NAMASTE

CAPTAIN: Willem J.M. NIEUWELINK
Nationality: Dutch
Age: 39
Diploma: RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, MCA Commercially endorsed. PADI Dive Master
Language spoken: Dutch & English

Captain Willem hails from a small canal town in Holland where his family kept their sailboat tied to the dock at their home and has lived for sailing since he was a young boy. Later as a teenager Willem taught sailing in Greece, Mallorca and England as well as competed in dinghy racing on an international level where he collected multiple awards. As a fully qualified RYA Yacht Master Offshore, Captain Willem has an extensive list of credentials as a skipper with his well-rounded career in both the Charter & Private yacht industry.

Willem joins us from his last position which he held with the same owner & yacht for ten years. He oversaw the build of the vessel and eventually completed a circumnavigation while maintaining the owners request for the yacht to be kept up to 5-star standards. He has cultivated an extensive list of global networks which ensure exclusive connectivity no matter where Namaste ventures.

Willem is at his happiest when guests are perched happily in one of the many comfortable areas on deck while the boat sails effortlessly into the sunset. His calm nature and giddy knowledge of almost all types of yachts will elicit a true sense of happiness while onboard.

An outstanding sportsman on the water Willem looks forward to taking you waterskiing and wakeboarding or exploring the treasures under the sea as he is a certified PADI Dive Master.

Captain Willem is looking forward to this new adventure and with his natural humor and easy-going nature you are assured an unforgettable time. Willem creates specialized itineraries for each guest and will make you feel at ease afloat as he safely steers you to unique & exciting destinations on Yacht Namaste.


CHEF: Howard FOSS
Nationality: American
STCW 2010 and Eng1
Advanced Patisserie – Mixologist/Barrister – Silver Service
Cordon Bleu Grande Diploma
Languages: English

Foss is an adventurous, out-of-the-box thinking, natural-minded chef who loves to incorporate his surroundings, culture, and atmosphere into his dishes. He was brought up in the hospitality industry and he was always surrounded by a variety of people and cultures. His pursuit of culinary excellence led him to start his own private cheffing company, which he successfully sold to pursue his dreams on a global scale, through yachting. Using his classical French training as his base, he strives to achieve an immersive culinary experience that is educational, emotional, and mindful of guests’ health requirements.

“The key is in the detail,” says Chef Foss. Foss prides himself on staying two steps ahead and providing a flawless performance. Creating culinary experiences that are personal and thoughtful is just one way he makes luxury travel even more delightful for the elite traveler.

Above all else, Foss is an outdoorsman through and through. He grew up fishing, water-skiing, and so much more, which gave him a love for what the world offers if you take a chance. His yachting career has taken him on incredible adventures and all he wishes is to share our incredible world with guests on Namaste.


STEWARDESS: Alexis VERRUTO (Lexi)
Nationality: American
STCW95 - NG1
GE Major nursing – Certified SkyAngel Academy
Languages: English

Alexis is an intelligent, poised, and discreet yacht stewardess. She started her yachting career by sailing to Bermuda, and she knew immediately that this was the industry for her. Previously, she was the lead flight attendant with a corporate jet firm, and she has extensive VIP hospitality and exclusive customer service experience. She has a friendly, welcoming, and kind demeanor. Paying strict attention to guest needs, she takes pride in ensuring guests not only have an enjoyable trip but also have an entire experience of luxury at sea.

From sky to sea, she has traveled all over the world and most recently spent a season in Costa Rica. She takes delight in going the extra mile for her guests, spending most of her free time in destinations sourcing local produce, flowers, activities, and any extra items that may pertain to guests’ profiles. Alexis loves living an active and healthy lifestyle and will gladly help incorporate that into your Namaste experience.

Just like Namaste, Alexis is an explorer of the world. She is warm, friendly, and eager to explore the open ocean with you while ensuring that every experience is one to remember.


FIRST MATE: Joey COMPTON
Nationality: British
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
Languages: English,

Joey got his start in yachting over 10 years ago, tempted into sailing off the docks of a popular Caribbean destination, Antigua, where he was born and still calls home.
With dual-citizenship and having spent most of his adolescence in his other home, New Zealand, Joey has that Kiwi-charm that always keeps those around him in good spirits.

Since his first Atlantic crossing many years ago, he has logged over 65,000 sea miles and sailed in many of the most scenic ports of the Mediterranean, Caribbean and East Coast USA.

Joey holds a RYA Yachtmaster Ocean ticket as well as a host of other yachting certificates.
Between perfecting sail trim, ensuring a fun and safe water sports experience, and keeping things running smoothly in the engine room, Joey always maintains a very hand on approach.
He is a true team player and takes pride in great service and seeing that guests are always happy when onboard.