ACI Marina Korčula has been named the best Croatian marina in 2025 in the Boating Patrol Golden Anchor selection, while Ivica Škec, former director of ACI Marina Opatija in Ičići, has received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Boating Patrol has been organising the annual selection of the best Croatian marinas for nine years, with boaters evaluating service quality, comfort, staff friendliness and professionalism, marina appearance, culinary offer, and sports and recreational facilities. Since 2023, voting has taken place through an online platform, allowing marinas to remain in the selection process throughout the year.
ACI Marina Korčula recognised for service and infrastructure upgrades
ACI Marina Korčula received the Golden Anchor, the highest award based on votes from boaters themselves. The marina was recognised for improved infrastructure and investments in service quality.
After a thorough renovation and reconstruction of the breakwater, the marina was equipped with new electricity and water supply infrastructure and a hydrant network. The breakwater works also improved its operational efficiency and visual identity.
“ACI Marina Korčula is one of the gems in our marina network and we are proud that its quality has been recognised by those to whom our service is primarily intended for – our guests,” said Marko Skokandić, director of ACI Marina Korčula.
Boaters’ ratings also confirmed the quality of service provided by the marina’s employees, particularly their skills, friendliness and willingness to assist with berthing.
Ivica Škec honoured for more than five decades in tourism and boating
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises more than 50 years of work in the tourism and boating industry, as well as Škec’s contribution to the development of Croatian nautical tourism. During his career, he held several positions in tourism, hospitality and boating, leaving a lasting mark on ACI Marina Opatija in Ičići, which he managed successfully for a long period.
Škec began his career as a boy in Lovran, helping guests find private accommodation. After working in hospitality, he continued in the boating sector as a reception manager and director of several marinas in the Istria and Kvarner region.
ACI Marina Opatija in Ičići, which he managed until retirement, held a special place in his career. His contribution went beyond marina management, including participation in the creation of a monograph on the founding of ACI, one of the key documents recording the early history and original organisational structure of the ACI marina chain.
The Boating Patrol said the award was presented as a sign of gratitude and respect for Škec’s many years of service, his efforts and his influence on the development of Croatian tourism and the boating industry.
To mark his retirement, Škec gave an in-depth interview to the PodUčkon.net portal, reflecting on more than four decades in tourism and boating, the development of ACI, changes in tourism and the experience he gained throughout his career.
The full interview in Croatian is available here: “Turizam su ljudi, a najveća nagrada je zadovoljan gost”.
Source/Photo: Aci Marinas
