Our Team
Port of Call - Vanuatu is a group of professionals who are passionate about Vanuatu and the marine industry. Our team is made up of experienced individuals who know how to get the job done and have the ability to 'iron out the crinkles' that sometimes occur in the islands.
We have extensive knowledge of the Vanuatu archipelago and a great rapport with officials, relevant businesses and chiefs around Port Vila and the outer islands.
This, coupled with our eye for detail will ensure that your Vanuatu experience will go far beyond your expectations.
VIRGINIA CRAIG - Director, Yacht Agent
Virginia has worked within various marine based roles including; chandlery services, yacht repairs, superyacht specialist, first mate, deckhand, head stewardess, chef, superyacht guide, crew recruitment and training and as delivery crew on various privately owned superyachts (both sail and motor). These positions saw her across the Indian ocean many times and extensive travel throughout the South Pacific and Europe/Mediterranean.
In 2003, she left New Zealand to sail the southwest pacific. exploring Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon’s, PNG and North East Australia.
She returned to Vanuatu in 2005 and settled into Vanuatu life, exploring all that the incredible archipelago had to offer.
Partly to improve her Bislama (Vanuatu pidgeon English) she signed up for a few maritime courses at the college in Espiritu Santo, including her captains ticket.
She worked with Vanuatu’s top Superyacht Agency: Kaleva Yachting Services for many years. KYS worked extremely hard to get the Yachting industry in Vanuatu to where it is today.
Unfortunately KYS closed their doors and a year later with the support from the superyacht industry, Virginia made the decision to form Port of Call - Vanuatu.
“I am extremely excited to welcome you to our beautiful island home and look forward to creating a memorable experience for both owners and crew”
lukim yu
Virginia Craig
YANO GIDEON - Chef
Yano is originally from Port Olry, Espiritu Santo.
He has years of experience in various chef positions in some of Vanuatu’s most exclusive resorts and restaurants.
He worked onboard a small expedition vessel in NZ and Vanuatu for six years. Whilst on board he trained with some top chefs including one who up-skilled him to Michilan star chef standard .
Yano can work with your chef onboard and onshore to help provision and explain usages of local produce. He can also fill-in and give your chef some much needed time off.
RISU KALOTITI - Guide and Yacht Agent
Risu is an integral part of Port of Call Vanuatu and we are very lucky to have her as part of our team.
Risu has experience working on a range of projects on board the Rainbow Warrior with Greenpeace and smaller charities such as Island Reach and OceansWatch delivering marine conservation and sustainable livelihood projects in Vanuatu.
After seeing the destruction caused by cyclone Pam in 2015 she has set up a coral garden in her village of Pango near Port Vila, Vanuatu and engages with local children to help restore the reefs.
She is also a surf coach for Solwota Sista, a branch of The Vanuatu Surfing Association, and encourages and empowers female surfers to get in the water and realise their potential.
Risu is passionate about marine conservation and has had the opportunity to travel by boat to many corners of the Vanuatu Archipelago
We at Port of Call Vanuatu highly recommend Risu Kalotiti as your Vanuatu guide. Risu is fountain of local knowledge, this combined with her joyful and friendly personality will help to guarantee your time in Vanuatu will be an interesting and very memorable one.
FABRICE BILLANDON - Outer Islands Adventure & Dive Guide
Fabrice has been diving since 2004 and is one of Vanuatu’s most experienced divers. He has his Master scuba diver trainer and instructor certification and is one of the three hydraulic chamber operators and attendants in Vanuatu.
He presently works at Big Blue Dive shop in Port Vila and has been there since 2007.
He traveled as a technical professional diver for Sustainable Reef Suppliers for more than 5yrs - traveling through all outer islands, diving six times a day on most reefs (up to 60m) in Vanuatu’s archipelago.
Below is a reference from the captain of SY Twizzle:
‘Fabrice Billandon recently assisted us as during our two week cruise throughout the Vanuatu Island chain. His is a lovely guy whose friendly and relaxed manner meant he easily integrated with guests and crew alike. He is a very experienced Dive Instructor and is perceptive to both the needs and skill levels of those diving with him. He leads in a calm but quietly confident way, always sensitive to guests’ needs and requirements. His local knowledge and relationships meant interaction with local people, their customs and Islands were carried out respectfully and dutifully. Should we return to Vanuatu I, along with the whole of the Twizzle Crew, would happily welcome Fabrice back on board.’
“We have a great portfolio of local guides who specialise in outer island adventures. Their job is to make sure that you have the most memorable experience possible in Vanuatu.
Dive guides are popular with visiting yachts and we can arrange for someone to travel with you throughout Vanuatu and assist above and below water.
Local day workers are available to assist you with boat maintenance or any other temporary position you need to fill.
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