ZORA NUA

Captain: Aleksandar Bajic

Born in 1974, he grew up by the Adriatic Sea in Makarska, Croatia and later lived in Zürich, Switzerland from 1989 to 2002. Although he built a successful life there, his passion for the sea drew him back to Croatia where he became a sailing instructor and racing team manager.

Since 2006, he has worked as a freelance captain for charter companies and private yacht owners across Croatia, Greece, Italy, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. He has logged more than 100,000 nautical miles and completed over 400 weeks of charter, cruising and yacht deliveries, mainly on sailing yachts up to 70 feet. In the off season, he delivers yachts across the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

With more than 20 years at sea and strong communication skills in several languages, Alex offers a calm and professional presence on board. He designs tailor made routes throughout Europe and the Caribbean, with access to secluded anchorages, private locations and historic wineries. He also leads mountain biking trips on Croatian islands and enjoys preparing relaxed meals for guests.

Outside of work, he enjoys developing new skills, travelling and building lasting friendships. Meditation and mountain biking are his greatest passions.

Chef Luka Vrdoljak
Born in Osijek in 2001, Luka’s passion for food was shaped by the diverse culinary traditions of Croatia. With family roots in Slavonia, Lika, Livno, and the Dalmatian coast, he grew up surrounded by regional flavors, hospitality, and a deep appreciation for quality ingredients.

After graduating from culinary school, Luka began working in professional kitchens at just 15 years old. His career led him through Michelin-starred restaurants and some of Croatia’s finest seafood establishments, where he developed a strong foundation in precision, discipline, and refined technique.
Today, his cooking blends the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine with the elegance of French gastronomy. Guided by honesty, respect for ingredients, and attention to detail, Luka creates dishes that reflect both craftsmanship and warmth.

Known for his calm professionalism, cleanliness, and approachable personality, Luka is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences inspired by the flavours and hospitality of the Adriatic lifestyle.

Hostess Marijana Kurtović

Marijana Kurtović approaches hospitality with warmth, intuition, and attention to detail. She enjoys creating experiences that feel both effortless and personal, believing that true luxury is defined not only by beautiful surroundings, but by how people are made to feel throughout their journey.

Marijana has been painting for many years, and colors are an important part of her life. She naturally strives for visual balance and harmony while avoiding anything too sterile or generic. She always enjoys adding a personal touch and appreciates when people notice it.

She wants guests to feel that they truly received value from their experience and to return to their “real world” carrying memories that stay with them long after the journey ends.
Marijana completed an intensive yacht hostess training program in Trogir, including ŠKMER culinary training, food and wine pairing, and cocktail service education. Her background in healthcare, after years of working as a nurse, also gave her a strong sense of responsibility, hygiene awareness, and resourcefulness in unexpected situations. Through experience, she learned early that good organization is half the job.

She is fluent in Croatian and English, with basic Czech and growing Spanish knowledge, and genuinely enjoys connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

What first attracted Marijana to yachting was the freedom that comes with a lifestyle not tied to one place. The sea is truly her passion—in many ways it calms and restores her. She believes there is something special about having travel become part of everyday life. One of her favorite personal mottos is “Samo nek’ se kreće,” as one Croatian travel writer beautifully said.