Yacht Details

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.

ROTATIONAL RELIEF CAPTAIN: Will MORGAN
Nationality: English
Diploma: STCW95 / RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean sail commercially endorsed.
MCA -AEC. /OMT Advanced marine mechanics
RYA Safety boat / SSI Open water diver
Language spoken: English

While growing up on the southwest coast of England, sailing and adventure sports were Namaste Captain Will Morgan’s primary focus.
As a young adult, Will owned and maintained small sailboats and powerboats, which he used for frequent coastal cruising and racing.

In 2009, Will began his professional sailing career delivering yachts to the Caribbean. Following the trade winds west, he completed a three-year circumnavigation under sail and set his sights on adventure sailing.

Will has spent the past decade exploring remote parts of the world as a captain.
He specializes in adventure cruising and water sports itineraries, and he is always on the lookout for new hidden gems to share with Namaste’s guests.


CHEF – Samuel R.C.WELLAND
Nationality: Canadian
STCW 95 - Security Awareness for Seafarers Powerboat level 2
Culinary Management Diploma
Marine Medical Certificate
Food Hygiene level 2
Languages: English, Spanish, French (conversational)

Culinarily trained in college, I spent years in the restaurant industry around Canada.
Later as a private chef in a Costa Rican beach town, I developed a tropical-gourmet style with Latino and south East Asian inspirations, and a health-forward focus.
I had become more interested in working abroad.
Yachting was recommended and seemed like a strong direction. I was compelled to wrap up my knives and head out to sea. It’s been more than five years, and an amazing set of experiences in places that I can't imagine I might have ever visited if not for yachting.
My craft has evolved in the Mediterranean, Caribbean islands, Latin America and Canada!s Pacific coast. Every locality provides different inspiration. My passion for sourcing regional products and creating fresh and fantastic world dishes continues to propel my work.
I have in recent years switched to a freelance career and continue to enjoy the varied opportunities.


STEWARDESS: Courtney ROUX
Nationality: South African
STCW & PDSD / Powerboat2 / B1B2
Food Hyginee & Safety 2
Languages: English

Courtney grew up in a small coastal town in South Africa, where her love for nature began at an early age. Her diverse professional background includes not only yacht experience, but also hospitality, lodge management, and working on a small organic farm.
Over her five years in the yachting industry, Courtney has cruised Cȏte dʹAzur, Italy, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the East Coast of the United States. She has worked aboard yachts as M/Y Solaris, S/Y Corto Maltese, M/Y Tommy Belle.
One of Courtney’s greatest joys is meeting people and connecting with individuals from all walks of life. She lives the Kahlil Gibran quote, “Work is love made visible.” Hospitality runs in her blood, and her passion for her work is evident to all of Namaste’s guests. Her welcoming and adaptable personality, close attention to detail, creativity, and keen observation skills help everyone aboard feel relaxed and comfortable. She is also a skilled bartender who looks forward to complementing guests’ days with tasty cocktails served with a friendly smile.
In her free time, Courtney enjoys snorkeling, traveling, horseback riding, hiking, reading, cooking, soapmaking, and leatherworking.


FIRST MATE: Glenn WARD
Nationality: English
MCA ENG1, MCA STCW 95
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance / VHF Operators licence
Dinghy/Keelboat/Multihull Instructor, Windsurf Instructor,
PADI Open Water Diver
Languages: english

Glenn began his career as a multi qualified watersports instructor pursuing his childhood love for windsurfing, kayaking and dinghy sailing.
After teaching at a high wind resort in Egypt he started working on yachts.
After many deliveries and charters on luxury yachts, he has thousands of miles under his belt.
Glenn is also a PADI Rescue Diver and loves exploring the reefs with photography equipment.
With a degree in media and his drone pilot’s license Glenn is always happy to help guests capture special moments during their time onboard Namaste.