crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387
C'EST LA VIE - CREW BIO
After spending just a few minutes with Hylton and Amy you will pick up on their passion for the ocean. Growing up on the East Coast of South Africa meant their childhoods were both full of outdoor adventures, with family and friends, along the coastline. Hylton and Amy have spent the last 12 years together on the ocean running SCUBA trips, spearfishing trips, whale swimming trips, line fishing trips as well as term and adventure yacht charters. Four of these years were spent living in the remote islands of Tonga in the South Pacific, this has taught them a lot about enjoying and appreciating the simple things in life. What they enjoy most is sharing their passion for the ocean with others, those new to it and those who are already ocean souls like themselves.
Hylton has covered many miles in his sailing career which started off 10 years ago delivering sailing yachts from South Africa to various parts of the world. Hylton is a certified freediver, SCUBA dive master, in-water whale swim guide and RYA yacht master. The minute you meet Hylton you will catch on to his passion for spearfishing, fishing and freediving. His charisma and enthusiasm will make everyone feel at home onboard. He is an extremely competent Captain and in water guide and will be sure to share any knowledge about freediving and spearfishing to those who are interested.
Amy is a certified Rescue SCUBA diver, freediver, in-water whale swim guide and has her honors degree in Marine Biology. Her passion and bubbly personality make her an instant hit with guests. She has completed 2 Atlantic crossings and has thoroughly enjoyed living on and around the ocean for the last 10 years. Through their travels Amy has picked up recipes from the South Pacific, Indonesia, South Africa and the Caribbean that she will share with you during your stay. One of their favourite parts of their lifestyle is being able to selectively catch what they cook and create fresh and delicious meals onboard or over a beach bonfire.
The crew cannot wait to have you onboard. There will be many stories told and laughs had, but most of all they cannot wait to share our beautiful oceans with you.
Hylton Wessels
MARITIME QUALIFICATIONS
- PADI Rescue Diver
- PADI Dive Master
- PADI Enriched Air Diver
- Royal Yachting association / MCA Coastal Yacht Master, with Endorsement (2026)
- SAMSA First Aid at Sea level 1
- STCW certified
- Personal Safety, Social Responsibility with Survival Techniques
- Personal Safety Training
- ICASA VHF & SSB Restricted Radiotelephone Operator (Marine)
- SSI Level 2 Freediving Certification
- DAN First Aid & Oxygen Administration
- Certified Tongan Whale Swim Guide (2023)
Amy Wessels
QUALIFICATIONS
-In-Water Whale Guide Certification
-STCW 95 Safety at Sea Course
-Freediving Course Level 1
-PADI Rescue Diver Certificate, Tonga 2016
-PADI Advanced Open Water Certificate,
With a degree in Zoology and Conservation and a deep-rooted love for the ocean, Candace brings a unique blend of adventure, knowledge, and fun to their role as First Mate. Whether leading a thrilling tubing session, teaching guests how to carve on a wakeboard, or guiding a peaceful paddleboard tour at sunrise, they love helping guests connect with the water in a way that’s both safe and unforgettable.
When not on the water, you’ll likely find Candace behind the bar mixing up a fresh cocktail—or a mocktail—always with a creative twist and a smile. Their passion for hospitality shines through in every detail, making sure guests feel at ease, well cared for, and thoroughly entertained from the moment they step aboard.
Friendly, attentive, and always up for an adventure, Candace is committed to delivering 5-star service and creating memories that guests will carry long after they’ve left the islands.
Maritime Qualifications
STCW 2010
ENG1
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
PADI Emergency First Responder
RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor
RYA Safe and Fun
RYA First Aid
RYA Marine Radio SRC
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
L2 Food & Hygiene
The Essentials of Bartender (European
Bartender School Online Course)
crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387