The Journal · 1 August 2026

At the heart of the WAOW 2 adventure

Bow of the WAOW with its name painted on the dark hull, seen from below against a blue sky

This month, we take you behind the scenes to meet the craftsmen who are bringing WAOW 2 to life. We’ll also look back at our July visit to the shipyard, where construction is progressing well. Meanwhile, in Nyon, photographs and videos tell the story of this remarkable human and maritime adventure. An exhibition not to be missed, running until 30th of August.

And because WAOW 2 is also being shaped by the people we meet along the way, we look forward to seeing you at InterDive in September, where we can continue sharing this adventure with you.

Enjoy the read!

The craftsmen of WAOW 2

Before WAOW 2 takes to the sea, hundreds of hours of hard work are being poured into the project behind the scenes. Meet the team making this dream possible: Haji’s team. Skilled hands, guided by shared knowledge and a craft passed down through generations of Indonesian artisans.

Haji Wahab, Rahmat, Heruddin, Amirrudin, Bair, Asri, Bulla, Bahyu, Sandi, Rendi, Antho, Bulleng, Ukka, Umang, Zainal, Dayat, Erman, Erman

Portraits of the eighteen craftsmen of Haji Wahab's team at the Bira shipyard, with their names

Part of the shipyard team holding a red and white Bulukumba banner inside the shipyard on Indonesian Independence Day

Part of our team on 17th of August 2026, celebrating the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence.

For us, it is especially meaningful to mark this day here, surrounded by the people who are bringing WAOW 2 to life.

WAOW 2 is being built in Indonesia, by Indonesian hands, drawing on generations of knowledge, craftsmanship and maritime tradition. It is both a privilege and a tremendous source of pride to see her take shape in Bira, in the country whose waters she will one day sail.

To our shipyard team and to all our friends across the archipelago:

Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan Indonesia!

With pride, gratitude and respect.

Latest news from the shipyard

Another milestone reached for WAOW 2.

Over the past few weeks, the railing has taken shape around the main deck, adding a new line to the ship’s steadily emerging silhouette.

The new railing along the main deck of WAOW 2

Close-up of a joint in the wooden railing on the main deck

A craftsman walking along the main deck beside the new railing

However, much of the work currently underway is less visible.

Tape measures are out, plans are spread open, and discussions are in full swing. Together with the architect, the shipbuilders and their teams, we are measuring, checking and planning every corner of the main and lower decks.

Where will each space begin and end? How will people move around on board? Where will the equipment, technical installations and furniture be located?

Team members gathered around a laptop on the deck to review plans

Craftsmen measuring and marking timber on the deck

Black-and-white photo of a man holding out a tape measure on deck

Shipbuilders and team members discussing plans sitting on the deck

A man crouching to measure a curved wooden section

Black-and-white close-up of a curved wooden section filled with sawdust

At this stage, every centimetre counts. The decisions made today will shape how WAOW 2 functions, feels and flows for many years to come.

At the crossroads of traditional shipbuilding and modern design, plans and reality constantly meet — and sometimes need to be adjusted to one another.

Little by little, the empty spaces inside the hull are becoming rooms, passageways and working areas.

Black-and-white photo of a craftsman working by lamplight inside the hull

Black-and-white photo of three men discussing inside the hull

Black-and-white photo of team members checking measurements inside the hull

Black-and-white photo of a man holding plans, standing among the frames inside the hull

Black-and-white photo of a man in a cap measuring a frame inside the hull

Black-and-white photo of three men reviewing plans in the hull

Black-and-white photo of a man in a white cap kneeling inside the hull

In our thoughts, Indonesia

Following the earthquake that struck Indonesia on 15 August 2026, our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all the communities affected by this tragedy.

We send our heartfelt support to everyone going through this difficult time, in a country that means so much to us.

Exhibition

Meet WAOW 2 at InterDive

InterDive banner: diving and travel fair, 24–27 September 2026, Messe Friedrichshafen

WAOW 2, Camille and Fred will be at InterDive Friedrichshafen from 24 to 27 September 2026.

A great opportunity to meet us, chat about the project and discover the latest news from the shipyard.

If you’re around, come and say hello — we’ll be delighted to see you!

Photo credits: Lorine Grandjean, Reto Schlaepfer

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