SON DE MAR

Croatian · English, Italian

Captain Mate hails from the town of Komiža on the island of Vis, a world-renowned haven for seafarers. After completing both Maritime High School and the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split, Mate embarked on a career at sea aboard cargo ships for a reputable local company. After achieving his Master Mariner license, he captained passenger ships around the world. On returning to Croatia in 2006, Mate served as CEO of maritime and passenger line companies for the next five years. During this time, he occasionally captained the luxury charter yacht Seagull II (54m/177ft) in the Mediterranean. In 2011, Mate moved full time into the yacht charter industry, becoming the owner and operator of the charter yacht Korab. Alongside his wife Antonia, who worked as the onboard chef, and a small crew, they provided exceptional experiences for their guests aboard the 25m/84ft motor yacht. In 2018, Mate partnered with his brother-in-law Kazimir to construct SON DE MAR, which was completed in 2019. Beyond his impeccable qualifications Captain Mate offers a level of service that is truly extraordinary. He is easy-going and personable, always prioritizing the best interests of his charter guests. Aboard SON DE MAR, guests can relax with confidence, knowing they are in the capable hands of a trustworthy and highly skilled captain. Mate’s extensive knowledge of the sailing area, deep connections within the local community, and keen understanding of his guests’ needs ensure an unforgettable charter experience.

Croatian · English

Formerly a Chief Stewardess and Chief Purser, Antonia became chef aboard the charter yacht Korab in 2011, which she owned and operated alongside her husband, Captain Mate. Cooking had always been a passion of hers, nurtured since childhood, and she became highly skilled at a young age. The charter industry quickly recognized and celebrated her culinary creations, with Korab earning a reputation for offering an unparalleled gourmet experience. To hone her skills, she pursued a more formal culinary education at a renowned private chef school and worked in local restaurants in the winter months. Antonia describes her cooking style as Mediterranean fine dining with a twist—using fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients as a foundation, enhanced with a touch of contemporary flair. Her priority is tailoring her dishes to the tastes and desires of her guests. She takes pride in artfully decorating plates, paying special attention to the selection and presentation of desserts. Thanks to her close ties with local fishermen, it’s no exaggeration to say that the fish served onboard often goes straight from the sea to Antonia's kitchen. Modest and kind, Antonia is deeply passionate about her craft and dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for her guests. She goes above and beyond to ensure that those onboard Son de Mar feel they couldn’t have chosen a better yacht for their holiday. When not onboard, Antonia enjoys spending time with her family and staying immersed in the world of gastronomy. She regularly visits local restaurants, takes every opportunity to explore and learn during her travels, and continuously enhances her skills through specialized culinary seminars and workshops.

Croatian · English, Italian

Ivan was born into a family of seafarers, with his father being a captain. From an early age, he inherited a deep love and respect for the sea. His father instilled in him the knowledge and skills needed to handle any unforeseen events that might arise onboard. During his high school summer breaks, Ivan worked as a crew member on his father’s charter yacht, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Despite his relatively young age, Ivan has amassed extensive experience working on boats. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, he has become an outgoing, attentive, and efficient team member, dedicated to ensuring every guest onboard feels comfortable and secure. These qualities make him perfectly suited for his role on SON DE MAR. In the winter months, Ivan works as a project manager at a yacht charter agency, while also cherishing time with his family and friends. A passionate basketball player, he enjoys staying active and seizes every opportunity to travel and explore new destinations.