VELA

Hailing from East Java, one of the main seafaring areas of the archipelago, Captain Haswan has sailed the Indonesian waters for more than twenty years. Highly-experienced Captain Haswan oversees his navigation team composed of Chief Officer Mastur and Second Officer Hairul, together with a three-man engineering team and three deck crew, ensuring that our guests are in the best of hands. Despite her traditional bearing, S/Y Vela is a brand new build and is equipped with the latest navigational technologies and safety equipment. Cruise Director - Clive White Clive has been based in South-East Asia for more than 20 years, starting his career as an underwater videographer before becoming a dive instructor and a cruise director between Thailand and Burma. Clive gained first-hand experience of the Indonesian archipelago and its stunning cruising grounds when he joined Dunia Baru in 2018, where he worked for the next 5 years. During that time, Clive led a handful of research trips carrying marine surveys around Raja Ampat to study black coral, as well as a whale watching study with Conservation International around Alor. Activities Manager - Yoyok Hariawan Vela’s Head of Activities and PADI-certified diving instructor, Yoyok, has a wealth of experience training over three hundred individuals under PADI’s strict diving standards. Prior to joining Vela, Yoyok introduced beginner and advanced divers to the underwater marvels of Eastern Indonesia at Moyo Island’s Amanwana as well as S/Y Amandira and S/Y Amanikan for over twenty years. His professional yet relaxed style ensures that both new or experienced divers will enjoy their experience underwater to its fullest potential. Yoyok possesses outstanding knowledge of the hidden gems of Komodo, Raja Ampat and beyond, helping the guests take advantage of all Vela has to offer from land and water-based activities, such as trekking, water skiing or wakeboarding, paddle boarding and kayaks, to our two Yamaha powered jets skis (where permitted).

With over 40 years of experience, Chef Widi brings a deep passion for culinary excellence to Vela. Having worked at Aman Resorts for many years, both at Amanwana in Moyo Island and on board their phinisi, Amandira, his expertise spans a diverse range of cuisines and techniques. Born in Bali, Chef Widi has traveled extensively across Australia and South-East Asia, refining his skills and drawing inspiration from the rich flavors of the regions. His dedication to fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented dishes ensures that every meal on board Vela is a highlight of the journey. Head of F&B Service - Made Arta Swabawa Bawa, a graduate of the Bali Hospitality School, began his career at Akademi Bar, the experimental and hyper-local mixology bar of Potato Head’s Katamama hotel. He then developed his management skills at IHG Indigo Seminyak before becoming head bartender at Nirjhara, our sister resort. With his attention to detail, charisma and sense of humor, Bawa constantly delights our guests by refining and developing new cocktails using local fruits, herbs and spices, crafting creative tipples that showcase Indonesia’s heritage under a contemporary light. He is supported by Eka, his former partner at Nirjhara, and works closely with the front of the house crew to deliver the highest levels of bespoke service. Head of Housekeeping - Abdul Karim Our Head of Housekeeping Karim worked with Aman Resorts for 26 years, spending most of his working career at Amanwana in housekeeping and F&B service. Karim developed a keen eye for detail while at Aman, honing his service skills with one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands. Constantly eager to learn and grow, Karim passed his PADI divemaster certification in 2005, and began working with Aman’s two yachts, S/Y Amandira and S/Y Amanikan, taking beginner and experienced divers out on dives around the archipelago. As a certified divemaster, Karim now assists our Head of Activities when needed. With the support of our two skilled therapists and housekeepers, Dewi and Julia, Karim brings a deep knowledge of Indonesian culture and traditions, with a dedication of service like no other.