Operating in the Caribbean
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Qualifications
-100TON MASTERS NEAR COASTAL WITH SAILING ENDORSEMENT
-NAUI Dive Instructor
-CURRENT STCW & BRITISH RED CROSS CPR/FIRST AID TRAINING
-INTERMEDIATE SAUCIER GRADUATE FROM ASHBURTON COOKERY SCHOOL
-MECHANICAL ENGINEER GRADUATE WITH GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO TROUBLESHOOTMECHANI- CAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
-FCC MARINE RADIO OPERATORS PERMIT
-APCA DRUG CONSORTIUM -LICENSED PRIVATE PILOT
-PROFICIENT INSTRUCTOR OF MOST ACTION SPORTS INCLUDING SURF- ING, SCUBA, SUP, WINDSURFING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, PARAGLIDING, ETC.
Mayon was born in Maryland on the east coast of the USA with sailing blood passed down from his grandfather and mother. With access to a small sailboat as a kid he has many memorable “learning” experiences as a young adventurous water man in the making. He then went on to finish his childhood on the Big island of Hawaii where he truly fell in love with the ocean. After completing a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering he switched gears back to the ocean and sailed from Maryland down to the Caribbean where he started his career as a boat captain. With the sails up and underway, Mayon exudes the kind of contagious enthusiasm that will have everyone aboard excited. His calm, collected nature and willingness to share his thoughts, techniques, and plans, bring an inclusive and confident feel to the boat. You are sure to feel empowered to learn, explore, and relax while in the comfort of this kind, relaxed, true sailor.
Mayon and Elizabeth fell in love on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii as two young, adventurous, ocean lovers. Lucky enough for them both, their fist encounter was as unknown roommates who happened to move in under the same roof of a mutual friend. At first sight they knew that keeping the social norm of “don’t date your roommate” was out of the question!
Their kindred spirits attracted them together from the very first night they met, where an impromptu sunset sailing trip on Mayon’s Hobie 18’ took them well into the night. After their “love at first sight”, the duo went on countless more Maui adventures before moving aboard a Cosmos 49’ catamaran in Thailand. After sailing that boat to Sri Lanka they solidified their joint dream of running their own charter boat and started their career together as captain and hostess. Mayon and Elizabeth’s togetherness is the solid core on which their charters are built, putting their guests at ease no matter the challenge. They are passionate for the trip they deliver, cultivating a feeling of adventure and well being, that is sure to last far beyond your time in their care.
Qualifications
-ASHBURTON COOKERY SCHOOL GRADUATE: DEVON, UK
-YOGA ALLIANCE CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR (RYT 200)
- SPECIALIZING IN VINYASSA FLOW & SUP YOGA
-PADI OPENWATER DIVER -DANCE/FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
-7 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE EVENT & MEETING PLANNING INDUSTRY
-SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER -FOOD & SAFETY LEVEL 2
-CURRENT BRITISH RED CROSS CPR/FIRST AID TRAINING
-MASTER ORGANIZER -ENTERTAINER EXTRAORDINAIRE
From a young age, Elizabeth always new she was going to be a dancer. After years of hard work and dedication, she realized her dream at the age of seventeen and began dancing with the Radio City Rockettes. Over the next eight years, she kicked her way as a Rockette throughout the entirety of the US, and joined music video & television productions with the likes of Pitbull and Beyoncé. After her performing career, Elizabeth transitioned to the event planning industry, where she got to show off her natural knack for organizing and creativity. With the “mainland experience” out of her system, it was time she moved to the islands. First up -Maui! Here she worked on day charter boats where she met the love of her life, Captain Mayon. For the past three years, Elizabeth has been the chef, first mate, hostess, and ringmaster of fun for all ages. She receives rave reviews for her culinary delights, cocktails of the day & entertainment tours, all while ensuring Captain Mayon has a reliable deck hand to guarantee a safe passage. But don’t think that her strengths end there.
