Power Yacht Pura Vida

Nichola Gibson – Chief Stewardess

Nic, who grew up in the southeast of England, has been in the yachting industry since 2013. She was brought up around water and learned to love everything it has to offer from her early years. Her affinity for the ocean and keen interest in marine conservation led her to obtain a degree in Zoology from the University of Manchester. Wanting to focus her studies towards marine conservation and with a love for travel, Nic undertook a 6-month placement as a research assistant studying the dolphin population in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand – where she met Jordan – and which also provided her first opportunity to live and work on the water. After graduation, Nic stepped into the retail world – spending one year at a British chocolate company – before the opportunity came to join the yachting world. She began her career as a stewardess aboard a busy 130ft charter yacht, aboard which she and Jordan worked together for nearly four years. Having gained the valuable skills and the experience necessary to provide an exceptional service to guests, Nic and Jordan were presented with the opportunity to establish and run their own program onboard Pura Vida as a Chief Stewardess and Captain team. Delighted to welcome you onboard and show you all that Pura Vida and her crew have to offer, Nic will ensure your vacation is one to remember.

Emily Cabanas – Chef

Born to Cuban immigrant parents, Emily was born in Miami with a strong Cuban upbringing. The foods from her culture impact her style of cuisine and are a major influence in her dishes. Emily studied Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management at Johnson & Wales University, North Miami, with alumni including Emeril Lagasse and Michelle Bernstein. During her studies Emily realized she dreamed of becoming a private chef onboard a yacht and followed this dream a few years later. Seven years on, with private and charter yacht experience gained, Emily has expanded her knowledge and flair for culinary arts and loves to share her delicious, healthy meals with guests onboard. She can cater to any special dietary requirements like nut, gluten and lactose allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian menus and loves experimenting with new dishes. She has also traveled extensively which has helped her learn and hone her skills in a variety of cuisines and cooking methods.

In her spare time Emily enjoys following rugby, watersports, fishing, golfing and all things fitness.

Stefan Najbicz – Deck/Engineer

Stefan grew up in Pietermarizburg, South Africa where he spent a lot of time as a child by the water. He quickly developed a love for the ocean and and avid sense of adventure. This spurred him to take his first step towards yachting by completing his Day Skipper and Power boat courses in Cape Town. On completion of his courses, he joined a 42ft Leopard and embarked on an Atlantic crossing from Cape Town to Tortola, totaling 4,000 nautical miles. This led to his first official season in yachting onboard a 95ft Pershing in the Mediterranean in 2010. Since then, he has completed many seasons onboard heavily chartered yachts, gaining extensive experience in all areas and in particular, the Caribbean. Stefan’s loves being outdoors, camping, hiking, snorkeling and helping to promote a healthy environment. He has a fun and light-hearted personality and looks forward to bringing the good vibes to your vacation.