ADRIATIC DRAGON

About the Crew

CAPTAIN NIKSA GJURASIC

Born in the historic city of Dubrovnik, renowned for its rich maritime heritage, Niko has always been deeply inspired by the sea. Growing up near a local marina, he developed a passion for boats from an early age, learning about them as soon as he could walk. For six years, Niko was an active member of the Neptun Rowing Club, competing in numerous national and international regattas with notable success, eventually becoming a member of the national team.
Niko is also a proud Canadian resident, blending his Croatian heritage with a global outlook shaped by diverse international experiences. Highly motivated, hardworking, and reliable, he is recognized for his adaptability and his ability to excel in dynamic, ever-changing environments. A strong communicator across all age groups, he possesses excellent leadership skills. With more than 36 years of experience across the Croatian Navy, Merchant Navy, and yacht industry, Niko has sailed all the world's oceans and navigated most seas, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to self-discipline, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. He has been the captain of Adriatic Dragon since 2020.

MARTINA IVANKOVIC STEWARDESS
Born in Zagreb and having lived in various parts of Croatia, Martina discovered her passion for sailing the moment she first stepped aboard a yacht. With a wealth of experience in hospitality, tourism, and design, she has earned a reputation for providing exceptional service. By combining her strong hospitality background with a love for yachting and design, Martina brings a unique skill set that elevates every guest experience. With expert care and attention to detail, she ensures that every aspect of the journey is perfected - from serving refreshing cocktails to providing personalized service that guarantees ultimate comfort.

TIHOMIR KRKLEC CHEF
Tihomir grew up in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. He attended an art high school and later pursued studies to become a graphic designer. Despite his education and career in the arts, Tihomir's true passion for food was always at the forefront, influenced by his family’s love for gourmet cuisine and their exceptional cooking skills. After 13 years working in the art scene, he applied for MasterChef Croatia, where he reached the final week. From that moment on, his life became entirely centered around cooking. Tihomir has since launched several successful projects, opened restaurants, organized food festivals, filmed food-related TV shows, and worked as a private chef aboard yachts and in private homes.

When he's not aboard a yacht, Tihomir organizes a variety of food events, consults for restaurants, and develops new seasonal menus. He also continues to expand his knowledge in the field of gastronomy while providing private cooking services for clients. In addition to his culinary pursuits, Tihomir manages an art studio with his team, where they create new paintings, prepare exhibitions, and work on upcoming projects. In his downtime, he indulges his passions for photography and travel, constantly seeking new inspiration and experiences

MATIJA JAKIC DECKHAND
Matija was actually born in Germany, but his family soon returned to the island of Cres, where he grew up and went to school. As a teenager, he discovered a passion for sailing, which quickly grew into both a deep love and a professional path. Although he completed his studies in agriculture, focusing on olive oil production and winemaking, his heart remained with the sea.
In 2017, sailing became his full-time career. He began as a skipper on smaller sailboats and gradually worked his way up to larger vessels, including the renowned Velacarina. He is currently working as a deckhand on Adriatic Dragon.