Nikaia

Amazing experience with amazing Debbi

I have just spent one week crewing with Debbi at Nikaia and it was an amazing experience. Even though I had no sailing experience, Debbi took me onboard her home and I couldn’t felt more welcomed, she taught me so much in so little time, she’s a total rock star, with loads of patience and always ready for adventure. I really enjoyed the trip around the Tuscans islands, learn so much about sailing, cooking, and we had the greatest sunsets on deck sharing loads of life experiences. I wouldn’t doubt for one second to go and join her again anytime. Thanks a million Debbi, I loved every second we shared together!

29th Jul 2021

Highly recommend sailing experience

Crewing with Debbi was my first trip through Crewbay and exceeded all of my expectations! I had zero sailing experience but Debbi was kind enough to take me on board anyways, as I brought the right motivation and was keen to learn. She’s a great teacher with lots of patience and takes her time to explain everything needed. Debbi lives full time on her boat so I felt very fortunate and grateful that she took me into her home and made me feel welcome at all times. From sailing along the picturesque coast of southern France to anchoring in beautiful Calanques along the way and cooking delicious dinners while sharing stories from our lives, I quickly realized I’m not only having an absolutely amazing trip but i’m also gaining a new friend I can keep sharing my sailing adventures with. Not to forget all the turning heads we got as two female sailors “alone” on a 36ft sailing boat - absolutely priceless!

30th Jul 2020

Went for a week, stayed for a month

I’ve been crew and piloted our family boat and thought I knew a thing or two until I met Debbi. I went back to rookie level, man did I learn so much from her and enjoyed learning from her experience. During the first week, she taught me the ins and outs of Nikaia, from the avalanche cupboard to raising, lowering, and storing sails. It felt very natural with her, we were in flow after that week, our daily routine was synchronized from enjoying our coffee&tea in the morning to siestas in the late afternoon. Enjoying sundowners with her cocktails and snacks then me cooking her dinners under the stars. Nikaia is solid, from her sleek teak decks, comfy galley and lounge. I am used to cruising in large motor yachts and Nikaia was just as comfy and cozy. Could have easily spent more months were it not me having to go back to work. Sailing Nikaia was the experience I was searching for, as I took the helm she took me for a ride a couple of times and I experience what sailing is about, hard going back to motor yachts. And Finally, none of this would have been as great as I describe had it not been for Debbi, she was warm, caring, and fun to be around. I felt as I knew her for a lot longer then I did and look forward to sailing with her again.

10th Apr 2020

Great week on Nikaia

I had a great week with Debbi. Her boat is immaculate and very comfortable whilst sailing and living aboard - lots of beautiful teak below deck. I had the aft cabin to myself. She’s a very capable skipper, can sail Nikaia single handed, but is looking for crew ultimately to join her as she circumnavigates. She was extremely patient with me as I’m just returning to sailing after 30 years ashore. She explained everything clearly from safety equipment/procedures and weather patterns to how to install a frig/toilet/solar panels! She was thoughtful and found great places to swim and anchor away from the madding crowd even in the height of summer.

21st Feb 2020