Yacht Charter Croatia, Meet the Crew of the Sailing Superyacht Acapella. At Otium Yachts, we pride ourselves on working with some of the best in the industry. With more than a decade’s worth of experience, we learned that the crew is the heart and soul of a yacht charter experience. The crew is the one who transforms a good holiday into an exceptional sailing holiday. Hence, we are just as passionate about presenting the crew from the yachts in our fleet as we are the yachts themselves. This week, we introduce you to the crew of the luxury motor sailer ACAPELLA.
Niksa Gluncic, Captain
Niksa has been at sea for almost as long as he can walk, spending time with his father and grandfather on their various family boats. The Gluncic family has a 100- year history at sea and Niksa has never imagined doing anything else. In 2003, Niksa and his brother Tomislav bought Gulet Andeo and sailed with her in charter for 17 years; here, they built a reputation of excellence which moves with them to ACAPELLA. Niksa studied at the American College of Management and Technology and has his Yacht Master certificate. Niksa speaks fluent English and basic Italian. He has a genuine passion for meeting people, sailing, and exploring new destinations. He is extremely service-oriented; going ‘above and beyond isn’t something he needs to think about, it is part of who he is. This is why Niksa isn’t a captain who remains solely at the helm, he is very much a face for the guests and a big part of creating the atmosphere onboard. Niksa plans to stay with ACAPELLA for the foreseeable future and is excited to sail different seas.
Tomislav Gluncic, First Officer
Tomislav is the first officer and the other half of the dynamic duo that is the Gluncic brothers. Like his brother, Tomislav grew up on yachts, sailing with his father and grandfather from a young age. Tomislav finished Maritime High School, has completed his Yacht Master certificate, and has been at sea all of his life. Tomislav worked with his brother Niksa for 17 years aboard their Gulet Andeo, delivering excellent service and building a long list of loyal clientele. Tomislav is knowledgeable, passionate about sailing, customer service, and he has a positive nature which is felt by all those around him. His ambitions are to stay with ACAPELLA for many years to come and he hopes to sail to different destinations.
Domagoj Lazeta, Deckhand
After finishing school and gaining few years of experience working on motor yachts and cruise ships up to 100 ft, Domagoj decided to build his career in yachting industry onboard a large yacht. The sea is his passion as he spent all his life living at the seaside. Domagoj spent many years washing down, scrubbing decks and driving tenders, he has since refined his skills to a fine art. He is an excellent team worker, and his goal is to continue to progress in his career as a deckhand, describing himself as dedicated, disciplined, fast learning, and always looking for ways to improve. When not busy on board he is cycling, swimming, and running but he is also passionate about photography, traveling, and exploring.
Matko Jelovic, Deckhand
Matko is studying at the Faculty of Traffic Sciences in Zagreb. He is a diligent and capable student and has spent the past few years working in the hospitality industry. The past summer, by chance, Matko worked for 2 weeks on a gulet, and even though he was a "man of the land" at heart, he instantly fell in love with the sea and the work of a deckhand. Matko is communicative, reliable, and open to gaining new experiences and knowledge. He hopes to contribute to the Acapella crew with his hard work and a great desire to provide guests with remarkable service. In his free time, Matko enjoys going to the gym and doing sports, as well as farming.
Stibe Babic, Deckhand
Stipe was born in Switzerland, where he spent his childhood, and he continued his higher education in Croatia, gaining qualification in Construction and Surveying. Stipe worked for 6 years in his former profession before a new challenge and adventure called him – a career at sea. Stipe has always loved the sea, adventure, and travel – and working on a yacht provides all of this. Over the last 8 years, Stipe has built a respectable reputation in the yachting industry, and his long-term goal is to become a Captain one day. Stipe is hard-working, knowledgeable, and contributes to the positive atmosphere aboard with his team spirit and personality. With Stipe, the comfort and safety of the guests always come first.
Tihomir Abraham, Chef
Tihomir Abraham is a professionally trained culinary expert with 17 years experience. Tihomir has worked for private clients, aboard luxury yachts and has a strong background in fine dining restaurants. Tihomir enjoys working on yachts because he loves the intimacy and dynamic environment of adapting to guest preferences, and the freedom to work with the best produce and suppliers. Tihomir possesses a wide range of culinary skills and experience to satisfy any client. Tihomir’s greatest joy is surprising guests – “when they think they’ve seen it all, and then together with my team, we surprise them again – I love this moment.” Tihomir is described by colleagues as being calm, diligent and positive – “I like to create a positive working atmosphere wherever I am.” Tihomir’s creativity and passion are sure to wow guests, and he is looking forward to delighting guests aboard Acapella this season.
Ivana Krajina, Stewardess
Ivana was born in Bosnia-Herzegovina and then moved to Split. After high school, Ivana changed faculties twice before discovering her passion for Maritime studies and Yacht Management. Ivana worked in Kamenar restaurant in Primosten for two years, where she learned all about fine dining, wine, how to be with guests, and how to work hard. Recently, Ivana completed a 5-day stewardess training course, and when she heard about the opportunity to work on Acapella, she jumped at the chance. “I love this job, my joy is seeing the guests happy, and I love learning.” As well as being passionate about hospitality, Ivana loves languages. She speaks German and understands Italian and Spanish. Ivana is great with people, friendly yet professional and she is a hard worker. Ivana wants to continue to learn and grow within the yachting industry. Ivana is a wonderful addition to the Interior team of Acapella.
Karmen Rozic, Stewardess
Karmen has worked several seasons aboard various yachts and in resorts around the world. Karmen is organized, attentive – yet unobtrusive, as she understands the subtleties of what great service entails. Karmen always aims to make guests feel at home, with all of their needs taken care of. Karmen loves meeting new people and has been described as having a cheerful personality, making guests feel instantly comfortable in her presence. Karmen is always pushing herself to learn and grow – whether with new challenges or upskilling. This is one of the many reasons Karmen is excited to join Acapella this season – to work with and learn from a professional team. Karmen’s dedication, personality, and work ethic make her a perfect addition to the Acapella team.
Loredana Grbin, Stewardess
Loredana choose a career at sea primarily to travel the world and make new friends but soon that became a great passion and even kind of a “lifestyle addiction”. After working on luxury cruise ships for seven years she is aware that customer service is the
essential part of yachting and the goal is to provide the unforgettable holiday. She understands the importance of team work and believes that, that is the way to solve and even avoid possible problems on charter. Her love and care for people shows in her service and she will always be seen with a smile while providing a good and happy atmosphere for those around her. Loredana’s three great loves are: yoga, hiking and
the sea.
SAIL WITH NIKSA AND ACAPELLA THIS SEASON
Acapella has been an ambitious undertaking and one of the most anticipated new builds in modern shipbuilding in Croatia. Most of the works are done by her owners – family Gluncic, the quality, and details rival any renowned shipyard. The Gluncic brothers have spent their lives at sea and 15 years aboard Andeo delivering exceptional service that kept guests returning year after year. So, it is no exaggeration to say that there is no comparison in experience and passion, as there will be aboard Acapella. Acapella is suitable to accommodate 12 guests in 5 cabins. Read more about Acapella here or contact us for bookings and inquiries.