With over two decades of culinary experience and more than 13 years in the yachting industry, Chef Ivo brings an exceptional blend of international flavours and five-star service to every charter aboard M/Y LADY I.
Originally from Zadar, Croatia, Chef Ivo began his career in Italy in 2002, where he spent 10 years mastering Mediterranean, Italian, French, Asian, Halal, and fusion cuisines. His time in Italy not only sharpened his skills in refined regional dishes but also made him fluent in Italian. He has since worked on a range of prestigious private and charter yachts, up to 65 meters, consistently delighting guests with his creativity, adaptability, and impeccable presentation.
Chef Ivo has Michelin-level experience and holds multiple maritime and culinary certifications, including STCW, ENG1, Food Hygiene Level 2, and a Boat Skipper B license. In 2024, he further solidified his commitment to excellence by pursuing formal ship cook certification.
Known for his warm, professional demeanour and deep respect for guest preferences and dietary needs, Chef Ivo crafts unforgettable menus tailored to every itinerary—whether it’s a sunrise breakfast in the Med or a bespoke tasting dinner under the stars.
Embark on a culinary journey with Chef Ivo aboard M/Y LADY I, where every meal is a celebration.
Ivo Cirjak
Chef
As a graduate from the Marine High School and Maritime University in Zadar, Croatia, Ivan started his ocean-based career in 2009 as 3rd officer on board 68m passenger ship M/V MELITA. He spent the following two summer seasons as chief officer on board busy 46m charter yacht M/Y PRINCESS IOLANTHE.
This was followed by an appointment as chief officer on board the privately owned 35m M/Y STELLA and as chief officer and relief captain for 28m M/Y BRAVO II and 50m M/Y VENTURA; all with the same owner. Afterwards, Ivan was captain on board the commercial 38m M/V SHEARWATER, and then joined the owner of M/Y INDIGO STAR I and his family for their 2,5-year trip around the world.
He was Captain on board for 7 years and then decided to move for new challenges and is now ready to welcome guests on board LADY I.
In his spare time, Ivan likes sport fishing, diving and powerboat driving.
Ivan Bilaver
Captain
After Goran graduated from nautical school in Croatia, he started his career working on fishing boats before transitioning to luxury yachts in 2008.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, Goran has worked on 32m S/Y FEI SEEN and 37m M/Y SECRET LOVE. Goran has developed a strong understanding of the significance of accommodating all guests’ needs whilst ensuring the safe operation of the boat.
Goran has a passion for fishing, spearfishing and paddle boarding. Goran is fluent in both English and Croatian.
Goran Cukar
Chief Officer
Ante was raised in Zadar, Croatia, and graduated from Maritime and Traffic Affairs in 1994.
He holds a marine engineering license that is certified by STCW, and has extensive experience working on a variety of vessels up to 62m.
Ante thrives on expanding his knowledge and skills while meeting new charter guests.
Ante enjoys keeping himself busy, and his preferred water toy is a jet ski. He speaks both English and Croatian with ease.
Ante Vidic
Chief engineer
Julia is from Odessa, Ukraine. After studying at maritime college her career began on passenger ships in 1999.
Between 2000-2005 Julia worked in the catering industry in America where she developed excellent customer service and hospitality skills.
Julia has been a stewardess in the yachting industry since 2006 where she gets job satisfaction from
providing guests with an unforgettable experience.
Julia enjoys meeting new people and exploring the world via the ocean, and loves to jet ski in her spare time. Julia is fluent in Russian and English.
Julia Angelova
Chief steward/ess
Madinat studied at Astrakhan State University and joined the yachting industry in 2019 on board 58m M/Y THE LORD OF THE SEAS.
Her experience led her to become a solo stewardess in 2020 before working as 2nd stewardess last season aboard M/Y ALHAMBRA.
Madinat is also a masseuse and offers relaxation, therapeutic, and corrective massage to guests, as well as manicures and pedicures.
She thoroughly enjoys meeting new people and exploring new places, and loves the adrenaline rush of the jet ski. Madinat’s mother tongue is Russian and she is fluent in both English and Turkish.
Madinat Magomedova
Second Stewardess
Mariia grew up in Ukraine and studied at the Odessa Maritime Training Centre, and has worked in yachting for over six years.
In her free time, Mariia enjoys sports and learning new things as she strives to push her skill set.
When in the water, Mariia embraces the opportunity to duck and dive with the SeaBob.
She is passionate about her job and loves bringing positive energy to the guests. Mariia joined the crew aboard LADY I in March 2022 and is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian and English.
Mariia Gryniuk
Third Stewardess
Lovre grew up in Zadar on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, which meant he was only ever a stone’s throw away from incredible beaches and islands to explore.
Lovre landed his first permanent role within the yachting industry in 2018, after completing Nautical Maritime School.
After working on various yachts, Lovre has climbed the ranks and built an excellent understanding of all guest and operational requirements.
In his spare time, he enjoys visiting new places as well as the exhilarating thrill of wakeboarding. Lovre is fluent in Croatian and English.
Lovre Vrsaljko
Bosun
Baris grew up in Dalaman, situated on the southwest coast of Turkey.
He began working in the yachting sector in 2011 as a seasoned deckhand.
Baris values the opportunities he gets to explore new places and meet new people. He enjoys working with his team to create an unforgettable experience for the guests.
In his spare time, he enjoys a variety of water sports, with water skiing being his favourite.
Baris speaks Turkish as his first language and is very competent in English.
Baris Karabulut
Deckhand