Book Your Boat with a Captain (Skipper) – Meet Filip

No boating or sailing license? No problem!

Did you know that on Zizoo, you can book your boat with a captain, known also as a skipper? It’s true! Everyone, including travelers who’ve never sailed before and have no license, can experience the joy of a boat holiday with the guidance of a trained captain who not only takes care of navigation and security but also has lots of tips and local recommendations. Even experienced sailors and boat holidaymakers can book a captain to take over the steering wheel when they want to just relax and enjoy being on vacation.

Let us introduce you to some of the passionate and experienced captains who cannot wait to welcome you on board! Book with a captain and travel stress-free on your private yacht.

Meet captain Filip:

How did you start sailing and then decided to even become a captain (skipper) guiding travelers around?

I have spent a lot of time in small motorboats in my childhood, and the first contact with sailing happened at the Water sports activities while studying Sports and Health at the Faculty of Kinesiology based in Zagreb. I realized I am good at it, and decided there are enough benefits in this field for me to pursue a career in this direction. 

What’s your favorite route and why?

Most of the weeks I have spent in the Split area, but I can’t say it is my favorite. You see, skipper call is about discovering your limits, and discovering new places. I believe once you don’t have any interest to discover and go further, it is time for you to leave the helm. So I love to change routes, go explore and create new ones, and of course, now and then come to the old ones also. I love the Croatian coast and I love to come back at every route I have ever tried, as each has its own pros and cons.

What’s your favorite boat and why?

I love bigger sailing boats as they are elegant and stable. Just as long as it is longer than 44 feet. But I have felt the best on Oceanis 51.1 and on Gianetti star 64. Very precise, very elegant, comfy, but sporty. I am looking forward to trying out one of the More 55 sailing boats.

What languages do you speak and did you ever have some problems in communicating with travelers?

My mother language is Croatian. English is my second language and I enjoy using it. I have some knowledge of Italian and Spanish, with my current goal to brush on my Italian in the upcoming time in order to make it commercially fluent.

How many trips did you already do as a captain (skipper) with travelers?

Around 40 weeks.

You must have met a lot of interesting people and made experiences, is there anything special (funny, emotional, sensational) you remember?

There were some weeks when I get on with the crew that I will remember forever. But you cannot expect this to be each week as people are different and your job is to serve and take care of the boat and them.
It is educational and inspiring to see how different people function and you can grow through these experiences.

What do you like most about your job?

Freedom.

What is the hardest part of your job?

Meeting the expectations when those are not realistic.

What is your advice for beginner sailors? Or somebody who wants to learn how to sail?

Follow your vision whatever it is. Be kind to colleagues. Respect the sea and the weather.

What are the 3 most convincing arguments for you to go sailing?

• Sun
• Sea
• Wind

What are your tips for seasickness?

If feeling bad, go outside – don’t stay in the cabins, focus on looking forward, get on the helm, concentrate.

What do you do during the off-season?

I worked in audit, now in finances. It is hard to organise life to be able to sail in summer but I am still trying.

What are the essentials you bring on a sailing trip?

• clothes
• hygiene
• sunglasses
• hat
• sunscreen
• food

What would you advise someone who is willing to become a captain (skipper)?

Think long-term and follow your vision. Have backup plans. Be patient.