Perla

Captain: IVICA RUŠINOVIĆ
Born in Split, grew up in Kaštele, connected to a sea from a youngest age. By his own words he’s “born on the sea, working at the sea, cursing the sea and will probably die under the sea”.

Before, for years and years he worked on a rough-job fishing boats as a seaman and net picker, which hardened him, made him tough and earned him a legitimate title ‘old sea wolf’.

Things took a turn when, from tiring hauling of fishing nets, his curious spirit for socializing and talking with guests – hopped on an opportunity to try himself out in the field of nautical tourism. Consequently, he stated: “I prefer to be with people and for the people, rather than with fishes and darn nets.”

Until now, he has been engaged in charter boat tourism for past 10 years, among which we would highlight the last 7 years of hardworking experience as a seasoned skipper, feeding on a so-called “sailor’s bread with seven crusts”.

He starts his days with the strongest black coffees and ends his days with meticulous analysis of charts, winds and overall weather reports from different sources, always trying to find the calmest and most exotic bays for the pleasure of the guests and a safety of the ship.

With his role-model leadership style that fosters trust and efficiency among team, high pedagogical skills of a proper teacher who sees the best in people, clockwork organization, surgical precision in ship docking, and attention to every detail – it is undeniable that relaxed, welcoming and hospitable atmosphere will be guaranteed on each and every single voyage with Perla gulet.

In a free time, when this captain is disembarked and not driving ship – he likes to run, swim, ride SUP. And most of all, he likes to read crime novels which keep his mind sharp and alert.

Chef: ALEKSANDAR PETROVSKI
Chef Aleksandar comes from Tetovo, a town in North Macedonia. In addition to upbringing, personal tendencies and goals, the roots of locality itself directed him to study to become a chef – because of the native culture that combines unique local vetch and rich meat.

This Alexander of Macedonia may not be “The Great” because of his conquests (like the famous namesake king), but he is certainly “great” due to his immeasurable versatility and resourcefulness in every kitchen.

Following the footsteps of his own profession – he took a leap of faith when he decided to become a “kogo” (ship chef) on gulet Perla during summer season 2023. He expanded and improved his knowledge of the Croatian language.

Eager for fresh experiences and changes, he adapted, improved and finally found himself in the role of chef of Mediterranean cuisine, but still with a few aces up his sleeve in terms of roasted meat and fried dishes from the pan. This summer he introduced a fair pinch of the Adriatic seasoning into his cooking, combining authentic ingredients, foods and flavours that can be found in coastal region (for an example salt, fish, prawns, seashells, etc.) with side dishes from the mainland (rice, beans, potatoes).

Upon his arrival on Perla, he wanted to challenge himself in different and unknown situations and expand his knowledge and skills, both culinary and seafaring (such as with ropes, anchoring, driving a dingy, etc.). Also, he singlehandedly enriched interpersonal relations within the crew – with his delightful character and witty appropriate humour.

Deckhand: MARKO MIKUŠ
Marko hails from the beautiful coastal town of Šibenik, located in the heart of Dalmatia, behind the unique St. Anton’s channel.

Marko is a carpenter who struggled to find permanent job. His raw talent and expertise hardwired to ship carpentry was discovered by the owner Dragan, saw his potential and above all appreciates hard work, effort, problem-solving and quality of performance.

He has been working for on board for past 7 years, ever since Dragan gave him a chance and took him under his wing as a deckhand on Perla gulet during summer seasons (where he’s regularly boarded as a crew member 3rd year in a row) and as a carpenter throughout rest of the year. From raw talent he soon developed polished and refined working methods and manners – needed for this positions.

In his free time he enjoys hobbies. He likes music, rock, dancing, ships, sailing, and above all “meeting exciting and dear people”. Motorcycle races and dancing training gave him the coordination and fine balance of movement for even the most challenging naval manoeuvres. Alongside with that, he is the vice president of the local motorcycle club.

Deckhand: KARLO GARMA
Born in Šibenik in 1990.

Karlo finished administrative high school and mastered political science in the University of Zagreb.

He previously worked 5 years with people with disabilities and children with special needs as an assistant and a head of NGO for inclusion.

Later on, he couldn’t find a job in his field of expertise so he took a path of becoming an auxiliary sailor on board Perla.

This is his second summer season onboard as a deckhand. Karlo grabs every opportunity in an attempt to improve his sailor and deck steward skills.

In his free time he enjoys hiking, writing, composing, painting, guitar playing, snorkelling, board games, etc. Likes outdoors, appreciates rare quality of silence and responsibility.