Our Story
A Company Built Around the Sea
Velora was founded by people who spend time on the water — not just around it. That perspective shapes everything from how we prepare each charter to how we talk with guests about their plans.
← Back to HomeHow Velora Came to Be
Velora started as a small operation out of Chalong Pier in 2017, when its founders — a pair of experienced sailors who had been working charter routes across Southeast Asia — decided to create something more considered than the typical day-tour boat.
The early focus was simple: offer private charters where the guests, not the schedule, set the pace. No crowded boats, no rushed turnarounds, no fixed routes that ignore the weather. Just a well-maintained yacht, a knowledgeable crew, and a plan shaped around whoever was on board.
Over the years, the fleet has expanded to a small selection of well-maintained sailing and motor yachts, each suited to different charter lengths and group sizes. The ethos has stayed the same.
Today, Velora serves guests coming from across the world — couples on holiday, small families, groups of friends — all looking for time on the Andaman Sea that feels personal rather than packaged.
Our Mission
To offer private yacht charters that are well-prepared, honestly communicated, and genuinely enjoyable — for every type of guest and every kind of day on the water.
Our Vision
A charter experience that people return to — not just because the sea is beautiful, but because every detail was handled with care.
Our Values
Honesty in what we offer, respect for the sea and our guests, and a steady commitment to doing things properly rather than quickly.
The People Behind Velora
A small, dedicated team — on deck and on shore — who take the work seriously.
James Thorn
Co-Founder & Head Skipper
Over 18 years sailing experience in Southeast Asian waters. James leads the fleet and personally oversees multi-day voyage planning.
Nattaya Wongchai
Co-Founder & Operations Manager
Nattaya manages day-to-day operations, guest communication, and catering coordination. Her background in hospitality shapes how Velora treats every enquiry.
Somchai Pradit
Senior Crew & Marine Engineer
Somchai handles vessel maintenance and serves as senior crew on full-day and multi-day charters. His mechanical knowledge keeps the fleet in reliable condition.
How We Operate
Standards and protocols that apply to every charter, every departure, every season.
Safety Equipment
All vessels carry full safety kits — life jackets, flares, first aid, and emergency communication equipment. Briefings are given before every departure.
Regular Maintenance
Each yacht is serviced and inspected on a scheduled basis. All mechanical and structural checks are logged and reviewed by our marine engineer before charters.
Licensed Crew
All skippers hold current marine licenses recognised under Thai maritime authority requirements. Crew qualifications are reviewed annually.
Weather Monitoring
We review marine forecasts daily and the evening before each departure. Trips are adjusted or rescheduled if conditions fall outside safe parameters.
Environmental Care
We follow responsible anchoring practices, avoid sensitive reef areas during peak spawning periods, and ask guests to limit single-use plastics on board.
Guest Privacy
Personal data submitted during booking is used only for charter coordination. We do not share guest information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Yacht Charter Experience in Phuket
Operating from Chalong Pier, Velora brings together maritime knowledge, local familiarity with the Andaman archipelago, and a commitment to thorough preparation. The team has navigated these waters across different seasons, weather patterns, and sea conditions — knowledge that shapes how each charter is planned.
The fleet covers a range of vessel types, from day-sailing yachts suited to short coastal cruises to larger live-aboard boats capable of multi-day passages toward the Similan Islands or the Phi Phi Archipelago. Each boat is maintained to a consistent standard and crewed by people who understand both the vessel and the surrounding waters.
Phuket offers one of the most varied sailing environments in Southeast Asia — shallow reef systems, dramatic limestone karsts, sheltered bays, and open crossings — and Velora's team draws on direct experience of all of them to offer itineraries that are both thoughtful and adaptable.
Speak with the Team
Whether you have questions about how we operate or want to start planning a charter, we're happy to hear from you.
Get in Touch