Captain, S/Y Vela Build Engineer
Jon grew up on a farm by the ocean on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, his life revolved around the ocean from an early age, spearfishing and diving.
After working as a Tradesman he left his job and discovered a love of sailing while sailing the east coast of Australia only to finish in the Whitsundays where he completed his PADI divemaster, Captain’s and Engineering certifications while advancing his sailing skills on retired racing Maxi yachts.
During his time working in the Great Barrier Reef, Jon was involved in coral restoration and citizen science projects helping with reef recovery and monitoring post cyclone Debbie.
Having spent the past 8 months in Thailand as an integral member of the Vela build and launch team, Jon was a crew member on Vela’s inaugural voyage from Bangkok to the Maldives in July and is excited to be part of the transition crew handing the vessel over to her first group of professional staff and students.