the crew

CAPTAIN
Frances (Franky) McCarthy

Frances McCarthy is an experienced sailing captain and hospitality professional with over a decade of hands-on experience delivering unforgettable charter experiences across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and beyond. She has worked extensively in the British Virgin Islands, including Guest Experience Manager on Moskito Private Island, where she led high-end service delivery for VIP clientele.

With a calm, confident leadership style, Frances brings a unique combination of technical sailing expertise and warm, guest-focused service. She has captained and crewed a range of vessels from 45ft to 70ft sailing yachts and served as first mate on large superyachts – handling everything from passage planning and safety drills to guest excursions, water sports, and fine dining services.

Frances is RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certified. She’s also a PADI Master Scuba Diver Instructor, Emergency First Response Instructor, and a 200hr Yoga Teacher, allowing her to offer unique on-board wellness and water-based experiences.

Combining professionalism with an adventurous spirit, Frances thrives on building genuine connections with guests and crew alike – creating a safe, relaxed, and comfortable sailing experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

CHEF
Kate Brittain

After seven years working in the corporate world of private equity, I am now pursuing a long-held passion for food, travel, and life at sea through a career as a yacht chef. Though I’m new to the yachting industry, I bring a strong work ethic, a genuine love for hospitality, and a diverse cultural
background that has shaped both my worldview and my approach to food.

Born in the Cotswolds and currently based in London, I also spent four formative years living in Singapore as a child. This early exposure to a wide range of cuisines and cultures sparked my fascination with global flavors and ignited my desire to explore the world—something I’ve continued to do through extensive personal travel. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the connection between food and culture, and a curiosity that I bring into the kitchen.

During school and university, I worked part-time in hospitality, including roles at a busy gastropub and with a high-end private catering company. In both, I supported food service and also assisted with food preparation, developing a practical understanding of kitchen operations, service excellence, and working under pressure.

To formalize my transition into yachting, I recently completed a two-week yacht chef training course in Mallorca with Anchor & Apron. The course covered galley operations, provisioning, food safety, and producing high- quality, beautifully plated meals at sea. It confirmed not only my capability
but also my passion for this career path.

Beyond the galley, I have always felt a strong connection to the ocean, demonstrated by completing my Advanced PADI scuba certification.

Sample Menu

Brokers, please use the preference sheet located in the Brokers’ Notes section.
STANDARD SHIP’S BAR
These are the standard options onboard; however, please let us know if you or your guests would like other items added for your charter. Keep in mind, there may be an added cost for premium or higher-end brands, or for those clients requesting extra alcohol outside the norm.
VODKA Titos, Stoli TEQUILA Los Corrales (Silver), Mi Campo, Teremana (Reposado), Milagro (Anejo) RUM Pussers, Captain Morgan White Rum, Blue Chair Rum (Coconut) LIQUEUERS Cointreau, Grand Marnier, St Germain – Elderflower Cordial, Kahlua, Aperol, Antica Formula (Red Sweet Vermouth), Baileys (Irish cream), Disaronno (Amaretto), Frangelico (Almond) GIN Tanqueray, Bombay Gin, BVI Gin WHISKEY Jameson, Jack Daniels, J&B Scotch, Johnny Walker Red, BOURBON Bulleit Bourbon BEER Red Stripe, Corona, Carib, President, Coors Light, Heineken SELTZERS | MIXERS Bitters, Soda Cans Canada Dry, Tonic Cans Canada Dry, Elderflower Tonic Water Bottles, Tripple Sec Mr Boston Barton Triple Sec, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Cream of Coconut SOFT DRINKS Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger ale , Ginger Beer WINES Chardonnay (2023 Preignes le Vieux Chardonnay Igp Pays d’Oc) Pinot Grigio (2022 Kris Pinot Grigio delle Venezie) Sauvignon Blanc (2023 J. De Villebois Sauvignon Blanc Vin de France) Pinot Noir (2022 Domaine d’Altugnac ‘Les Turitelles’ Igp Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir) Cotes du Rhones (2022 Collines du Bouridc ‘les Figuieres’ Syrah Igp Pays d’Oc) Cabernet Sauvignon (2023 Domaine Preignes le Vieux Cabernet Sauvignon Igp Pays d’Oc) Merlot (2022 Domaine Preignes le Vieux Merlot Igp Pays d’Oc) Rose (2023 Robert-Vic ‘Ohlala’ Igp Pays d’Oc) Bubbles (NV Perlage Prosecco) CHAMPAGNE (*surcharge may be applied) Moet ImperialVeuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