Sam Middeke born and raised just outside of St.Louis MO. Sam started his culinary path at a young age, always interested in learning how things are made. Throughout his formative years, he picked up cooking and started to pursue a restaurant job as soon as he was able to. Working several years in private clubs and golf courses, Sam learned the work it took to be able to make this passion a career. Meanwhile obtaining an applied science degree in culinary arts from Forrest Park in St.Louis. From there his desire to grow in this industry led him to the ever growing city of Nashville TN. There he worked and learned under admirable, acclaimed chefs leading him to eventually make a name for himself as the Executive Chef of a prominent restaurant fixture in the booming Nashville culinary scene. After 5+ years in music city, he found himself exploring a new dynamic of the hospitality industry aboard Aeolus. Sam brings years of fine dining experience and a thoughtful approach to food. Sourcing locally as often as possible allows guests to experience a fresh and authentic dining experience. His goal is to show guests a creative application to ingredients while still being approachable for guests to enjoy every bite in an elegant and balanced application.
In his free time, Sam loves to stay active. Whether it's a bike ride, hiking, or kickboxing, volleyball, soccer, or anything in the water. He also loves exploring new foods and restaurants to learn and grow his craft.
This was the most special and amazing adventure I'be ever been a part of. Mayon and Elizabeth you had the most positive, fun, and exciting attitudes. The people you are with can truly make the vacation 10x better than it could have been. Thank you to both of you for doing that for me. I feel like I really got to know the both of you.
Sam! King Sam, Samsquash- my guy! The best chef I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for the incredible food and fun times. Hope to connect in Nashville. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I 've built memories that will last a lifetime.
There's so much I can say about how incredible this trip has been, but words simply do not suffice. May, Liz, and Samsquash we are a wild crew lol. Anyway, Merry Christmas and thank you for the best gift I'll ever receive.
-Grey
Mayon, Elizabeth, Sam
Thank you for this amazing adventure of a lifetime, sailing, gourmet drinks by Elizabeth, amazing meals from Sam. Awesome service from the entire crew, we were spoiled and delighted every day. We will miss our easy going days on Aeolus!!
-Herb
For Mayon, Elizabeth, and Sam,
you guys are the best!
Thanks so much for your generosity, patience, and kindness, and helping me do this glorious trip.
-Sandy
Mr. Mayon, Miss Elizabeth, and Mr. Sam,
Dear Mayon, Elizabeth, and Sam
From the bottom of our hearts to the depths of the sea we can't thank you enough for the once in a lifetime experience we had this week! We will never forget your ability to bring joy to everything we did. Sam spotting the whales, jumping in the water with them was incredible! Seeing your excitement was so contagious. The foil sessions, water toys and mermaid birthday extravaganza was a complete blast! Loved all the mocktails, cocktails, and feasts that were prepared for us. What a gift each of you are!
Much Love and many blessings
Shawn and Regina
Dear Mayon, Elizabeth, and Sam
How lucky are we that our group got to spend a week under your attentive care. From the moment we boarded until we departed, you all made our trip special and unforgettable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Some of the best parts:
-swimming with humpback whales
-Elizabeth's specialty drinks
-Sam's desserts! (all food really)
-Foiling at Norman Island
-Frolicking at the Baths
-Wizard Games
-Saba Rock outing
-Jumping off the Willy T
-Naps and Reading my book
-Sea bob with Eric
-Sailing
-Finale!
Good Luck w/ everything in life- you are all special!
Love and Peace
Shannon and Eric
Dear Mayon, Elizabeth, and Sam
Thank you for an amazing trip! We could not have asked for a better crew to be with us on the Aeolus! The beautiful quiet coves and all the fun toys on board made for quite an active and adventurous week!
Elizabeth, we can't thank you enough for taking care of us and making delicious cocktails and mocktails and the videos and pictures!! We enjoyed spending time with you and Mayon on and off the boat too!
