Keel laying ceremony
This month: meet Camille Deville, our participation in the 27th Paris Dive Show, the remarkable ironwood of WAOW 2 and the keel-laying ceremony.
Hello everyone,
We’re excited to bring you a fresh wave of news and stories this month. First of all, we’re delighted to introduce Camille Deville—the soul and driving force behind the creation of WAOW 2. We’re also proud to announce our participation in the 27th Paris Dive Show!
Then, you’ll discover more about the remarkable ironwood used to build WAOW 2, along with newly edited images from the keel-laying ceremony, where we walk you through each key moment. As a bonus, you can watch a short YouTube interview of Pak Haji by our beloved Wulan, exploring the symbols and meaning behind the event.
We close this newsletter with heartfelt memories collected over the years aboard WAOW—and an invitation for you to share your own with us.
Happy reading!
Camille Deville
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 to two months each year. Camille knew every corner, every hidden nook. 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.
Rendez-vous in Paris!
Camille, Julia, Reto and Lorine will meet you at the Paris Dive Show from January 8 to 11, 2026 to share memories and anecdotes about the book “La Légende du WAOW,” available at their booth, and of course, to tell you all about WAOW 2!
Parc des Expositions - Hall 4 - Porte de Versailles - 75015 Paris (France)
On September 18, 2025, the keel ceremony of WAOW 2 took place at the shipyard on Bira Beach, marking the official start of construction. The Songkobala ritual, rooted in Bugis tradition, is a sacred act of blessing and purification meant to prevent misfortune, express gratitude, and unite the community through shared prayers and food.
Find us on Instagram and watch our reel about the keel laying ceremony
The master builder (panrita lopi), priest (sanro or ustad), ship owners, architects, workers, and families gathered around the keel, surrounded by colorful offerings.
According to Pak Haji Wahab, our panrita lopi, “We choose a day with high tide so that fortune may flow to the ship. The coconut and banana symbolize blessings from above, while rice and sweet black rice pudding represent prosperity and sweetness of heart.”
During the ritual, Pak Haji makes a notch in the wood in three places: at the rudderstock, bow, and center, while reciting prayers.
This act, mallibu posiq (“to fasten the navel”), symbolises the beginning of life and the true start of construction.
Workers taste a piece of wood, symbolically partaking in the ship’s life and prosperity.
A rooster and hen together represent fertility and continuity; a few drops of their blood are placed in the notches to ensure safety for the workers.
Prayers for calm seas, long life, and safe voyages are made around a bowl of water stirred with a branch of “Daun si dingin dingin” – believed to calm both human emotions and the surrounding spirits. This water is then sprinkled on the keel, purifying and protecting the ship and all who will sail her.
Afterwards, everyone shares a communal feast — rice dishes, meat, traditional cakes like “klepon” and “wajik wajik” — sweet foods meant to bring happiness and good fortune.
Finally, two pieces of gold are hidden inside the keel by Pak Haji, a traditional gift for protection and prosperity.
From this moment, the keel is no longer just wood — it is considered a living being, blessed and welcomed into the community’s spiritual world.
Long life to WAOW 2!
Pak Haji’s interview
Do you want to know more about the keel laying ceremony?
Pak Haji answers Wulan's questions about the meaning and symbols present at the keel laying ceremony that took place on September 18th 2025 in Bira.
WAOW 2 & her wood
For centuries, ulin—Indonesia’s legendary ironwood—has been the heart of traditional boatbuilding, especially for the majestic Phinisi ships. Dense, strong, and nearly indestructible, this wood can withstand decades of waves, rain, and salt without losing its form. Its tight grain and natural oils make it grow stronger underwater — a gift only nature could design — while protecting it from decay, fungi, and even marine borers. Its remarkable stability keeps vessels watertight through heat, storms, and time itself.
The finest ulin comes from Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi, where mineral-rich soils give the wood its deep color, dense structure, and exceptional durability. That is why master builders rely on it for a Phinisi’s keel — the ship’s living spine — and why, on our vessel, almost everything, from planks and ribs to the inner framework and superstructure, is shaped from it.
Working with ironwood is no simple task, yet Indonesian craftsmen shape it with a mastery passed down through generations. Each Phinisi they build embodies harmony between hand and wood.
WAOW over the years
Time for flowers and nostalgia!
This month, we’re taking you down memory lane and share some of the kindest testimonials we’ve received over the years on WAOW!
Everything about this boat is WAOW!! The diving facilities on board are excellent and very convenient! The crew is fantastic! Thank you for this wonderful experience!
Anoush – FR, Raja Ampat, January 2018
The entire experience on WAOW was exceptional in every way. All crew were so friendly, welcoming and helpful. I really felt at home and can’t wait to come back to explore new itineraries.
Ann – UK, Komodo, May 2017
Our expectations were for sure exceeded onboard WAOW. It all went like a well oiled machine with top service all the way. Exceptional boat, crew and food! Everyone makes their job to welcome and serve us. We love this boat!
Rosann & Larry – USA, Komodo & Alor, July 2016
Absolutely, bar none, the best live-aboard scuba diving experience ever! The opulence and luxury of this dive operation are beyond any expectation I had prior to arriving. The staff are courteous and professional without being intrusive. The dive guides keep you out of harms way whilst still affording you the best vantage point for that award-winning shot of the wide-angle or macro aquatic beauty! 10 out of 10 is not a high enough rating. Thank you Waow!! See you again soon!
Henry – USA, Komodo, July 2015
Have you been sailing with WAOW?
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to send us a message sharing your best memories.
This is the nicest boat with the best crew and management that I have been on. The food is outstanding, the crew helpful, always cheerful and always ready to make your experience great!
Claudia – CH, Halmahera, March 2014
Crazy good times on WAOW - nice people and very professional! Just Magic! We will come back!!
Doris & Thierry – CH, Banda Sea, October 2013
Exceeded my expectations at every turn. Cruise seems like you’ve been doing this for years and years with commitment and attention to every detail. Many behind the scenes things were done to create a one-of-a-kind experience, anticipating all the want and need. Well done!
Kellylynn – USA, Raja Ampat, December 2012
Photo credits: Lorine Grandjean, Julia Deville, Camille Deville, Wulan Sane, Nicolas Barraqué