Dunia Baru is a Superyacht and her owner Mark Robba is somewhat different to others in his approach to ownership, crew welfare and philanthropy.
He has just announced that the Dunia Baru Learning Centre that he had built and named after his yacht which charters in the waters of Raja Ampat in Indonesia is open!
Taking pride of place in the village of Sauwandarek on the island of Mansuar, the Learning Centre, designed by Indonesian architect Popo Danes, is intended to serve the whole of the Raja Ampat region.
Learning centre
The Learning Centre is an educational hub where people from the region can study, learn about conservation of their local environment and the importance of preserving this unique habitat, seek help for health-related issues, and train in professions that will help them connect with and capitalise on business opportunities from visiting yachts.
Designed to function in harmony with its surroundings and built by local builders, the centre has been constructed with sustainable materials and using traditional techniques.
One of the Learning Centre’s initial programs will see the implementation of a better waste management system for the Sauwandarek community, making both an immediate impact on the amount of consumer waste currently likely to enter the sea, and improving health and hygiene.
Traditionally built
Mark Robba an American businessman, who owns and operates a sports glove manufacturing plant in Java, spent years and hundreds of thousands of dollars building the 51 metre Dunia Baru in Indonesia. Designed as a 2 masted sailing phisini she was traditionally built of wood to very high international standards.
She offers stable and comfortable cruising without compromise on the level of luxury expected of a traditional superyacht. One unusual feature on board is the country kitchen style galley which is enjoyed by the guests who charter her.
Perfect platform
Sleeping up to 14 guests in seven spacious and well-appointed staterooms she delivers ample space for large groups of friends and families to enjoy. Her affable crew of 18 includes a Cruise Director and a very talented chef.
On board, her qualified dive instructor offers, included within the price of the charter, unlimited dives for certified divers (within PADI limits). Included as well are all water sports activities, such as snorkelling , use of Kayaks, paddle-boards and jet skis (where permissible as per national park regulations)
She really does provide a perfect platform for exploring the wonders of Indonesia’s underwater world, from vibrant reefs to stunning marine wildlife.
Philanthropic activities
Robba’s philanthropic activities are not confined to the learning centre.
When a series of earthquakes and tsunamis struck Indonesia he acted immediately and together with his 18-strong crew spent two days distributing aid in Lombok, scene of some of the worst devastation.
Donations from charter clients and colleagues meant the yacht was loaded with relief supplies, including 1,500 blankets, 3,000 litres of water, 50 mattresses and a generator.
He was back in action again when the island of Palu, was hit by a 5.2 magnitude quake.
He says: “Compared to their needs, our contribution is so small, but everyone has been so appreciative of the assistance we’ve given them.”
Recently, the team behind Dunia Baru Adventures commenced their ‘Lighting The Future’ campaign. Forming part of the boat’s wider program of Corporate Social Responsibility, this initiative sees solar-powered lighting, donated by Robba, installed in villages that have no electricity supply.
In the village of Marandan the traditional trades of woodworking and fishing provide both income and sustenance for the village, which is home to 36 families (about 125 people). Here Robba has donated a new laptop to the local school, which is attended by 45 children from the village.
Robba actively encourages charter guests to become personally involved with his philanthropic program in the region. From visiting the school and helping the children practise their English, to helping us stock the Dunia Baru Learning Centre with resources for adult education and environmental conservation, or simply helping us with a beach clean after enjoying your time cruising these beautiful islands. It all makes a difference.
“Raja Ampat is a very special place for me and my family as well as for Dunia Baru and her charter guests,” says Mark Robba. “The scenery is amazing; and the people have always been so kind. Every time I leave Raja Ampat I long to return. It means a lot that I am able to give back to the area with this project. It is my hope, and intention to ensure so, that the Learning Centre will help to provide an economically viable and sustainable future for the families living here, in harmony with the environment.”
Dunia Baru Adventures will be donating a percentage of all future charter revenue from bookings in the Raja Ampat archipelago to fund the centre’s on-going role.
Dunia Baru is available for charter from US$95,000 per week through Fraser.
Specifications
- Builder Konjo Boat Builders
- Build/refit 2014/2016
- Length 50.90m
- Beam 11.00m
- Draught 4.30m
- Hull material Cold moulded wood
- Staterooms 7
- Guests 14
- Crew 18
- Speed 10 knots
- Charter Location South East Asia
Charter prices
Summer High season $ 101,500 p/week
Summer Low season $ 94,500 p/week
Winter High season $ 112,000 p/week
Winter Low season $ 101,500 p/week