How long have you been onboard HAPPY ME?
Boris: I have been onboard HAPPY ME since the very beginning in 2020, it is nice to know a boat so well.
Luka: I have been part of the HAPPY ME family since the very beginning, but I was introduced to the project during the construction and since then, I am proud to be sailing on HAPPY ME.
What is your background and experience?
Boris: I was originally a Captain on a Police boat for 20 years, and after that started working on superyachts, and now have over 20 years’ experience as a Captain in yachting.
Luka: HAPPY ME is my first maritime experience. Before that I studied Physiotherapy and the human body. I saw a benefit to knowing medicine given the challenges of maritime life and yachting. Once I had joined the HAPPY ME community, I decided to enrol in Maritime studies and to educate myself, so that I could continue to develop my skills and to help the team in everyday challenges.
How involved in the build of HAPPY ME were you?
Boris: I was lucky enough to be involved right from the very first idea as I have worked for the Owner for 10+ years. She is a brilliant charter yacht, and it was great seeing her finally come together.
In what regions are you set to charter next year?
Boris: Potentially Italy and Montenegro but Croatia is our home that we love to share with our guests.
Why is Croatia such a great place to charter?
Boris: In Croatia we are lucky enough to have unspoilt coastlines, with exceptionally clear water, and many beautiful bays and islands. These can also provide protection in any kind of weather.
Luka: The Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea is considered the cleanest sea in Europe. It has beautiful wide beaches, hidden sandy coves, and all around you’ll find untouched nature, flora and fauna, mountains, waterfalls and rocks. We have many beautiful sites such as the mesmerising Blue Cave, as well as historic cities with old architecture. Croatia offers everything from stunning scenery to national parks, traditional Mediterranean cuisine, and an active nightlife. Her climate allows several sunny periods and a favourable microclimate, which separates Croatia from other destinations, and that was certainly noticed by our guests, who are always happy to return.
Why is Italy a good place to charter?
Boris: Italy has so many beautiful coastal towns that guests can visit, as well as its stunning architecture, history and great shops and food. It has something for everyone.
Luka: Italy is also rich in culture and stands out with its’ beautiful architectural design, fashion sense and the taste of its’ excellent traditional cuisine. There are beautiful coves and a clear sea that will surely make everyone who decides to visit Italy very happy with their choice.
Why should charter clients choose Croatia over other Med destinations?
Boris: Croatia has an unspoilt beauty that is unique due to her untouched nature, the pristine clear water, and ancient towns with more than 1000 years of history.
Luka: Croatia still has untouched and intact nature; a crystal-clear sea and the absence of any dangerous fish species will guarantee you a carefree vacation. Her geography mean she has many protected areas from all kinds of winds. That combined with our / the crews knowledge of the coast and islands, is what defines Croatia and HAPPY ME as the number one choice in terms of destination and yachts in the Mediterranean. The ability to take care of and realize all your wishes in Croatia is guaranteed. The privacy and security offered by such a small country is incomparable to other countries.
What are your personal recommendations for the region?
Boris: It has so much, but guests usually favour the great snorkel spots, cruising routes, beaches, and they love all the sight-seeing activities too. The whole Dalmatian coast offers so much because we have more than 1000 islands so guests are spoilt for choice.
Luka: Depending on the wishes of the guests, and obviously the weather, we can do everything related to water and land sports. There is great food and wine, tours of the old city centres and visits to ancient fortresses along the entire Croatian coast and islands. Among the more popular that I would recommend are the Krka waterfalls in Skradin, Split, Trogir, Hvar island, Vis island, Lastovo island (national park), Biševo (the Blue Cave), Korčula, Mljet island (national park) Elafiti islands, the ancient city of Dubrovnik and Cavtat with its beaches. Whatever you agree on as your itinerary, you really can’t go wrong.
What type of charter is HAPPY ME best suited to?
Boris: She is so adaptable she is suited for everybody! Families, couples, friends, some that like swimming, some that like relaxing, some that like great restaurants – we can cater to everybody’s specific requests and we have experience with every type of guest.
Luka: Whether you want to party, relax with some quiet time with your family or enjoy an active sports holiday, HAPPY ME has everything you need. She can provide sports, entertainment, excellent food and drink and a professional, friendly crew who will ensure whatever you require on HAPPY ME is at your disposal, at any time.
How would you describe her design?
Boris: Her design is quirky with some Vietnamese inspiration, not boring, and every area has been well thought out so guests have multiple areas to relax, work out, play and have fun.
Luka: HAPPY ME has sharp but pleasant lines as a ship. Her carefully planned design and layout ensure the maximum use of space and comfort that our guests deserve. Inside she has selected colours and carefully planned materials, with a fusion of wood with marble stone, and detailing of the highest level of quality which leave the competition behind. HAPPY ME is not an ordinary charter boat, you will realize that as soon as you step on board.
In your opinion, why is she a great charter yacht?
Boris: HAPPY ME stands out because she is all about the guests, she can offer so much and still give them space to have their choice of holiday. It has been designed with the charterer in mind as the Owners are experienced charterers themselves – they knew what would work when they designed it!
Luka: HAPPY ME is the best choice for charter because it offers so many things that yachts of its size do not normally have; a top chef and five star food, drinks, smart sound system, disco with smoke machine and lasers, numerous places to sunbathe and relax, a heated jacuzzi, professional gyro billiards table, a Babyfoot table, pinball machine, gym equipment with treadmills, bicycles and weights, a massage room with adjustable heated table and two highly educated crew members, (for him and her), 2 Jetskis 300hp, eFoils, kayaks, paddleboards, 2 Seabobs, and snorkelling gear. Most importantly though, we can offer you the maximum privacy you’d require whilst being attended to by an experienced crew.
How is each area onboard mostly used during a charter and what are her most popular amenities?
Boris: Guests usually use different areas throughout the day and night , but they always congregate together on the upper deck usually. Here they can play and party with Babyfoot, billiards, pinball machine, and of course the party area with lasers, smoke machine, karaoke… families and friends have a lot of fun there.
Luka: HAPPY ME is very versatile and it depends on what you enjoy. Given that it is the highest point on HAPPY ME, the bar to the fore of the sundeck is often used for enjoying a coffee or cocktail whilst watching the stunning sunset or sunrises. The sundeck middle area is commonly used for eating throughout the day. Sundeck aft area has a sofa and sunbed area where you can relax and read, or exercise with the fitness equipment (treadmill, bicycles, weights). The upper deck is probably the most popular because of the heated jacuzzi and huge sunbath area with sofas and coffee tables. Behind this there is the interior space with a massage room, bar and a lounge with a huge flat screen TV ideal for movies. However, the upper deck aft area is where the most fun is. This is mostly used for late evening gatherings under the colourful lights. Down below on the main deck you find the beautiful saloon, like a piece of artwork, in which clients usually like to play all kind of board games, having a snack or even a meal together, and the heated floor will make sure you feel cosy at any time. To the aft of this is a central table that is mostly used for drinks in between swimming and sports activities. Also, the swim deck platform is the focus for those who want to play with the toys or just spend time in and near the sea.
What toys / services are the most popular onboard?
Boris: During the day everyone wants to play with the watertoys but at night they prefer to socialize and come together with billiards, pinball, games and Karaoke…
Luka: It would be close between those that want to sample the fine dining, and enjoying the great wine and cocktails, or relaxing in the Jacuzzi or have a massage onboard. For those more active they tend not to have favourites but want to try everything from working out, to all the water sports.