AEOLUS 77

Captain: Michael Wilson (35)

Michael was born and raised in Texas and grew up loving the outdoors with his dad taking him on countless hiking, canoeing, and camping adventures. After university and working in the corporate world for five years, he decided to make a change and enjoy the outdoors through sailing as a career! He started off his sailing career in the Mediterranean and now calls the Caribbean home. He also loves the underwater world and got his Divemaster in Cozumel and then his Instructor License in Roatan. When away from sailing he is exploring new parts of the world, meeting new people, and eating as many new cuisines he can find!

--Interests: Hiking, Diving, Cooking, Reading, Finding the next board sport to wipeout in.

Chef: Casey Strickland (35)

Casey, born and raised in Florida, has always been happiest when on the water. After specializing in hospitality and event management at the University of Florida, she worked at luxury, all-inclusive golf resorts before transitioning into residential real estate. After years of the work grind, she decided adventure was waiting for her. She left behind the "norm " and caught the travel bug-bad! Before deciding to call the Caribbean home, she was a nomad traveling the world experiencing the kindness of strangers, new cultures and all things food!

She is a foodie through and through and her passion for food began at a young age always cooking and baking with her mom in the kitchen. She loves incorporating all different cuisines and focuses on cooking fresh and healthy dishes incorporating local delicacies with the freshest produce. She has been a yacht chef and hostess in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Last year she attended Ashburton Culinary School Yacht Chef Program in England to hone her skills!

Deck Hand: Christo Theron (27)

I grew up on the coast of Hermanus, South Africa, where we are surrounded by nature. Mountains and forest on the one side and a rough and cold ocean on the other. From a young age I’ve been a lover for the ocean and its thrills. Whether it is surfing, free diving or spearfishing I always enjoyed being in the water.

After I completed school, I received the opportunity to start a 1 year internship at Neptune’s Divers and cruises, After the year was over I received a permanent position as sole deckhand and divemaster for 4 years. The fact that my office is on top and underneath the ocean makes me extremely happy. This is what drew me towards yachting, I just love being around or in the big blue sea.

Qualifications

PADI Dive master

STCW’10 (PST, PSSR, EFA, FPFF, DSD

ENG1 Seafarer medical certificate

GMDS Short range certificate

Powerboat Level 2 certificate of competence

Personal watercraft certificate of proficiency

Approved engine course 1 & 2

Stewardess: Chene Nel (28)

I was born in Gauteng, but I grew up in the vibrant Western Cape, South Africa. I have a passion for mother nature as I have always been in/on or around mountains and the ocean. My father always dreamt that I would work in the yachting industry as he was a huge lover of sailing. We would go out sailing with his friends at any opportunity.

After completing school, I moved from Cape Town to Onrus/ Hermanus and started

working in the hospitality industry. After a few years I met my life partner, who shares the same passions as I do. We then decided to start our journey together in yachting. We continue to stay dedicated and determined to learn and grow within this industry and run successful charters.

Qualifications

RYA Powerboat Level 2 – 2022

RYA Personal Watercraft – 2022

STCW A-VI/1-4 @ STC SouthernAfrica 2022

PSSR, PST, FPFF, EFA, DSD

ENG1 – MCA 2024

Shaker Bar School 2021 – Cocktail

Masterclass, WSET level 1 Spirits

Introduction to Barista