Rara Avis

ČASLAV RELJIĆ - CAPTAIN - Rotational
From the moment you step aboard Rara Avis, you’ll feel instantly at ease in the capable and welcoming hands of Captain Časlav. At 38, he brings 16 years of deep connection to the sea, having dedicated his career to sailing after discovering his true passion beyond high school studies in commercial fields.Starting as a deckhand on various vessels, Časlav steadily advanced to captain through hands-on experience and unwavering commitment. Today, he is an exceptional host who delivers truly memorable cruises -attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing Croatia’s natural beauty.A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Časlav recharges on the mountains when not at sea, enjoying time with his wife and two children. His wife comes from a family with generations of experience in nautical tourism, making their shared passion for the sea a family tradition.Friendly, cheerful, and deeply serious about his role, Časlav thrives on meeting guests from around the world. His mission is simple: to showcase the hidden gems of his country and ensure every client leaves his ship completely satisfied and enriched. He speaks fluent Croatian and English.

FILIP BREKALO - CAPTAIN - Rotational
Filip Brekalo was born in Split, Croatia in 1985. From a young age, he was drawn to the sea, which set the course for his future career. Over the years, Filip has built an impressive reputation as a skilled and dedicated captain with over a decade of experience commanding motor sailing yachts and mini cruise ships along the Adriatic coast and across the globe. Filip’s expertise in yacht transfer is a testament to his ability to navigate and manage vessels in diverse conditions and locations. His leadership and management skills, honed through years of overseeing sailing duties, crew recruitment, and tourist hosting, instill confidence in his ability to handle any situation. His fluency in English and basic proficiency in Italian further enhance his ability to interact with a wide range of clients and crew members. Outside his maritime career, he has achieved personal success in various fields. He is married and the proud father of one child. As a Croatian national representative in rafting, he earned a silver medal at the European championship. He is also an experienced football referee and an instructor in skiing and rafting, showcasing his versatility and passion for life beyond the sea.

MATEJ RELJIĆ - DECKHAND
Matej was born on February 2nd 2000, which makes him the 2nd youngest member of Rara Avis crew. He graduated from Maritime High School in Split as a technician for marine engineering. Since his early age he was always helping out on boats as he resides in a small village, city of Split outskirts, Krilo Jesenice, which has been famous for many years, as a place in Croatia with the biggest number of boat builders and owners. It was very clear for Matej what career he will dedicate his life to. Before he joined the crew on Rara Avis, he has had some experience already working as a hand on deck and as a waiter on another charter ship. He speaks active English. This young man, eager to learn and to be of service, is doing the best he can with a big great smile on his face. In his free time, Matej is doing some serious fishing and also is a permanent volunteer for city of Omiš Fire Department.

ROKO ERCEGOVIĆ - DECKHAND
Roko is the youngest crew member on Rara Avis. Although he is only 20 years old, his colleagues say that he is hardworking, enjoys the sea, and is gaining experience working as a deckhand. He was born in Split, where he graduated from maritime school, and after this sea season he will continue his education at the Maritime Faculty. Among foreign languages, he speaks English, and in his free time he likes to play football the most.

ANTE TADIĆ - STEWARD
Ante Tadić was born in 1992 in Split, Croatia. He completed his secondary education at the II. Language Gymnasium in Split and graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Split.He is fluent in English and German.Ante began his career working in prestigious restaurants and hospitality venues in Split, where he gained extensive experience as a waiter and later as a shift manager. He also provided VIP service in high-end nightclubs. After graduating from university, he spent six years working in banking, further developing his organizational, sales, and client management skills.He is passionate about futsal and tennis.

MARKO MATIĆ - CHEF
Born and raised in the historical city of Sinj, where the antient battles for Croatia took place, chef Marko has that fighting spirit and the will to give the best that he can in everything he does. And he does food, he is doing it with such legerity and enthusiasm. Marko has mastered cooking skills as a chef in several well-known and praised a la carte restaurants along the Dalmatian coast as well as on some other yachts. As a young chef, he has wider views in sense of being more familiar with new cooking ideas and ways of cooking, new flavors and very large spectrum of groceries selection.
His dedication to food preparation has made him not only a great cook but an amazing food decorator. His meals tell an authentic Mediterranean gourmet story that will enchant your flavor buds as much as your eyes. Chef Marko takes special pride in rustic style meat & fish dishes preparation combined with modern cuisine tricks. Speaks English, very friendly and open to any menu suggestions from the guests as his only wish is to complete the cruising experience with terrific dining. His eagerness to please is very visible and tasteful in his food creations.

MIRNA KOZINA - HOSTESS
Mirna Kozina was born in Split, Croatia in 1998. where she began her career as a teenager with seasonal work at Ciprianis, a popular local spot for ice cream, pancakes, and bakery products. There she developed strong sales and customer service skills while working in both Croatian and English.After completing secondary school, she studied graphic design at the School of Design, Graphics, and Sustainable Construction in Split, gaining valuable technical skills that complement her practical experience.Her professional journey includes roles at Bobis Riva and Sugarin Ice Cream Production, where she mastered artisanal ice cream production, decoration, and high standards of cleanliness and service. She further developed her skills in sales, supply management, and customer relations at Pumparela Gelateria and Zvijez D.O.O. Most recently, she specialized in the production and sale of artisanal ice cream at Slastičarnica Voćni Trg.Mirna is communicative, adaptable, and highly motivated, with a strong work ethic and a willingness to take on new challenges. She speaks fluent English and combines technical design skills with hands-on experience in the food service industry.