AEOLUS 77

Keith Allen

Captain

Captain Keith

Keith was first introduced to the global maritime world at 18 when he worked as a young ship broker in his hometown of Melbourne. Later, after finishing a degree in Sustainable Development Keith worked as a construction project manager until 23 when he discovered the yachting industry whilst sailing the Caribbean on a 40ft sloop. The hook was set, and Keith went all-in on his growing passion for the ocean and sailing. An avid diver and scuba instructor, he loves showing guests the underwater world and is eager to teach all, regardless of experience. A purveyor of high quality stories, with 7 years in the yachting industry Keith has a few to share. From racing Schooner’s across the French channel, to sailing a famous Perini around the Balearics, boat building in Melbourne or cruising the eastern seaboard from Savannah to Martha’s Vineyard. Keith's favorite part about skippering on yachts is hunting for unique bays and the little hidden gems of the islands; from the best beach bars to reef full of life that can only be reached by boat and discovered with a mask and snorkel.

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Casey Strickland

Chef

Chef Casey Nov. 1st 2025-Jan 10th 2026 & March 10th to May 10th 2026

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.

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Maria Sheslow

Chef

Chef Maria January 10th to March 10th & May 10th to August 15th

Maria grew up in Sydney, Australia and started her professional cooking career in 2010. She has had the privilege of working in some of Australia’s best hatted Japanese restaurants for many years before setting sail in the world of yachting in 2023, giving her an amazing foundation to provide bespoke dining experiences at sea. Her passion lies in others enjoying her work and bringing people together over good food, atmosphere and shared memories. She has an extensive knowledge of international cuisines and is happy to accommodate all of your preferences. ----------------------------

Christo Theron

First Mate

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.

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Chene Nel

Stewardess

Stewardess Chene

She 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 my life partner, who shares the same passions as she does. Her and Christo then decided to start our journey together in yachting. They continue to stay dedicated and determined to learn and grow within this industry and run successful charters.

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Crew Qualifications

Keith Allen

Captain

RYA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE (SAIL)

PADI OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR

PADI LEVEL 2 FREEDIVER (24M / 80FT) MCA APPROVED ENGINE COURSE 1 & 2

MCA EFFICIENT DECKHAND

RYA POWERBOAT II

EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE CPR/AED

RYA VHF SRC

STCW BST 2010 FOOD HYGIENE AND SAFETY LEVEL 2

Casey Strickland

Chef

-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

Maria Sheslow

Chef

-Culinary Diploma, Sydney Institute of Tafe, Ultimo Campus, Sydney, Australia, 2012 -Ships Cooks Certificate, SQLearn, Greece, 2023 -Food Safety Level 2, Axtell Food Safety, Highfield Qualifications, 2024 -Padi Advanced & nitrox Diver, 2020

Christo Theron

First Mate

First Mate Christo Theron

-RYA Yacht Master Offshore -PADI Dive Instructor -GMDS Short range certificate -Powerboat Level 2 certificate of competence -Personal watercraft certificate of proficiency -Approved engine course 1 & 2

Chene Nel

Stewardess

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