive knowing very little about Croatia and it is a true joy to show them the beauty, history and even gastronomy of my home country.
Whenever possible (and if guests are ok with it), I love to sail at night. Picture this – it’s 10 pm with calm waters and no moon. All the guests are hanging around the stern, I call them up to the sundeck and simply point them to the night sky. The look on their faces when they see millions of stars is priceless. Then, my excitement takes over and I start talking about all of the constellations and ruin the moment, ha! But really, it is small moments like these which fuel the fire of my passion and make a memorable sailing holiday. Many of our guests step aboard Tajna Mora as clients and leave as friends – to me, this says it all.
What makes you and Tajna Mora different, why should people sail with you?
Pick any yacht and I am sure you will have a nice holiday but in my opinion, it matters only if you have an extraordinary holiday – this is what we aim to give our guests. Each member of my crew has unique skills and strengths, we all have a philosophy of going above and beyond and we work well together – guests feel this immediately. So, if I had to pick, I would say our passionate crew is what stands out above the rest.
Do you have return guests coming back to Tajna Mora?
I am very happy to answer this question with a strong – yes. We have many return guests, some of them return every year, others return every 2 – 3 years, one group even came twice in one year! For any yacht or crew, I think there is no greater compliment or reward than return guests.
Choose to sail with Filip and Tajna Mora
Year after year, we have watched Filip and his team from Tajna Mora deliver excellent service and create memorable holidays for their guests. We have a strong trust and faith in Filip and his team which is why we are always happy to recommend Tajna Mora to our clients. Tajna Mora is an elegant, perfectly maintained gulet, and suits larger groups (up to 18 guests). Read more information about Tajna Mora here or contact us for questions and inquiries.