Meet the Skipper - Matija Bogadi

Today we talk to Matija Bogadi, professional skipper based in Croatia. He gives us details on his background, his role as a skipper and what he loves most about sailing in Croatia.

1. When did you first start sailing?

I started sailing in 2016. Before that I was working in the IT industry for several years after getting my Masters degree in engineering. I soon discovered that I really didn't want to be stuck in front of a computer screen for 12 hours per day so I took the leap and switched to skippering and have been doing this ever since!

2. What is your sailing experience?

I started my professional training in 2016 but I have been connected to boats for the majority of my life because my mother is from Hvar island (Jelsa place) and we would always spend my childhood summers there.

3. What made you want to become a skipper?

I actually didn't plan to become a skipper. It happened because my friend persuaded me to take a sailing course at the same time as I was planning to quit my corporate job. It was then that I fell in love with sailing and marine life and made the decision to work as a skipper - I have not looked back since!

4. If you weren't a skipper, what other profession do you think you would be in?

Since discovering that I no longer have the passion for my original training in the field of engineering, I think my second choice of study, architecture, should have actually been my first! 

5. What is your favourite boat to sail?

My favorite monohull to sail is More 55. I also love various different Oceanis models (51.1, 54.1...). My favorite catamarans are Lagoon models, particularly the Lagoon 50 and Lagoon 46.

6. Where is your favourite sailing location in Croatia?

My favorite sailing locations are the islands around Split and Dubrovnik. A one-way trip from Split to Dubrovnik is also fantastic.

7. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

In a nautical sense, I would have to say saving one small boat with 6 Italians onboard near Korčula when a storm suddenly hit that area, coming out of nowhere. It was a dangerous situation, a small boat in a storm with 50kts of wind, but I class it as a 'highlight' because I was so relieved that I was in the right place at the right time to help them and ensure that everyone got back to land safely.

8. What does a typical day as a skipper look like for you?

That depends of the type of clients I have on the boat that week. It can vary a lot but a usual day would be an early morning start with breakfast in a nice cove/bay while anchored or if moored in a marina or harbour then I will venture into the local village to eat. After breakfast I will talk with the clients about anywhere they are hoping to visit, make my suggestions and give information on the weather conditions etc. We will decide on the route for the day and head off for the first stop which is usually a swim-stop and lunch onboard. Once we arrive into our destination for the evening, I make sure the boat is all set up, the clients are happy and have the information they need on the area then sometimes share a relaxing drink with clients or head off to explore a little myself. 

9. What is your favourite part of being a skipper?

Meeting great people from all around the globe, networking, exploring new places almost every week, being connected with the sea and showing people the beauty of my country.

10. What is the most challenging element of being a skipper?

I would say the most challenging part is being responsible for everybody on the boat in terms of safety because there are plenty of factors to think about and for some clients, sailing is a completely new experience. Balancing this safety element with clients' expectations of where exactly they want to go, places they want to visit and when etc is also a skill that takes time to develop. Skippers should not only be experienced sailors, they also need to be great with people! 

11. Where is your favourite place in the world to sail?

I have done plenty of yacht deliveries across the Mediterranean and visited islands in Italy and Greece. A few years ago I also did an Atlantic crossing which was great and visited Guadeloupe. But I would have to pick Croatia as my absolute favourite place to sail! There are just so many wonderful places to explore - I grew up here and have been a professional skipper for 8 years and I am still exploring new places!

12. What is special/unique about Croatia?

The fact that it is so well suited to a sailing holiday! Croatia is the ideal place to sail. There are manageable distances between islands so no route seems too much to manage, we have great weather and sailing conditions with steady winds but strong winds being a rareity. There are hundreds of areas, bays and harbours to explore meaning you can come time and time again and still be experiencing new areas. The good infrastructure of the marinas is another big positive. It does mean they can be a bit more expensive than elsewhere in the Mediterranean but the facilities make it worth it. 

13. What would be one top tip/recommendation you would give for someone visiting Croatia?

Be sure to book a sailing trip! Croatia has an awful lot to offer on land but the real magic happens when you explore by sea. 

Professional skippers can be added to any bareboat charter for those who do not have a sailing license or would like a helping hand with a larger yacht or a guide to a new cruising area.

Click here for more information on yacht charters in Croatia