AURELIUS

CAPTAIN: Will Lowes

Born and raised on the East Coast of the UK in the vibrant fishing town of Whitstable, Captain Will Lowes grew up surrounded by the sea, sunsets, and a strong maritime community. His passion for sailing began at his uncle’s sailing school and quickly grew into a full-fledged competitive career. Throughout his youth, Will sailed at an international level, training with world-class coaches and competing in regattas and championships year-round. Among his many achievements are SE Zone Champion Overall, 2nd Junior Overall at the RS Feva European Championship, and 3rd Junior Overall at the RS Feva World Championship.

After two years traveling through Australia and New Zealand, Will rediscovered his passion for a life on the water and began building his professional sailing career. He worked as a rigger in Falmouth to deepen his technical knowledge before returning to full-time sailing—teaching, delivering yachts worldwide, and earning advanced qualifications including Ocean Yachtmaster and Yachtmaster Instructor. He continues to invest in his education with a Diploma in Marine Biology and is currently working toward his MCA Master 200, with future plans for a meteorology diploma as he sets his sights on a solo round-the-world race.

With a lifetime of sailing experience, a calm and friendly presence, and an infectious passion for adventure, Captain Will creates a charter atmosphere that is welcoming, safe, and full of memorable moments—both on the water and beyond.

CHEF: Alissa-Christina Smith (also known as Alissa)

Whilst I was born in Germany, I was lucky enough to grow up in Southwest England in Cornwall on the South coast. The area I grew up in is teeming with small holdings, tiny hamlets and fantastic village pubs. My younger sister and I were lucky enough to grow with our own horse on our doorstep in a sleepy valley.

After school I went to a college to do my A level and cultivate my interests in history and current affairs, but I choose not to continue to university and travelled and worked for the best part of 7 years, starting in India, where I backpacked alone, through the north of the country, volunteering and sampling the amazing food.

At 21 years old, after a short time at home, I decided to embark on a career on the high seas as a stewardess on sailing boats. I got my first position in France and, that autumn I was lucky enough to cross to the Caribbean on the same boat as the chef. I have never looked back and my interest n the culinary arts has grown from there.

Recently, I took my first formal chefs’ qualification at the prestigious culinary school; Ashburton.

I have worked with in and around the hospitality and service sector for close to 20 years.

I am passionate about sourcing quality healthy food as locally as possible for both the sake of the environment and our health.

I speak fluent German as well as English and am always trying to improve my French and Spanish.