Luka Marie

Seeking crew/first mate positions, UK/Europe and ocean crossings.

Particularly interested in crossings to Madeira, Canaries and Azores, South America, west east Atlantic crossing, Indian Ocean or pacific crossing.

RYA day skipper with a VHF marine licence, Yachtmaster theory and 10,000+ nautical miles; coastal (south west England, France, Portugal, Spain, Sicily, Greece, turkey, Canaries, Tasmania, Thailand) and off shore crossings (English Channel, Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean, Atlantic (east west). References below.

I’m comfortable with and enjoy solo night watches, sail trimming and all other aspects of sailing. I have meteorological and navigational skills. I'm well travelled and independent. I have good sea legs and I’m calm pragmatic and level headed in challenging situations. I’m intelligent, able to hold the bigger picture whilst also having attention to detail. I’m hard working, hands on, pretty handy and keen to sail more.

When in the uk, I live a simple semi off grid life on a moorland farm in beautiful South Devon; this is balanced with simple living in the wilds of the south west Algarve, Portugal, where I hold residency. I’m otherwise quite nomadic and sail or travel as much as possible.

I'm a bodywork therapist, and qualified somatic yoga and mindfulness teacher, in private practice. Trained in first aid and CPR. Trained and knowledgeable in natural medicine and health care.

I love to have fun and have a passion for sailing and adventure. I’m resourceful. and capable. I’m a great cook and can do so while underway, (veggie/fish/low carb. No meat). A dancer, artist, crafts woman and rock climber. Long ago, I worked on engines (motorbike and car) and their maintenance. I can build structures and enjoy finding solutions to problems. I’m a bit of a jack of all trades really. I am relatively strong and fit. I’m courageous, I have stamina and I don’t get bored at sea.

I look and feel much younger than my years, I’m quite quirky. I love the ocean, enjoy sea kayaking and I’m a confidant swimmer. I enjoy a simple life. I enjoy being with people and I also enjoy solitude. I’m comfortable with myself, straightforward, open and honest.

I’m working towards my Yacht Master ticket and keen to keep on growing as a sailor. So. also seeking opportunities to skipper 2 x 60 mile passages. I’m otherwise available as crew or first mate.

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References:

Luka completed her Day Skipper Practical Sailing course with us in March 2022
During her time she showed great confidence in her approach to all aspects of the course, and has performed to an excellent standard to be awarded the “Day Skipper Sail” Practical Certificate
I am confident in her ability to perform her duties on any delivery.

David Masters
Principal
Portugal sail & power

Luka crewed for me on SY Bright Star for a day on my Beneteau 321, sailing from Dartmouth to Weymouth across Lyme Bay and around Portland Bill in a southerly Force 5, in September 2022. She was very capable both as a helm and as a crew, always thinking about how best to sail the boat, good communications and good company too. I'd be very happy to have her sail with me again.

William Brook-Hart
Hertfordshire. UK.

Luka joined me on my 'new to me' Etap 28. We sailed from Cattewater in Plymouth to Nos Mayo and back (via Rame Head/Cawsand)
Having never met each other, Luka was good to communicate with prior to our trip and subsequently was a pleasure to sail with. We spent the day learning from each other, taking it in turns to 'Skipper'. Conditions were good with a fresh Easterly to navigate into on a fairly lumpy sea. Healing was fun as Luka's confidence enabled us to put my boat through waters I may not have negotiated on my own. Good tacking was required (and achieved) to get into Wembury Bay and the tricky entrance to the River Yealm. Our piloting skills were put to good use to round Misery Point an hour before low tide. Fore and (later) aft transit's were needed to guide us through 1.5m deep channel, not for the feint hearted with the stiff easterly testing the Etap's broad beam.
Following lunch on a mooring at Noss (allowing tide to go out and come in again over our exit bar), we set sail to run downwind towards Rame Head. Conditions were good through the day and Luka ensured our sail trim was kept in good shape as the Easterly subsided as the afternoon wore on.
A great days sailing with Luka culminated with us motoring back to my trot at Cattewater, where our good communication and close quarter skills made for a quick and simple mooring.
26.6NM, average 4kts in 20kts+ of mostly Easterly winds (7kts top speed record for my pocket cruiser)
I'd happily sail with Luka again, not only was she competent and experienced, Luka was great fun to be sailing with.

Andy Deighton
'Darcy' Etap 28 owner
Plymouth, UK

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