Your Crew
CAPTAIN Frances (Franky) McCarthy & CHEF Valentina O
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
Valentina (Leni) O'Shea
Valentina, known to many as Leni, grew up on and around the water, helping in her family’s dive shop from a young age. This early start gave her a natural comfort with the sea and a love for welcoming people into its world. Over time, she combined that passion with her love of cooking leading her to pursue a career as a yacht chef.
After completing her Anchors & Aprons yacht chef training and earning her STCW Basic Safety Training certification, Leni has worked in a variety of hospitality settings.
Leni believes that food is more than just nourishment—it’s about bringing people together. Her goal is to create meals that make guests feel at home while still delivering the excitement of new flavors and beautiful presentation. Beyond the galley, she shares her enthusiasm for scuba diving, sailing, art, music, and travel, which helps her connect with guests on a personal level.
