Captain Name: Alessio Donia (Alex)
Captain Nationality: Italian
Number of Crew: 4
Alessio Donia (Alex) :: Captain / Italian
Spoken languages: Italian and English. Captain Alex was born in south Italy and started sailing at the age of 10.
His parents operated a beach bar and, eager to help out when he was growing up, Alex learned about hospitality
from a young age. Captain Alex obtained a Captain’s license at the age of 27 and keen for adventure, sailed around
the world in a 47′ Ketch with his sailing instructor. During this voyage he learned first-hand about weather,
engineering, planning a passage and, most importantly, about provisioning. Captain Alex got a full-time Captain’s
position in Asia in 2012 and spent several years cruising in remote Myanmar around the beautiful Mergui
Archipelago. Captain Alex has come a long way with more than 25 years in the yachting industry and a Captain’s
license for vessels up to 3,000GT under his belt. Well-known for his upbeat Italian hospitality, Captain Alex can
sometimes be found in the galley to show off his excellent cooking skills to the delight of his charter guests.
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Weerapong Prom-iad (Pong) :: First Mate – Engineer / Thai
Spoken languages: Thai and English. Born in southern Thailand, Pong has been working in the yachting industry
for several years. He loves his job on MAXXX and appreciates the added benefit of being able to discover his own
country and beyond.
When not busy in the engine room or assisting Captain Alex on the helm, Pong drives the tender and takes care of
the water sport activities. Pong is a keen fisherman and embodies the Thai spirit of genuine, warm hospitality,
usually sporting a big smile.
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Kalaya Suksala (Yah) :: Chef / Thai
Spoken languages: Thai and English. Meal times are highlights of a charter and Chef Jah excels in serving
the best of Thai food and seafood as well as western dishes. Initially self-taught, she has worked on yachts in
Thailand and Maldives for over a decade. Jah is passionate about cooking and she is especially well-versed in
her favourite Italian cuisine, which she learned from an Italian Chef. Children have a warm place in her
heart and she often surprised them with special treats beyond her popular kid’s menu.