On the Wind Sailing Dan & Kika // Sailing Uma Exclusive
Sep 9, 2025
Dan Deckard, an architect and content creator, joins forces with sailing partner Kika to share tales from their adventures aboard Uma. They dive into their chaotic experiences with botched visas and airport jails while highlighting the hurdles of rebuilding their boat. The duo recounts humorous moments living in a shipping container, moving from Haiti’s rich history to navigating the challenges of the marine industry. With a blend of resilience, humor, and candid reflections, they discuss pushing through obstacles in their quest for freedom on the open seas.
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Get A Seafarer's Book For Port Access
- Get an STCW seafarer's book if you work on yachts because it gives legal standing as crew and eases port formalities.
- Use yacht agents to clear ports: they act like high-end concierges and can save time and stress.
Escorted Flight And Last-Minute Reunion
- After four days Kika was escorted onto a flight under police watch with her passport sealed in an envelope and later rerouted to the UK.
- Dan coordinated from Italy, bought last-minute tickets and they reunited mid-flight before re-entering Europe.
Almost Abandoned Uma For A Canadian Boat
- Kika flew to Canada while Dan stayed in Italy to manage the marina, apartment and refit logistics after the visa stalemate.
- In Canada they seriously considered buying a different boat and even made an offer while waiting for Kika's visa.