Sam... What can we say... you are the best! Our meals were delish!. It was so fun seeing what was coming out-so creative. And thank you for sharing your guitar with Eric for singalongs.
Mayon-thank you for all you did for us. Your knowledge and calm spirit was great...especially sailing to Anegada and back!! Hope to sail with you again on our future trips!
Love Carla and Tom
P.S. The Whales! so fun!
Mayon, Elizabeth, and Sam
Thank you for a magical family trip! From the sea bobbing and paddle boarding from the sunsets to the cocktails, from the delicious meals to hikes, from the lemurs to the liars dice, every moment was perfection.
Thank you for everything
Love,
Alex, Deirdre, Parker, and Ana
March 2022 USVI Charter
Thank you so much for letting us stay on your boat. My family and I loved it so much. It was so fun. The food was awesome! You guys are the best crew. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Thank you,
McKinley, age 9
Thank you for letting us stay on the boat.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.
- Harper, age 11
Thank you so much for being the most incredible crew ever! I had so much fun snorkeling, seabobbing, tubing, sailing and everything else. Sam, that was the best food I have ever put in my mouth. Mayon amazing sailing and thank you for cooperating with all our rescues and hanging with us.
Elizabeth, thank you for hanging with us and making this boat feel clean and welcoming. Ya’ll are the best.
See ya next March.
- Hadley, age 12
I had so much fun! I loved sailing, e-foiling, and Sam’s food. Sam is the best cook on the planet! We all had such a good time and can’t wait to come back next March.
- Cole, age 14
The best family trip we’ve ever been on! Mayon, Elizabeth and Sam were the absolute best! We could not have asked for a more magical time.
Counting down the days til we can come back!
- The Rabalais Family
February 2022 BVI Charter
I'm writing this whilst gazing at a rainbow! We hoped for a grey morning to leave… but alas!
January 2022
Mayon, Elizabeth, and Sam,
Our friend Paul tells us when booking a vessel- that the ship or boat-is the destination. The vessel is important but the experience is created by the three of you. You are awesome. we enjoyed the privilege of spending a week with you. Fair winds and smooth seas.
-James and Sam
Elizabeth, Mayon, and Sam
What an awesome week. you are the best of hosts! The meals-amazing! The water sports a great new experience and so much more. we'll be back, no doubt.
-Beryl and Paul
Over all too soon we depart with only great memories- served by the most congenial of crews, Elizabeth's high kicks, Mayon's instruction on the fine points of reading the sails and Sam's amazing meals on his maiden voyage. Perfection save one point, we gained weight.
Well done Aeolus!
-Paul and Beryl
Elizabeth, Mayon, and Sam
What a wonderful first cat cruise! Setting the bar very high for future adventures, on or off the water. Very confident tutorials for sailing and watercraft. Awesome and attentive crew.
Turtles, starfish, tarpon, rainbows and a lott of laughs!
*Incredible meals presented by Sam!
Thank you so much
-David
Nov. 29th 2021
Thank you for making our stay on Aeolus nothing short of amazing. We will forever treasure this trip, you all are amazing, You all are a spectacular crew. You will have a special place in our hearts. We hope to cross paths in the future.
Tasha, Hud, Jersey, and Knox
When I first got on the boat I knew I liked it here. You guys were so comforting and welcoming. You guys made me feel very special. I really don't want to leave. I had so much fun in the water. you guys were so amazing. I could not have had a better crew. I really enjoyed my time with you guys . xoxo Jersey (age 10)
Nov. 16th 2021
Captain Mayon and Elizabeth
Our days on board were Aeolus were like a dream! We loved every second and will never forget our time on board with you all! Thank you for taking such good care of us- you are and exceptional crew. We loved our evening"conch ceremonies" recalling favorite parts of our day. The surprise Aeolus video is an amazing keepsake. We will be back.
Liz & Alain, Danielle& Justin, Monica & Adam, Kate & Bruce