Mendula

Damir “Dado” Bečica began working on yachts as a deckhand in his teens and worked his way up through virtually every position. He became a captain in 2015, later owned vessels including M/S Lopar and M/S Dalmatia, and in 2024 purchased the prestige yacht Mendula to focus on yacht charter. As owner-captain he brings many years of experience and a strong commitment to high-level service.

Ana Bečica, born in Split in 1982, is the hostess aboard Mendula and spouse of the captain. She manages staff, food and accommodation, quality control and overall guest standards, effectively running the interior operations. She is described as the driving force behind the yacht’s hospitality.

Ivan Kulić was born in 1989 and spent ten years working in Germany after finishing high school. He later trained as a sailor and joined Captain Dado’s previous vessel as a deckhand, quickly advancing to the position of sailor due to his skill and hard work. He continues to serve as a key deck crew member on Mendula.

Zdenko Poljak, born in 1977, began his culinary career in Split working alongside notable Croatian chefs before transitioning to yachting about ten years ago. He worked on luxury cabin charters and superyachts before joining Mendula to lead the galley. He brings significant restaurant and yacht culinary experience to the guest experience.

Marin Poljak was born in Split in 2006 and trained in a well-known Split restaurant after finishing high school. He joined Mendula last year to work alongside his father, Chef Zdenko, and is noted for his talent, hard work and ambition as a rising culinary team member. He serves as the yacht’s sous chef.

Filip Mitrović was born in Belgrade in 1997 and began in the local restaurant scene as a barman before working as a waiter in notable Michelin-level restaurants. In 2021 he worked on Hvar and then discovered yachting, joining Captain Dado’s crew in 2023. He now serves as a waiter aboard Mendula, bringing fine-dining service experience.

Ivan Senjanin was born in Split in 2003 and started his career as a deckhand on the mega yacht Black Swan. After seasons with Captain Dado and two seasons on a large overseas cruise ship, he returned to join Mendula. He serves as deckhand, contributing youth and recent big-ship experience to the crew.