15 Years of Yacht IN: Navigating passion, precision and the Adriatic dream

Fifteen years ago, two men with a shared vision dropped anchor into an idea that would become a cornerstone of the Adriatic superyacht scene. Today, Yacht IN stands as one of the region’s most respected boutique yachting companies – a name synonymous with precision, discretion, and a deep-seated passion for life at sea.

But to understand Yacht IN is to understand the people behind it. Before founding the company in 2010, Slaven Knežević and Matija Zelić had already charted impressive courses through the yachting world. Slaven had mastered life at sea as a superyacht captain, while Matija had built a deep knowledge of yacht sales through years spent at world-renowned shipyards. Together, they turned their experience into something rare: a business that balances operational excellence with emotional intelligence – a business that listens before it sails.

From vision to legacy

The idea behind Yacht IN wasn’t simply to offer charter or sales. It was to offer something more elusive: trust in an industry driven by image, and service that goes deeper than luxury. From day one, their goal was simple but bold – to become the region’s leading full-service yachting company, guided not by trends but by values.

And it worked. One yacht became a fleet. Two founders became a team. A dream became a reputation. “Our mission was never about being the biggest,” says co-founder Slaven Knežević. “It was about being the most trusted. We wanted clients to feel like they had someone in their corner, someone who truly understands both the beauty and the complexity of the yachting world.”

Milestones

Yacht IN’s journey has not been one of linear growth, but of strategic evolution. The company set sail in 2010 with the founding partnership between Slaven and Matija, and within two years had secured one of its most significant alliances: becoming the appointed Sanlorenzo dealership and aftersales partner for the East Adriatic. By 2014, they had expanded their scope with the launch of Race & Regatta Management services for Wally yachts, while solidifying their exclusive Sanlorenzo Timeless aftersales role.

The year 2017 saw the introduction of Superyacht Financial Management, alongside the creation of a dedicated Charter Management Division – key steps that positioned Yacht IN as a holistic service provider. By 2019, they had successfully entered the superyacht charter market, managing their first vessel over 30 metres under Central Agency.

2020 marked a flurry of progress. Yacht IN became the Southeast European dealer for RIBCO, the high-performance luxury RIB brand, and joined MYBA Yachtfolio – a platform reserved for the industry's most reputable charter brokerages. That same year, they introduced ISM & ISPS compliance support, ensuring yacht owners and captains met international safety and security standards.

In 2021, Yacht IN took over the charter management of its first 45-metre yacht – a milestone that underscored their growing influence in the large yacht segment. By 2022, the company had extended its Central Agency charter fleet beyond Croatian waters, firmly anchoring itself in the wider Mediterranean market.

By 2024, Yacht IN had continued to reinforce its standing within the global yachting community, joining both CYBA and IYBA to affirm its ethical practices and professional credibility. That same year, it became a member of CROYA, the inaugural CROYA Charter Show, with Yacht IN contributing to the execution and success of the event which was a clear signal of its leadership in shaping the future of yachting in Croatia.

“From one vessel to a curated luxury fleet of over ten yachts, we’ve built lasting relationships with owners and loyal clients – and earned our place on the international yachting scene,” says Barbara Grgurević Škoda, Head of Charter Department.

The team 

Today, the Yacht IN team includes charter specialists, brokers, finance experts, and operations managers. Multilingual, knowledgeable, and passionate about the sea, the team handles every transaction with the calm confidence of seasoned professionals who haven’t lost their human touch.

Their combined experience is a competitive advantage – but it’s their approachability, discretion, and commitment to long-term relationships that set them apart.

Looking forward

As Yacht IN celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, it continues to do what it always has: focusing on the horizon. There are new markets to chart, new clients to impress, and new partnerships to build. But even as the brand evolves, its compass remains steady – guided by integrity, intelligence, and a profound love for the sea.

“We’re proud, but never complacent,” says Matija. “There’s still so much more to do. But if the past fifteen years have taught us anything, it’s that when you stay true to your values, good things follow.”