For anyone who yearns for a sailing adventure into the archipelago’s
placid inner waters, Indonesia Cruises’ Ombak Putih
("White Wave") is a graceful traditional wooden
pinisi outfitted with high-tech navigational and safety gear,
modern cabins with private bath, hot water and air-conditioning,
a spacious lounge and three decks able to accommodate up to
24 passengers in style.
Maryse LaRocque has the enviable job of working as the marketing
director for Indonesia Cruises, the owner of the vessel. Though
not as often as she would wish, Maryse occasionally also gets
to work as cruise director on this opulent 36-meter sailing
ship which offers a variety of itineraries through Lombok,
Sumbawa, Sumba, Komodo and Flores in Indonesia’s stunning
eastern islands.
Where did you grow up?
I’m French Canadian, born in Montreal. I grew up there
and moved to Asia after studying East Asia alliances at the
University of Montreal, Department of Strategic Studies.
Have you done much world traveling?
Not enough!! Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Australia. Still way
not enough!
How did you end up in Bali?
Running away from the pressure of Jakarta and the aftermath
of the riots! Basically, driving around with the window down
is not a luxury but when it becomes a necessity, you realize
there are things you should change in your life. Well,
I did. I came to Bali to build-up a local OMRON Japan
local distribution company. After all was done and ready,
they changed their mind. Then I met Gus Rai, the founder of
Hatten Wines, 3 days after! Working for Hatten was my first
real job. I loved it. For a marketer, it is really a dream
come true.
What made you switch from wine to schooners?
Basically, what made me accept the job at Ombak Putih, as
tacky as it sounds, is my love for the boat. The challenge
of trying new things out in the tourism industry was also
quite appealing, as long as I was able to still keep close
to Hatten (overseeing the export) and be able to do some business
development and marketing. Ombak Putih brings out in
me the same sort of feeling that people must have for their
horses. I see it almost as a living entity, and I just
adore the crew. I love seeing their big smiles when
Ombak Putih approaches dock after a week at sea!!
Is there any connection between wine and schooners?
Well the floating business was the land business’s client
for several years! Seriously, marketing planning and
organization, business development, positioning, they are
all basics and have a lot of similarities in any field.
What’s important for me is to believe in the product
I’m representing. That worked for me when I was
with Coca-Cola Japan, it sure worked for me at Hatten, and
the same rule definitely works for me at Indonesia Cruises.
I believe in them and I know I pretty much have the best of
Bali to work with. Very important!
What’s the best thing you like about sailing?
Let’s see, the best thing’s are: I like to see
the sails being put up by the crew, I like to see the sails
billowing, the splashing of the waves on the bow, I like the
wind, the feeling of the boat under my feet with its soft
wood… I mean it’s so many sensations at
the same time that make sailing so extraordinary - it’s
hard to nail down to just one best thing! The boat is
so big that even if it’s full you don’t feel cramped.
It goes to places that are hard to reach and otherwise inaccessible.
Downsides? There’s too much good food served on this
boat and I have no control… but that’s me!
Are there any differences between the various nationalities
who book the Ombak Putih?
Hard to answer… we cater for an average of about 20
nationalities every year. Describing and analyzing their needs
and specific national characters could fill volumes…
I would say it’s more about individual demands, like
vegetarians (with or without fish and eggs), fruitarians,
and all varieties of food related demands. Fortunately, our
cook is extremely good at preparing something that pleases
all.
What is the most unusual group, couple or individual you’ve
ever sailed with?
A group of 24 Spanish models sunbathing nude on the top deck.
The crew had the biggest pleasant shock and the biggest smiles
you can ever imagine.
What is the most exotic place the Ombak Putih has ever visited?
Another hard question to answer under 1000 words! I could
name several places that are foreign to most people reading
this interview: Aru island (near Irian Jaya-Papua) where Ombak
Putih sails in a narrow channel between islands and anchors
in the middle of the jungle, Batek island and its white sandy
cliffs that look almost like glaciers, Sawu and its breathtaking
culture and fabrics, etc… Ombak Putih has been
to far away places such as the Togian Islands, it sails to
Sorong in Spring 2005 again and will take a group to the Agats
famous ikat auction October 2005! Exotic places for
some are next door and for others as far as the ones mentioned
above… There are just so many creative itineraries
that Indonesia’s 17,000 plus islands can offer.
For more information on the Ombak Putih, call tel. (62-361)
766 269 or open up Indonesia Cruises’ homepage: www.indonesiacruises.com.
They also operate a luxury liveaboard dive ship, the Ombak
Biru.
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please
contact : pakbill2003@yahoo.com
Copyright@2004 Al Hickey
You can read all past articles of Siapa
at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
