CREW PROFILE
MSY SON DE MAR
Crew Profile 2024
Captain: Mate Vitaljic, Croatian
Languages: 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.
Chef: Antonia Tomić, Croatian
Languages: 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.
Deckhand: Ivan Vitaljić, Croatian
Languages: 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.
Deckhand: Ilija Babic, Croatian
Languages: English, German
Ilija was born in Switzerland, where he spent his childhood before moving to Croatia to pursue higher education. He earned qualifications in construction and surveying and spent six years working in this field where he learned invaluable skills, including the importance of teamwork, which he holds above all else.
Ilija sought a change and turned his passion for the sea into a new career. The maritime industry offered a perfect blend of his interests—adventure, travel, and his love for the ocean. Working on yachts not only allowed him to explore these passions but also gave him the chance to meet people from around the world.
Over the past eight years, Ilija has built a strong reputation in the yachting industry. Hardworking, experienced, attentive, and respectful, he became the top choice for the position of deckhand on SON DE MAR. Having been involved in the final stages of the yacht's construction, Ilija is deeply familiar with all onboard systems and operations.
With a long-term goal of captaining a charter yacht, Ilija’s commitment, reliability, and enthusiasm make him a valued member of the team. He also contributes greatly to the crew's dynamic with his natural team spirit, great sense of humour, and likable personality.
In his free time, Ilija enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and riding motorbikes.
Stewardess: Nena Dumančić, Croatia
Languages: English
After completing high school, Nena began her career in the hospitality industry. She decided to pursue a life at sea as a stewardess and began her journey in 2015 aboard the yacht Korab. She quickly fell in love with the sea and the unique experience of working with people in this dynamic environment. From the very beginning of her yachting career, she has worked alongside Captain Mate and Chef Antonia, forming an inseparable and highly effective team.
Responsible and dedicated to delivering her best, Nena is a communicative and versatile, fitting in seamlessly with the fantastic crew of SON DE MAR. Her previous experience in various roles at restaurants and clubs has equipped her with excellent hospitality skills.
Curious by nature and passionate about cooking, reading, and sunbathing, Nena describes herself as someone who loves to learn and enjoys life’s simple pleasures. She is excited to ensure that every guest on SON DE MAR feels comfortable, cared for, and completely at home.
Stewardess: Matea Vitaljic, Croatian
Languages: English
Matea has been passionate about the sea her entire life. At the age of 16, she decided to join the family business and began learning the role of stewardess by working on the Korab during summer breaks. She quickly mastered the job and showed a strong passion for the industry. After graduating from high school with a focus on languages, she developed excellent communication skills and a strong command of languages, making it easy for her to manage plans and preferences.
Matea spent a few years working in the hospitality industry on Vis Island before committing to the charter business full-time four years ago on the yacht SON DE MAR. Over the years, she has gained a wealth of experience and thrives in the dynamic environment of yacht chartering.
Matea is a warm, friendly individual who is always eager to improve herself. During the off-season, she enjoys outdoor activities, reading a good book, and spending time with family and friends.
Stewardess: India Birek, Croatian
Languages: English, German, Spanish
India has always been drawn to the Croatian coast. After completing her education and training in Germany, where she was born and raised, she ventured abroad for the first time to work a season. She gained experience in renowned restaurants and hotels in Mallorca and Austria. Six years ago, India spent her first summer season in Croatia on the island of Biševo.
She then spent the winter working on the Aida Mar and Blu cruise ships, where she sailed through the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. After working with television chef Tim Mälzer for the past eighteen months, India is now returning to the Adriatic and the SON DE MAR.
For her, the guests always come first, and she strives to give them the best possible experience.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends
VIEW PHOTOS
