In this new online series, BOAT talks with crew members quarantined on board as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Here, we chat with deckhand Nikita Burckard and stewardess Gabriela Enica on board the 59 metre Benetti superyacht Iman.
Where is the boat?
The boat is placed in Palma de Mallorca, Spain in Club de Mar.
Are you allowed off the yacht or are you quarantined on board?
We are quarantined on board.
How has the virus outbreak impacted your life on board?
Nikita: It has forced me to slow down and reflect on what’s important - right now that is health and wellbeing for myself and those around me. I have noticed I’ve also taken more time to do the things I love that I wouldn’t normally have the energy or time for.
Gabriela: In the beginning, I felt like someone took my freedom. But now I’m thinking about it in a good way because now we have time to focus on ourselves, to find things that we enjoy and to be in the present.
How are you keeping busy?
Nikita: Besides our normal working hours, I have been filling my time with reading and yoga.
Gabriela: Out of working hours (which is keeping me busy) I like to fill my time doing fitness, reading a good book and other activities with the crew like movie night, ping pong or yoga.
How are you keeping fit?
Nikita: Almost every weekday at 6am, myself and my partner workout in the tender garage where we’ve created a workout station. Some days as a crew we fill an hour with an activity. As a yoga instructor I can teach classes.
Gabriela: We are happy to have gym equipment on board and I am using it a few times per week. We are very happy to have Nikita, who is a yoga instructor, to teach us interesting things.
How is morale on board?
Nikita & Gabriela: We are trying to keep each other’s spirits up, working together to create a good atmosphere and keep smiling.
How are you sourcing provisions?
Nikita & Gabriela: We feel privileged because we have access to deliveries which means we don’t have to leave the boat.
What measures has the captain or owner introduced on board to minimise the risk of the virus?
Nikita & Gabriela: We have hand sanitisers throughout the boat. At the entrance, we have gloves, shoe covers and masks. Meetings take place with the captain every morning and we always remind each other to make hygiene our top priority.
Any tips for crew in a similar situation?
Nikita: Self isolation is taking care of yourself and everyone around you. Don’t think of it as being restricted from the outside world. Take this time for yourself to do all the things you feel you have never had the time to do. Keep busy in creative ways but also remember to give your body and mind a break. We may not have control on the outside, but we do in ourselves so let us keep our minds and body healthy and happy.
Gabriela: Keep your thoughts positive, look after each other, find interesting activities that involve every member of the crew and make sure you are going out for fresh air and sunshine.
The Crew Network, the dedicated crewing division of Fraser, introduced the yacht.