Aeolus 77
Crew profile

Captain: Michael Wilson
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 earned his Divemaster in Cozumel followed by his Instructor License in Roatan. His favorite fish is the porcupine fish so you will see him frantically point each one out when you go diving! 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.

Qualifications:
-RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
-USCG 100T Masters License
-PADI Dive Instructor
-AEC 1 & 2
-Quarterdeck Academy
-STCW 10

Chef: Casey Strickland
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, private 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 has a passion for how food can bring people together. She has been a full-time yacht chef in the Mediterranean and Caribbean since 2019. To hone her skills, she’s attended Ashburton Culinary Academy in England and Superyacht Culinary Academy in South Africa

Qualifications:
-Ashburton Culinary Academy Yacht Chef Certificate
-Superyacht Culinary Academy Advanced Certificate in Galley Competence
-Superyacht Culinary Academy Assessment for IYT Galley Chef Accreditation
-Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene
-Certified Rescue Scuba Diver
-STCW 10

First Mate: Josh Bradley
Growing up in rural Ireland, Josh’s love for the outdoors was engrained into him throughout his childhood. His first time sailing was when his father surprised him and his siblings with a sailing holiday, instead of a theme park, much to their disappointment. With five people crammed onto a 28ft yacht, Josh, who was 7 and the youngest, slept on the floor, over a step. He’s loved sailing ever since. At 18, he began to work on sail yachts which has taken him all around the globe, from Europe to New Zealand and almost everywhere in between. With his RYA Yachtmaster, Padi Divemaster and a love for anything outdoors – from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans – you can be sure Josh will make your sailing holiday as adventurous as you please.

Qualifications:
-RYA Yacht Master Offshore
-PADI Divemaster
-AEC 1
-RYA Powerboat Level II (RIB)
-RYA Short Range Radio
-RYA Personal Watercraft Jet ski
-PDSD
-STCW 95

Stewardess: Nicole Billitz
Born and raised in Miami, Nicole is one of the many natives who will tell you that South Florida is more Caribbean than American. She has loved the water since birth, and she would never forgive herself for passing up any water sports opportunity. After finishing up two degrees, she took herself to Europe and finished her Master’s, discovered a love of mountains, and a complete devotion to the outdoors. In the last decade, Nicole’s independent adventures have led her around the world, across six continents, in a wide variety of service-oriented jobs. She has returned to the Caribbean bright eyed, bushy tailed, and full of nostalgia. She is confident that her exposure to multiple cultures, etiquettes and cocktails has equipped her with the skills required to help facilitate the warmest hospitality experience possible.

Qualifications:
-WSET 1
-Christie Norman Wine Certification
-BarSmarts Certification
-PADI Open Water
-PDSD
-ENG1
-STCW 10

While onboard guests will be encouraged to visit the “must see’s”, and also to get off the grid and experience the beauty and nature that the Virgins Islands have to offer. Your crew loves helping the guests capture priceless moments with their Drone, DSLR, GoPro, and Polaroid Camera. They are excited to have you onboard and provide unforgettable experiences around these beautiful islands.