Our Team

Camille grew up with WAOW, the great dream of her father, Michel. From WAOW's construction to her launch, Camille followed every step with wide-eyed wonder, seeing it all through a child’s eyes. 

Since her maiden voyage in 2012, she’s been lucky enough to come aboard WAOW for one or two months each year. Camille knew every corner, every hidden nook of her. Those memories are not just of unforgettable adventures, but of an immense feeling of freedom — sitting on the bow, aboard her boat in Indonesia. 

Once finished high school, driven by a passion for biology, Camille began studying biological engineering at EPFL. But after three years, she chose to put her studies on hold to focus on managing the many family enterprises. Working closely with her father, she’s been learning the ropes — of several trades, in fact — and mastering them with ease. 

Following seven years of a long conversation with Michel in the wake of the loss of WAOW, Camille finally convinced him to embark once again and to construct WAOW 2. Her most persuasive argument: her commitment to take over and be at the helm of this dream — now also truly hers.

Frédéric, Michel's son, discovered diving over thirty years ago in the Philippines. It was there that he even earned his rescue diver certification alongside his father. Since then, his passion has never waned. Over the years and through his travels—from the Philippines to Egypt, from the Maldives to Indonesia—he has nurtured this deep connection with the sea and the underwater world.

It was during his last trip to Indonesia, during long evenings spent talking with his sister Camille, that the idea of ​​reviving the WAOW adventure took root. This project is particularly close to his heart for several reasons.

First, the regret of never having had the chance to board the WAOW. Second, the desire to continue his father's work, as he has already done within the family business. Finally, the construction of the WAOW 2 is, for him, a way to overcome WAOW's bad luck by giving it a sequel, reviving a unique adventure, while paying tribute to the remarkable work accomplished by his father and the entire WAOW team.

We are so deeply proud and endlessly grateful to be building WAOW 2 together with the great Master Haji Wahab and his wonderful team. 

Haji Wahab is not only a true legend of Phinisi shipbuilding — the reference of his generation — but also, above all, the builder of our beloved and much-missed WAOW. 

Since then, Haji has become much more than a partner — he is a dear friend to Michel. 

Here’s how Michel once described their bond: 

“The most important thing is to start at the end — to say what he has become to me: a friend, a brother. Because of the language barrier, we have always spoken only through translators, or sometimes just a glance, a nod, a gesture. He doesn’t know my background, and I don’t know 90% of his. 

But our friendship runs deep, and our trust is absolute. We share the same values and understand each other without words. 

Haji speaks little and never raises his voice — not to his workers, not to anyone. He smiles, gestures, and everyone understands him. He inspires respect.” 

Only Haji Wahab and his incredible team could bring WAOW 2 to life. 

We couldn’t dream of better hands or bigger hearts to rebuild this dream.

Having met her at their dive center in Bali in 2007 , Michel was immediately won over by Wulan’s cheerfulness, efficiency, and natural ease with people. He recruited her on the spot and soon discovered an exceptional manager : courageous, meticulous, a sharp negotiator, and a remarkably fast learner. Honest and uncompromising, she tolerates no discrepancy. 

At the office, she oversees administration and human resources with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Beyond administrative work, her radiant smile and many talents at times reveal her as a yoga instructor, a tour guide, or an effortless entertainer. 

Deeply rooted in Balinese Hindu traditionnal life, Wulan also led the ceremonies on board, including the one honoring the Sea Gods after the WAOW fire, a powerful and emotional moment for all of us. 

Wulan was truly the guardian angel of WAOW, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome her back for the WAOW 2 adventure.