Aura

Crew Profile

Captain Francios and Chef Katie - Mid January - May
Hailing from South Africa, Francois has been working in the marine industry for a number of years. He first came to the BVI in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria to assist with mass yacht salvage and cleanup. Working as a commercial diver he was doing everything from cleaning cruise ship propellors to working alongside ‘Beyond The Reef’ on the epic Willy T and Sharkplano dive projects.
A real water-man, he loves nothing more than kiting, diving or fishing and he can’t wait to welcome his guests onboard!

Chef Katie has been in the industry 9 years, working on yachts in the Med and the Caribbean since 2016. She’s passionate about feeding her guests as much fresh, local produce as possible, supporting local businesses and farms in the BVI, and has forged great relationships with some of the best local suppliers.
Her favourite type of cooking? Fresh, healthy and vibrant dishes whilst saving a little room for dessert.. because everyone knows we don’t count calories on the water.
Alongside her partner, Francois, she cannot wait to welcome guests and show them what the home of ‘nature’s little secrets’ has to offer!

Francois and Katie are joined by experienced mate/stew, Kat.

June - October
Jos and Julia hail from England and have been traveling together for over 11 years. After meeting whilst teaching watersports in Greece, they subsequently ran luxury ski chalets and villas in Europe before transitioning to yachting. They have been chartering in the Caribbean together for over 8 years.

Jos earned his commercial Yachtmaster qualification from the Royal Yachting Association and holds all the necessary credentials to safely captain AURA throughout your charter. He will also be your Divemaster onboard, showing certified divers the magic of the underwater world. We've lost count, but he has over 400 dives with guests here in the BVI. An avid fisherman, he will also spend hours with those wanting to fish!

Julia enjoys looking after the guests onboard and ensuring they are happy, having fun, and never with an empty glass in hand! Originally from an education background, she especially enjoys families and kids onboard. For active guests, she will happily take those looking for an adventure hiking on the trails around the BVI. Both love what they do and are committed to creating vacations you will remember for a lifetime.

Chef Kim Stoklasa joins AURA once again.


All crew vaccinated for COVID-19.

Sample Menu

Chef Katie Harrison

Sample Menu

Chef Katie holds her Level 2 award in Wine and Spirit Education (WSET) and will happily recommend and pair wines with her dishes.

Breakfast

Enjoy a delicious breakfast served on the aft deck, all chef Katie’s breakfasts include a fresh fruit platter and daily fresh baked goods

Eggs Benedict - toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon

Breakfast Tacos - wheat tortilla, chorizo potatoes and cheddar scrambled egg

Cilibir (Turkish eggs) - poached eggs, Aleppo butter, tzaziki, served with homemade pitta

Coconut French Toast - Coconut encrusted brioche, caramalized banana and nuts, berry coulis and crème Anglaise

Bagel Platter - Toasted bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, scrambled egg and bacon

Croque Madam - Bechamel, cheddar and ham with toasted sourdough, served with duck egg

Huevos Rancheros - Pico de gallo, refried beans, salsa and feta on a fresh wheat tortilla

Lunch

After a morning of sunning, sailing and snorkelling, sit back, relax and enjoy a fresh and delicious lunch onboard

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad - Sourdough croutons, local greens and homemade dressing

Blackened local snapper with Cobb Salad - Grilled snapper, homemade blackening spice served alongside classic Cobb salad with local avocado, bacon and blue cheese. Served with homemade rosemary focaccia

Chimichurri Ribeye Steak - Flame grilled steak, homemade chimichurri, served with heirloom tomato and herb salad, freshly made pitta and garlic chilli drawn butter

Boerewors Rolls - Authentic South African fare of locally made beef sausage, and homemade rolls, served with chakalaka Salad and chutneys

Teriyaki Salmon, garlic pak choi and asian noodle salad - homemade teriyaki, fresh noodle salad with sweet dressing

Caribbean Roti with Cantaloupe Salad - traditional West Indian roti with vegetables and boneless chicken thighs. Served with mango chutney, local hot sauce and cantaloupe salad with cucumber, fresh herbs, cardamon dressing and sumac

Shrimp Tacos - spicy shrimp tacos with mango, avocado crema, Mexican rice, homemade guacomole, pickled red onion and salsa

Appetizers

Watch the sun set with a cocktail in hand, and enjoy one of Katie’s delicious appetizers

Charcuter-yay! A selection of finest meats and, fresh olives, pickles and crackers

Smoked salmon on homemade blinis, served with horseradish cream

Fresh hummus with crudités - creamy garlic hummus, warm homemade pitta and chopped vegetables

Cheeeeese party - a sampler of gourmet cheeses, sweet preserves and fresh fruit

Honeyed whipped feta and roasted olives - served with fresh baguette

Bahamian conch ceviche - scallop and prawns, served with tortilla chips

Bruschetta - heirloom tomato and local herbs, with balsamic reduction

Dinner

Enjoy a candlelit dinner al fresco with good friends and old wine, or good wine and old friends!

Seared sesame Saku tuna with miso - Coconut and wasabi cauliflower purée, fresh mango salsa, coconut rice and wonton crisp

Star anise barbecue Beef Short Rib - Pomme purée and charred spring onion Proscuitto wrapped Wahoo - Fennel and saffron risotto with a lemon caper sauce

Pistachio crusted Mahi Mahi - Local Mahi, sautéed peppers, jeweled pearled couscous with passion fruit beurre blanc

Scallop and Shrimp Linguinie - Chilli, local herb, lemon and white wine light cream sauce

Jerk Pork Tenderloin - Authentic Jamaican jerk, served with grilled pineapple, pumpkin pickle, rice and peas and guava glaze

Surf and Turf - Sous vide fillet steak with peri peri grilled Shrimp, creamy polenta with Parmesan and rosemary, black garlic compound butter and asparagus bouquets

Dessert

Finish with a bang! We only count memories on Aura, never calories

Mini pavlova - baked meringue nests with fresh vanilla cream, berry coulis and fresh fruit

Passion fruit and raspberry posset - served with pistachio biscuit Flourless chocolate cake - chocolate ganache, crème anglais and strawberry

Key Lime Pie - served with torched Italian meringue

Sticky Toffee Pudding - Amarula sauce and vanilla bean ice cream

Vanilla crème brûlée - homemade granola and berries

Cheesecake - served with berry coulis and fruit sorbet

More Locations Details

Summer Operations
Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)

Winter Operations
Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)