Chef Niki Smith: Excellence in Culinary Arts and Environmental Stewardship Aboard Mischievous

Chef Niki May Smith is a chef aboard the sailing yacht Mischievous and has recently been nominated for the ACREW 2025 Best Environmental & Sustainability Crew Award.  

With nine years of experience as a yacht chef, Niki has sailed in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, “I love creating gourmet meals using fresh, local ingredients,” she shares, “and over the years, I have developed a deep passion for sustainability in the marine environment.” She designs her menus around the flavors of each destination and her guests’ preferences, with a focus on environmentally friendly practices.

Last year, Chef Niki sailed across the Pacific Ocean, with stops that included the Galapagos Islands. “As a dedicated advocate for ocean conservation, I actively participated in beach clean-up efforts with the rest of the yacht’s crew in the San Blas Islands, removing trash and plastic to preserve the natural beauty of these cherished locations,” Niki says. She continues to set an example through direct action and teamwork.

Setting a New Standard in Sustainable Yachting

Aboard Mischievous, Niki and her crew focus on reducing plastic waste by using water from the yacht’s water maker and providing reusable water bottles to guests. “We try to use exclusively ocean-friendly products and encourage guests to opt for reef-safe sunscreen, ensuring their enjoyment of the ocean does not come at its expense,” she explains.

Looking ahead, Niki says, “I’m always seeking innovative ways to minimize waste. Moving forward, I would be keen to establish a yacht and crew environmental incentive plan aimed at promoting sustainable practices across the industry, reducing plastic use, and caring for our oceans.”
Chef Niki Smith’s nomination for the 2025 Best Environmental & Sustainability Crew Award highlights her impact on both her guests and the environment. Through her approach to cooking, she demonstrates the difference one person can make in protecting the places where she works and lives.

Experience Chef Niki's Cuisine Aboard Mischievous

If you’d like to experience Chef Niki’s cuisine and the warm hospitality of the Mischievous crew, the 80-foot sailing catamaran is available for private charters in the Caribbean. Guests can look forward to thoughtfully crafted menus, stunning destinations, and a welcoming onboard atmosphere. To learn more about chartering Mischievous or to start planning your own sailing adventure, visit www.yachtmischievous.com.