Valinor

Captain: Stjepan Marinkovic

Nationality: Croatian

STJEPAN MARINKOVIĆ - captain
Stjepan is a versatile person with an eclectic mindset. With a spirit for adventure, he always finds some new, untrodden road. This adventurous spark led him throughout his life, and so he dabbled in many things, such as speleology, rafting, kayaking, free climbing, diving, martial arts, and many more disciplines. Along with physical activities, he enjoys reading, writing, studying languages, and disassembling and assembling things. All these combined made him a knowledgeable and inventive sailor.
Through his studies as an archaeologist, he got opportunities to travel and explore outback places and exotic locales, where he learned about many facets of local culture and folklore. Although he was always in touch with the sea, his love bloomed during an epic sailing voyage across the Mediterranean, following in the footsteps of ancient Phoenicians and Greeks. The sea called, and he could do nothing but answer. Now he takes guests on fantastic sailing adventures hoping to spark that same love that drives him. Stjepan is the happiest with a salty breeze on his face, and the horizon empty before him. Polite and curious, he enjoys stories that people tell and is always willing to listen.

ANA KLICAN - chef
Ana is a unique individual with a passion for food, novelty, and adventure. She has travelled extensively looking for new recipes and trying out local cuisine. She explored the street food of Thailand and India and undertook a food safari in Africa. She hunted the myriad cheeses of France and Switzerland, sailed through the Mediterranean spices and seafood, and participated in Middle-Eastern festivities followed by local food and culture. She believes that food is the best way for people to communicate and share culture, and at uni, she studied International Relations to research that belief
even further.
She is an active individual who is thrilled by exploration. She is well-versed in biology, zoology, and the natural world, and you can often catch her admiring some animals she finds fascinating, from insects to birds - she loves them all. Ana worked as an adventure guide and hostess on sailing tours in an adventure travel company in Croatia, thrilling her guests with unexpected snacks and an attentive personality. Health was always her primary mission in life, and she radiates it in all aspects of her life, from her tidiness to her cuisine. She caters confidently to any and all dietary needs, and her love of life, food, and nature would leave anyone inspired.

NEKTARIA LEIVADA - hostess
Born in Athens, Greece, I have cultivated a lifelong affinity for the sea, considering it an integral part of my natural surroundings, symbolizing both freedom and purity. During my academic years, I ventured into sailing, spending numerous summers on the seas, fostering a deep connection to maritime pursuits. My career path led me to the realm of hospitality, here I honed my hosting skills while managing my family’s restaurant. It was during this time that I discovered genuine pleasure and joy in delivering exceptional hosting services to patrons. Through a fortuitous turn of events, I merged my maritime and hospitality backgrounds, embarking on a unique profession as a hostess-cook on sailing boats. This distinctive role presents a perpetual challenge, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Greece’s coastal beauty and rich traditions.
Navigating through new faces, diverse mentalities, and a myriad of stories, I consistently find fulfillment in creating memorable experiences. As a hostess-cook, I bring a blend of hospitality expertise and culinary proficiency to ensure a seamless and enjoyable sailing experience.