On board OCTAVE with Captain Emil

Few charter yachts can match the versatility, speed, and hospitality of OCTAVE. This sleek 36.5m (119.7ft) Sanlorenzo, built in 2018, is tailor-made for unforgettable journeys across South East Asia’s most breathtaking waters. Whether exploring the remote Anambas Islands or soaking up the sun in Phuket, however you like to charter, OCTAVE will deliver.

At the heart of OCTAVE’s success is her exceptional crew, led by Captain Emil whose passion for yachting and in-depth regional knowledge ensures guests enjoy a truly personalised voyage. We sat down with him to discover what makes OCTAVE special, from its welcoming crew to its high-speed cruising capabilities and thrilling water toys.

Meet the crew

Can you tell us about your background and how you came to captain OCTAVE?

'I joined the yachting industry in 2015, starting as a junior deckhand on a 60m superyacht. Over the years, I worked my way up through every deck department role – deckhand, bosun, officer, first officer – until ultimately achieving my goal of becoming a captain. It’s been a decade in yachting, and I’ve been fortunate to work exclusively on motor yachts. OCTAVE, at 37m, is the smallest I’ve worked on, while the largest was an impressive 141m. I've now been on OCTAVE for nearly two years.'

What do you think sets your crew apart in terms of service and hospitality?

‘Our crew is almost entirely Thai, and their warmth and hospitality set us apart. They are always smiling, always welcoming, and love what they do. We create a positive, fun environment on board, which our guests truly appreciate.’

The yacht: speed, style, comfort

What makes OCTAVE stand out from other yachts in her category?

'OCTAVE is 269GT. She is spacious for her size and well designed, built in Italy, she’s beautiful inside and outside. But what truly makes her stand out is her speed. We can reach up to 26 knots, which is a real advantage. If guests want to see multiple locations in a short time, our speed makes that possible.’

Are there any features on board that guests particularly love?

'The guests love to stay on the forward area on the sunbeds while we sail. It’s a very relaxing spot to enjoy the view, the breeze, and sip a cocktail. And for even more relaxation, we have a professional massage table and some of the crew are trained at Thai massage.

'The beach club is also really popular. It’s the perfect base for watersports and, despite her compact size, she’s got everything from wakeboards, paddleboards and kayaks to a tender, diving gear and a flying fish – my personal favourite.’