https://form.jotform.com/VICrews/alora-preference-and-charter-inform

Client Feedback

Franky & Kate,

Since we arrived at the port of Tortola, we had the pleasure of having Franky as our captain and Kate as our chef. They met all of our expectations, plus some! Every meal was delicious and there was plenty of it. Captain cocktail hour was something we looked forward to at the end of the day. Kate’s food was fabulous and different very day. Franky’s knowledge of the BVI area was very professional. The excursions they booked for us were over the opt! One of our favorites as the conch island. We had a vacation of a lifetime and will be returning. We highly recommend sailing on the Alora! Cam on as strangers, leaving as friends.

-Mark & Vicki

Franky & Kate –

Girl power!! Thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge and professionalism with us. This truly was an adventure of a lifetime!

Franky – you are an amazing captain, an inspiration!

Kate – thank you for filling us up every day with wonderful dishes!

We will remember you both!!

-Carly & Wendy

February 2026

Franky & Kate –

Just an incredible experience on the Alora with you! Incredible food, delightful excursions – the weather – your company! All amazing!!

Highly recommend Sherwin’s tour of conch island, the fresh ceviche he made – be sure to take this tour!

Wishing you delightful guests all season, exceptional weather and loads of fun!

Thank you for our amazing adventure!!

-Anne, Chris, Becky, John, Kristen & Matt

February 2026

Just got back from a 7 night BVI cruise on the 49 ft Alora. It was a fantastic adventure.
Franky, the Captain, was awesome and took us to some great spots for snorkeling, wave and paddle board, hiking and beaches.
Kate, the cook, prepared the 5 star meals with a presentation that was over the top.
We’d do it again with this boat and crew .

January 2026

From start to finish it was a 5 star experience. The boat Alora was better than we expected. Comfortable with a group of 6 adults. Plenty of space to visit as a group and also lots of space to just hang out in groups of 2 or less. Never felt cramped or on top of one another. The crew on the Alora was by far our best experience of the entire week. Rorke and Paige communicated with us about a week prior to our departure and made sure our expectations would be met. They far exceeded our expectations. From the moment we stepped off our water taxi a Scrub Island they were at our service. Every question was answered with a yes and changes to our planned destinations were welcomed. Rorke is an exceptional captain and was always at ease no matter what we encountered. He is even a better young man and truly enjoyed getting to spend the week with him. Paige is a beauty to eye and even more of a beauty at heart. Her culinary skills are impeccable. Her ability to make us feel at home was outstanding. They as a couple are a pure joy to be around. We left with new friends and the hope of future encounters. Honestly, the best vacation my wife and friends have ever experienced!

February 2025

Wow! A catamaran trip through the BVI’s has been on my bucket list for over 8 years. Until now, I could only imagine what it would be like and Paige and Rorke truly surpassed what had been in my dreams.

Paige and Rorke are truly a delight to be with, and provided a level of service well above and beyond our expectations. This has definitely been the dream trip I hoped it would be!

The food was amazing and presentation was incredible. Our family could not have had a better time, cannot recommend enough!

January 2025

December 2024
Our experience aboard the Alora was nothing short of exceptional, Thanks to the outstanding care and professionalism of Rorke and Paige!

Rorke, as captain, displayed a high level of maturity and expertise handling the vessel. He also led our fishing adventures with great success – barracuda, a bonito, and more.

Paige is an incredible host and chef, preparing meals, snacks and drinks every day. Everyone was delighted and satisfied and full!

Together they created a warm and fun atmosphere, The four of us consider it an all – time favorite experience. We highly recommend them specifically for a terrific adventure.

December 2024

SEASON	PASSENGERS
SEASON	2	3	4	5	6
Winter 2025 to 2026	$24,000	$24,500	$25,000	$25,500	$26,000
Summer 2026	$25,000	$25,500	$26,000	$26,500	$27,000
Winter 2026 to 2027	$25,000	$25,500	$26,000	$26,500	$27,000

ALORA

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