Faris Ashraf, Lead Skipper

Prior to joining the Ximula Sail family, Faris was a seafarer, holding the position of Second Deck Officer, who had sailed the high seas - from the South China Sea to the West Pacific, from the Indian Ocean to the high-risk area of the Arabian Sea all the way up to pirates-abundant Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, on board commercial merchant ships, spending an average of 8-10 months out at sea each time.

Tired of being away from home for prolonged periods but still very much a sea-lover, he decided to seek refuge with Ximula Sail, which has made him a very happy sailor as he learns to harness the elements on our sailing yachts, enjoys the interactions with guests on board, and falls in love with snorkeling underwater. With his wealth of experience navigating the open sea, Faris brings to the team a wider perspective of the maritime world and a heightened awareness of safety.

Since joining the Ximula Sail team, Faris has completed sailing passages to the west coast of Malaysia and to Anambas Islands in the South China Sea. Faris is a certified RYA Coastal Skipper and holds an STCW certificate. He is also a certified PADI Advance Open Water Diver.

Other than overhauling the ins-&-outs of Ximula and entertaining all of us on board with his antics, Faris enjoys motorbiking, soccer and freediving.

Faris is Singaporean Malay, and speaks English and Malay.