A Captivating Interview with Yacht Ohana’s Captain Josip Šerka
Interviewing Josip Šerka, captain of the luxury DS Yacht Ohana, revealed a passionate navigator whose maritime heritage and love for the sea have shaped his career. From innovative design to a commitment to environmental sustainability, Josip’s leadership ensures a unique and unforgettable experience along Croatia's stunning coastline. Dive into this interesting interview that will inspire you to charter his mesmerizing yacht.
What inspired you to become a captain?
"Due to the family tradition of sailors and captains, coupled with a love for the sea and boats since childhood. I grew up with tales of maritime adventures that fascinated me and motivated me to dedicate myself to this profession. It was an easy decision to become the one who would navigate the ship through our beautiful waters one day."
Can you describe the unique features and amenities that set your luxury yacht apart from others in the region?
"Regarding the unique features of my luxury yacht, I emphasize its innovative design that combines elegance with functionality. I particularly highlight the complete internal communication, enabling guests to move comfortably even in adverse weather conditions. Regardless of the weather, we aim to ensure that guests enjoy every moment of the journey, providing maximum comfort and safety in ship areas such as the salon, lounge bar, cinema, and children's playroom."
Have you worked in various roles like deckhand, bosun, chief officer, and relief captain before becoming a captain, and how does that experience contribute to your understanding of your crew today?
"In 2018, I faced a challenging situation when we encountered a storm during navigation from Mljet to Dubrovnik, near the Elafiti Islands. With three waterspouts at a distance of 500 meters, I remained calm and monitored the wind direction.
Without panic, we successfully navigated around the storm, keeping passengers and crew at a safe distance. This situation underscores the importance of experience, quick reactions, and safety protocols that I apply to preserve the integrity of the ship and the safety of everyone on board."
DS Yacht Ohana
One of the best family-friendly yachts navigating the Croatian waters.
Can you discuss your knowledge of environmental sustainability practices in yachting?
"Environmental sustainability is crucial not only in yachting but also in the entire nautical tourism industry. In addition to adhering to regulations, I actively promote environmental conservation awareness among the crew and guests. I regularly educate the crew on sustainability practices, encouraging them to be responsible guardians of the sea. Clean seas are not just an aesthetic aspect but a fundamental part of our commitment to preserving nature for future generations of sea and boat enthusiasts."
How flexible is the itinerary for private charters, and can guests request specific destinations or activities along the Croatian coastline?
"On our yacht, the guest's wish is our command! The flexibility of the route for private charters is a key feature of our experience. We navigate the Croatian coast with adaptability to ensure that every moment reflects the unique desires of the guests.
Guests are free to suggest specific destinations to explore or activities to experience, whether it's exploring hidden coves in the Dalmatian Islands, enjoying a cultural experience in Dubrovnik, or sailing along the Elafiti Islands."
What types of custom experiences or special events can you arrange for guests during their charter in Croatia?
"Here are some special experiences and events we can organize during your charter along the beautiful Croatian coast:
• Exclusive dinner under the Stars: We arrange a dinner on the deck surrounded by sparkling stars and the tranquil waves of the Adriatic Sea. Our chef prepares a personalized menu with the freshest local ingredients.
• Exploration of Hidden Coves: Our crew guides guests to undiscovered coves and beaches that are not accessible to most tourists, allowing guests to enjoy the solitude and beauty of untouched nature.
• Sea Adventures: For outdoor enthusiasts, we organize various water sports activities such as diving, water skiing, sliding down a water slide, or jet skiing.
• Evening Entertainment: We serve as a club at sea, organizing themed nights, cocktail parties, and musical performances tailored to the guests' preferences.
• Cultural Excursions and Gastronomic Adventures: Exploring the historical landmarks and rich culture of Croatia. We also provide guests with all the tips and recommendations. Excursions include tasting premium wines and gastronomic delights of the region."
Can you share some of the most distinctive requests you've received from guests, and how did you successfully fulfill them or address them if they couldn't be accommodated?
"All our guests have their requests, but we strive to fulfill their wishes to provide an unforgettable experience. Here are a few distinctive requests and how we handled them:
• Special Diets: We had a group with various dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten-free, and allergic diets, along with young children who had a different menu from adults and ate at different times. This charter was the most demanding for our chef, who carefully adapted the menu to meet the needs of all guests and ensured the timing of meal preparation.
• Exclusive Excursions: Guests often request personalized excursions beyond the usual routes. In such situations, we collaborate with local guides to provide unique experiences, such as private tours of hidden coves, visits to historical sites, or organizing unforgettable gastronomic events. We also have special arrangements for deep-sea fishing, where our guests caught an impressive 35 kg of tuna, creating an unforgettable moment during their stay.
