About the Author

Hi, I’m Nevena, the creator of Set Sail - a meal planning and provisioning guide for charter yacht and bareboat sailing vacations.

Over the past decade, I’ve spent more than 50 weeks sailing on charter yachts, learning firsthand how to plan meals, provision efficiently, and cook boat-friendly recipes for small groups of four to eight people. From the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to the Bahamas, Canada, and the South of France, I’ve navigated the unique challenges of cooking in a tiny galley while still creating simple, delicious meals that make life on the water more enjoyable.

As a working mom, I’ve always gravitated toward quick, easy, and healthy meals. After an unforgettable (and slightly chaotic) first charter yacht vacation, I quickly realized that thoughtful meal planning and provisioning were essential to making the most of a sailing trip. Over time, I refined a collection of tried-and-true sailboat-friendly recipes, learned what actually works in real charter conditions, and discovered how important adaptable meal plans are - especially when cooking for groups with different dietary preferences.

Photography plays an important role in Set Sail. I wanted to capture the beauty and relaxed rhythm of the Caribbean Sea and island life. Photographing every dish onboard came with its own set of challenges - the boat is always moving, the light constantly changes, the wind has a habit of stealing garnishes, and seagulls tend to appear the moment food is in sight! Still, every recipe in this book has been prepared and enjoyed on a boat, many times over.

What began as a personal mission to simplify charter yacht meal planning became Set Sail: a practical guide, designed to help you arrive prepared, provision with confidence, and enjoy stress-free meals on the water. Whether you’re new to bareboat charters or a seasoned sailor, my goal is to help you spend less time worrying about food and more time enjoying your sailing vacation.

When I’m not sailing or planning my next adventure, you’ll find me entertaining, spending time with my family, reading, or behind the camera. My husband and I call Tucson, AZ, home - until we set sail again!