Francesco and Nika

The Kokamo team, can’t wait to welcome you to the BVI

Set sail with Captain Francesco and Chef Nika on an unforgettable vacation that will leave you refreshed, with bellies full of good food and hearts full of fond memories.

Francesco has got a solid maritime background with over 15,000 nautical miles under his belt, covering deliveries, private, and charter vessels. This includes navigating through diverse routes such as the East River in New York, Gulf Stream, Corinth Channel, and two Atlantic crossings one of which during hurricane season, making his expertise span across diverse sailing environments. He also completed Charter seasons in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Beyond his sailing experience, Francesco holds two degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering achieved in Italy, with related work backgrounds gained in UK, which gave him a practical approach to problem-solving, adaptability, and a natural attitude to tackle challenges. He is a resourceful and determined individual who thrives in both life and work environments, demonstrating a commitment to seeing tasks through to completion.

On a personal note, he is a relaxed and spiritual individual who values diversity, making him adept at getting along with a variety of people and adapting to different situations, also thanks to his extensive past as a backpacker. As a free-spirited and adventurous person, Francesco approaches life with intellectual curiosity, always eager to learn about different lifestyles and cultures.

Francesco always goes above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable charter experience to his guests by placing their needs and wishes at the top priority. He thrives in planning itineraries and tailoring them on guest’s preferences always providing safe and comfortable passages. Furthermore, he believes that passions need to be shared therefore he loves sharing his passion for sailing by involving the interested guests to take the helm or learn about other aspects of the life at sea.

Nika’s sailing experience started at a young age, when she was helping in a small family charter company. After work she would enjoy time on the water with her friends. They often went sailing and enjoyed practising water sports. Nika’s hospitality knowledge started when she finished Tourism school and started working in different hotels, restaurants, bars and catering events.

After finishing her degree in Tourism, she decided to study Geography and to travel as much as possible. She started discovering the world, meeting new people, different nationalities, habits, ways of thinking or eating. She began exploring new flavours of food and she loved sharing it with her friends. While growing up next to the Adriatic Sea she had a lot of Mediterranean influences on the plate which remains a strong base of her cooking. Although, she loves to spice it up with local flavours.

As a guest you will be able to enjoy a variety of meals and find all your special wishes and diets accommodated. Love goes through the stomach! Nika’s passion is see that sparkle in the eyes of her guests, a smile on their faces and to make the perfect vacation for her guests. She loves exotic combinations, as well as traditional home-made comfort meals. All cooked with fresh local ingredients to make her guests sunset dinners even more magical.

Having spent a lot of fun time on the water, Nika likes sharing knowledge and fun with the guests! Teaching ropes and sailing, going diving or having fun doing water sports. She likes to create a memorable and unique experience for her guests.

*If unforeseen circumstances prevent this crew from hosting your charter, another competent crew will substitute.

CAPTAIN

Francesco

Languages

Native Neapolitan
Native Italian
Fluent English
Advanced Spanish
Intermediate French
Basic Slovenian

Experiences / Qualifications

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail 200gt Commercially Endorsed
RYA ICC
RYA PPR
RYA SCR VHF
STCW First Aid
STCW Personal Survival Techniques
STCW Security Awareness
STCW PSSR
STCW Fire Fighting
Equivalent ENG1 Medical certificate
Over 15000Nm sailed
2 Atlantic Crossings
Bachelor & Master degrees in Civil Engineering

Areas Traveled

Albania, Armenia, Azores, Belgium, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Corsica, Croatia, Cuba, Culebra, England, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Martinique, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Saint Martin, San Marino, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Tenerife, Tunisia, Turkey, US East Coast, US Virgin Islands, Wales

Interests
Sailing, People, Music, Travelling, Flying Drone, Nature, Swimming, Water Sports, Yoga, Hiking, Climbing, Camping, Drums, Learning, Cinema, Spirituality, Cooking

CHEF

Nika

Languages

Native Slovenian
Fluent English
Fluent Italian
Basic Spanish
Basic Serbo-Croatian

Experiences / Qualifications

STCW
ENG1 medical
Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2
Slovenian Skipper License

Areas Traveled

Italy, Croatia, Bosna Hercegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Norway, UK, Netherlands, France, Portugal & Azores, Spain & Canary Islands, Morocco, Cape Verde, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, BVI, USVI, Culebra (Puerto Rico), Dominican Republic, USA East & West Coast and Bali

Interests
Travelling & Hiking Passionate
Local Food & Cooking Explorer
Sailing & Ocean Enthusiast
Wakeboarding & Surfing Adventurer
Animal & Nature Lover