• Hosting Special Celebrations: We received requests to organize birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, or even weddings on the yacht. We made sure everything was flawless, including decorating the yacht, coordinating with local flower providers, a private DJ, and a 30-minute fireworks display."
How do you incorporate local culture and traditions into the yacht charter experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the Croatian lifestyle?
"Our chef collaborates with local fishermen and farmers to ensure fresh local ingredients. Guests have the opportunity to taste authentic dishes such as "pašticade" or "brudet" and explore the diversity of Mediterranean cuisine. During the journey, we engage local guides who provide guests with unique insights into the history, tradition, and interesting facts about the places we visit.
We organize tours of old towns, museums, and other cultural sites to allow guests to experience the soul of Croatia. We encourage guests to participate in local activities, whether it's biking through picturesque vineyards, diving in the crystal-clear Adriatic, or attending traditional festivals, aiming to provide an authentic experience of life in Croatia. On the deck, we organize cultural events such as performances by local musicians, creating a space where guests can immerse themselves in the Croatian artistic scene and cultural heritage."
What is, in your opinion, the most challenging aspect of working in the yachting industry?
"Being the captain of a luxury yacht on the Croatian coast brings incredible satisfaction but certainly has its challenges. When thinking about the most challenging aspect of working in the nautical industry, I emphasize the complex balance between providing an unforgettable experience for guests and maintaining safety at sea.
Luxury navigation requires top-notch organization, quick adaptation to changing conditions, and constant supervision of the yacht's technical systems. Awareness of the importance of environmental conservation also becomes increasingly important, and we strive to minimize our impact on the marine ecosystem."
How do you handle emergencies or adverse weather conditions at sea?
"In emergencies or unfavorable weather conditions, I follow a series of protocols to ensure everyone stays safe and the onboard experience remains pleasant. We utilize advanced weather tracking systems that allow real-time monitoring of changes in weather conditions. Based on this information, I make decisions to adapt the route or consider the need for temporary stops.
The yacht is equipped with advanced technical systems that monitor the vital functions of the vessel. In case of any issues, these systems automatically send alerts to the crew, enabling a swift intervention. In the event of adverse weather conditions, I have prepared alternative routes and secure anchorages where we can find shelter until conditions improve. I always keep passengers informed about the situation in the clearest possible way. Safety and the well-being of guests are my priorities, so cooperation can be expected from them in case special measures or adjustments are needed."
How are crew members picked?
"We recruit the crew through job websites or personal connections. We then meet with them and, through interviews, assess their experience and suitability for the position they are applying for. This helps us determine if the person is qualified for the job and, of course, if they have a willingness to work.
We carefully select the crew, looking for not only expertise in nautical skills but also personalities that fit well into the team dynamic. Additionally, it is important to us that crew members are communicative and adaptable to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests on board. Regular reviews of references and recommendations help us confirm the quality of candidates."
How do you handle disputes or conflicts among crew members or passengers?
"I have not witnessed conflicts among guests so far, while conflicts among crew members are not common; they are mostly minor disagreements that are easily resolved to ensure everyone is satisfied. To avoid any tensions, we organize a weekly briefing where all crew members are present. During the briefing, we discuss all topics from the previous week, and everyone is free to give their opinions, ideas, and advice, and discuss any disagreements, which we approach with care and empathy."
Do you have any other passions/hobbies besides yachting, and what are they?
"Wooden shipbuilding and carpentry are my passions that I integrate into daily life on the boat. Guests often appreciate the handcrafted details and unique pieces of furniture that add a special charm to our vessel."
What do you do off-season?
"During the off-season, I dedicate a significant part of my time to the detailed maintenance of the yacht. This includes not only regular technical checks and repairs but also carefully planned changes to the interior. We aim to ensure that our guests have a top-notch experience on the yacht, so we are open to their suggestions and desires.
The changes we make are based on guest feedback during charters, ensuring that each season brings something new and refreshing. Additionally, during the off-season, I actively work on maintaining and upgrading all technical aspects of the yacht. The engine room, navigation systems, and all devices undergo thorough checks to ensure safety and comfort during every voyage."
Ready to embark on a luxury yachting adventure along the Croatian coast? Whether you're drawn to the elegant Ohana or another exquisite vessel, our team is here to make your dream charter a reality. Contact us to inquire about chartering Ohana or other luxury yachts. Your unforgettable journey awaits on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea.
