MAIA

Crew Profile

FILIP JAKIR - Captain

Filip’s family seafaring history spans an incredible eight generations, and Filip has been at sea since he could walk. After captaining his family’s MS Tajna Mora for a decade, Filip handed the helm to his younger brother, ready for a new challenge.

While he was designing and building MAIA, he saw the opportunity to Captain MS Scorpios as a chance to further his knowledge in high-end service with different clientele. Having sailed across the eastern Atlantic on the 50-metre three-masted topsail schooner Oosterschelde, and in the Caribbean, Filip brings many years of experience to the table.

A humble man, but Filip’s crew would describe him as highly skilled and knowledgeable with an undeniable passion for taking care of his guests and crew. Filip has built an impressive amount of loyalty throughout the years both with his crew and returning guests – a powerful testament to his expertise and leadership. In addition to his maritime experience, Filip has an avid interest in meteorology and astronomy which he loves to share with guests. When he’s not sailing, you can find him windsurfing with the same gusto. Filip’s enthusiasm and joy for sailing are infectious and resonate with everyone he meets.

MAIA reflects Filip’s passion for class and elegance and his design has been many years in the making. Guests can trust that they are in very good hands with Filip at the helm.


ZLATKO POLIJAK - Chef

After completing his formal culinary education, Zlatko began his career working in restaurants along the Dalmatian coast. Motivated by nature, he embraced the challenge of working as a chef on a merchant vessel, where his creativity and organization allowed him to deliver diverse, high-quality meals from limited provisions.

Zlatko's distinguished career as a chef started in 2006 on luxury charter yachts, and he has accumulated over 20 years of experience. The satisfaction of cooking for smaller groups of guests according to their pre-announced preferences has defined his path. The need to create fully customized meal plans, respecting the preferences and dietary restrictions of his guests, continues to drive Zlatko to constantly improve his knowledge and techniques. He achieved the highest professional level by completing the Master Chef Program in 2011 with honors and was awarded the title of Master Chef by the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Arts in Split.

Focused on fresh, seasonal, locally farmed ingredients, Zlatko recommends variations of Mediterranean specialties. However, he is also adept at preparing international classics and will amaze you with every meal. Dedicated to creating balanced meals in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients, and attentive to portion sizes, Zlatko believes in making every dish visually appealing.

Zlatko has built a robust network of local farmers and fishermen along the Adriatic, selected based on his high standards. These suppliers are devoted to him for the support he provided during times when they struggled to sell their organic products.

Chef Zlatko has three primary food requirements: "Healthy, fresh, and balanced." He fully respects the requirements of his guests, boldly creating meals that turn into memorable experiences. His dishes are complete and well-seasoned, not just a collection of properly prepared ingredients.

Zlatko is appreciated for his simple, outgoing, and cheerful character, along with his vast knowledge, skills, and diverse interests. In his free time, he enjoys exploring culinary trends, staying active with sports, and outdoor activities. However, what he values most is his family, where, as a father of three, he’s always making the most of the time they spend together.