C A P T A I N | Mayon Hight
USCG 100 TON Masters Near Coastal with Sailing Endorsement
NAUI Dive Instructor

F I R S T M A T E | Elizabeth Bork
Ashburton Cookery School Graduate
PADI Openwater Diver

C H E F | Sam Middeke
Executive Chef

Cpt. 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 waterman 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 bachelor’s 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.

F I R S T M A T E Elizabeth Bork

From a young age, Elizabeth always knew 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 deckhand to guarantee a safe passage. But don’t think that her strengths end there. Elizabeth exudes tranquility to the guests that is based on her lifelong practice of yoga and meditation, allowing everyone the opportunity to absorb the soothing nature of the sea. You can’t go wrong with Elizabeth- from her attention to detail to her carefully crafted cocktails, the sunsets will be all the sweeter knowing you are in her care.

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.

C H E F Sam Middeke

Sam Middeke comes from a tight family of 4 brothers, 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 and what it takes to get to the end goal of a completed dish. Throughout his formative years, he picked up cooking and started to pursue a restaurant job just 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. All the while serving guests in whatever way necessary to ensure their time aboard is the best experience possible.

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 to contribute to whatever community he finds himself a part of. If staying inside, Sam loves to roll fresh pasta and test new ingredients and recipes, as well as reading cookbooks of various cuisines and restaurants.