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.

-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.

-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: Christo
Christo 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 he has been a lover for the ocean and its thrills. Whether it is surfing, free diving or spearfishing he always enjoyed being in the water.

After he completed school, he received the opportunity to start a 1-year internship at Neptune’s Divers and cruises. After the year was over, he 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.”

-PADI Dive master
-STCW 10
-ENG1
-GMDS Short range certificate
-Powerboat Level 2 certificate of competence
-Personal watercraft certificate of proficiency
-Approved engine course 1 & 2

Stewardess: Chene
Chene was born in Gauteng, but grew up in the vibrant Western Cape, South Africa. She has a passion for mother nature as she has always been in, on or around mountains and the ocean. Her father always dreamt that she would work in the yachting industry as he was a huge lover of sailing. They would go out sailing with his friends at any opportunity.

After completing school, she moved from Cape Town to Onrus/ Hermanus and started working in the hospitality industry. After a few years she met her life partner, who shares the same passions as she does. Her and Christo then decided to start their journey together in yachting. They continue to stay dedicated and determined to learn and grow within this industry and run successful charters.

-RYA Powerboat Level 2 – 2022
-RYA Personal Watercraft – 2022
-STCW A-VI/1-4 @ STC SouthernAfrica 2022
-ENG1
-Shaker Bar School 2021 – Cocktail
-Masterclass, WSET level 1 Spirits
-Introduction to Barista