Lir

Crew Profile

Captain Darragh McCarthy
Darragh has sailed professionally for more years than he cares to remember, so he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. With more than 150,000 miles notched up around the globe (over 4,000 of those single-handed in the Pacific), Darragh’s focus is to ensure that all of our guests have the best possible experience, during their time on Lir.
Darragh has spent a considerable amount of his life in the Mediterranean (Greece, Italy, particularly Naples, Sardinia and Sicily areas and Malta), plus areas as varied as, Costa Rica, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Growing up on the beautiful west coast of Ireland Darragh spent most of his time on the water so it was inevitable that being at sea would become his life and with many a story ready to share with guests you can rest assured he will keep you entertained.

Chef Sophie Ferguson
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sophie Ferguson’s upbringing and extensive travels sparked her passion for crafting international cuisine, with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Her culinary journey began in esteemed establishments such as Prawn on the Lawn and The Lake Hotel, where she honed her skills and cultivated a deep appreciation for exceptional dining experiences. Realizing a desire to merge her love of the ocean with her culinary expertise, Sophie pursued advanced training at the prestigious Ashburton Culinary School, renowned for its specialization in yacht charter cuisine.

In addition to her culinary credentials, Sophie is a certified Dive Instructor and holds RYA qualifications, allowing her to blend her passions for sailing, diving, and hospitality. Her career has taken her to stunning destinations, including Indonesia, Thailand, Honduras, and the British Virgin Islands, where she has thrived in sea-based industries, both above and below the water.

Known for her warm personality and dedication, Sophie is beloved by her guests. She consistently strives to deliver unforgettable culinary experiences that elevate each holiday into the adventure of a lifetime.


Stewardess Valerie Stathem-Sprod
Valerie served as a Flotilla Skipper in Croatia in 2024, which included up to 15 other yachts. Her role included guiding guests on island excursions, assisting with their holiday plans, and ensuring the highest levels of customer service throughout the week.

With extensive experience in high-end hospitality, Valerie has worked as a Front of House Manager in hotels, restaurants, and theaters for many years before embarking on a career at sea. Her expertise also includes organizing and leading various themed events, such as murder mystery nights.

Rest assured, with Valerie's experience, your guests are in the best hands.

Daniel Yelseth
Daniel grew up in South Africa always gravitating to the sea and water sports,
becoming an experienced kite-surfer and loving his fishing . As soon as it was feasible he qualified for a future career at sea with his RYA PowerBoat
and Open Water Diving and then graduated into yacht sailing and water-craft . He can also add a lot of fun to any charter , not just “out on the water” but also with his other passion - for photography and drone operation . To round out his present skills sets , Daniel has also enjoyed graduating from a
SuperYacht Steward training programme . This will be his 3rd full season with Lir in the Tyrrhenian Sea and Corsica areas .

Sample Menu

Breakfast Sample Menu
French toast served with caramelised or fresh bananas and maple syrup
French toast served with berry compote and seasonal fruit
Blueberry or banana pancakes with maple syrup
Açai bowl with seasonal fruit of choice, served with fruit smoothies
Oatmeal with chia seeds, berry compote and lemon yoghurt
Selection of fresh pastry, dried meats, local cheese and seasonal fruit platter
Traditional English Breakfast
Traditional Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or crispy bacon
Omelette served with charred tomatoes fresh focaccia and crispy bacon
(Variations: Wild regional mushrooms / Chive’s / Spanish / Cheese / Tomatoes)
Scrambled eggs served with fresh toast and Smoked Salmon or Bacon
Fresh bagels with a fresh cheese cream, chives, fried egg, crispy bacon, arugula
Fresh bagels with smoked salmon, hard boiled eggs, capers, pickled red onion,
cream cheese, lemon zest and fresh dill
Turkish scrambled eggs with feta cream, fresh parsley and charred cherry tomatoes
Poached Turkish eggs with chilli oil and parsley yoghurt and fresh pita bread
Shakshuka with fresh pita bread, fresh parsley (vegetarian, vegan or meat of choice)
Variation of Breakfast Bruschetta’s:
Avocado slices, red peppercorn, sea salt and olive oil
Crushed avocado’s with dried cherry tomatoes, sliced chilli and parsley oil
Lemon ricotta cream, Smoked salmon, capers, pickled onions and fresh dill
Feta cream marinated tomatoes and cucumber and fresh dill
Marinated cucumbers, pickled red onions, sesame seeds and coriander oil
Pesto ricotta cream, poached eggs, crispy bacon, fresh basil and basil oil
Feta chilli cream with charred tomatoes, black olive slices, fresh basil and basil oil
Lunch Sample Menu
All accompanied with fresh local bread
Starters :
Fresh leaf salad with seasonal vinaigrette
Tomato carpaccio with sweet balsamic vinaigrette and arugula
Kale salad with a honey mustard vinaigrette and pecorino slices
Cherry tomatoes and Burrata salad with a charred cherry tomato sauce and fresh basil
Pimentos de Padron
Fresh herb salad
Variation of Lunch Bruschetta’s:
Traditional - tomatoes, garlic, red onion fresh basil and basil oil
Crushed avocado, smoked salmon, fresh radish slices, chilli oil and fresh coriander
Fresh burrata, pesto, Prosciutto, sweet balsamic glaze and fresh basil
Prosciutto and goat cheese caramelised with honey
Ricotta lemon cream, smoked salmon, pickled red onion, capers, black olives slices,
crushed capers, fresh parsley, fresh coriander and chilli oil
Lunch:
Spaghetti aglio e olio
Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil and aromatic breadcrumbs
Penne with tuna, black olives, parsley in a tomato sauce
Cold cucumber soup with cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, pickled onions and croutons
Gnocchi in a blue cheese sauce
Lamb or beef kebab with fresh pita, tzatziki, pickled red onion and cucumber tomato salad
Local fish ceviche taco’s with mango, avocado cream, pickled red onions and coriander
Dry brined local fish carpaccio with traditional Thai papaya salad and toasted local bread
Sautéed local fish with a fresh herb salad and chimichurri
Confit local fish with wild mushrooms and kale salad
Muscles in a white wine, garlic and parsley sauce served with fresh local bread
Pan seared scallops with a lemon risotto and aromatic breadcrumbs
Dinner Sample Menu
All accompanied by local bread if chosen
Starters
Variation of shrimp
Shrimp tartar, sautéed shrimp tail, marinated courgette slices and lemon yoghurt cream
Dry brined Local fish carpaccio
white truffle infused sesame oil, sesame seeds, lemon zest and fresh coriander
Local fish tartar
pickled red onions, marinated courgettes brunoise dashi yoghurt and parsley oil
Beef tartar
egg yolk cream, pickled shimeji mushrooms and toast
Fresh leaf salad with a sweet mustard vinaigrette
Fresh herb salad
Coriander, Parsley, Mint, red onion, celery, cucumber, avocado and lemon zest
Burrata salad
Marinated cherry tomatoes, charred cherry tomato sauce and fresh basil
Local fish ceviche tacos
avocado cream, mango, pickled red onion, and fresh coriander
Grilled avocado and lettuce salad
Seasonal fruit vinaigrette, avocado cream and marinated cucumbers
Local fish sashimi
ponzu sauce, sliced chilli, coriander and toasted sesame seeds
Local fish bruschetta
chipotle aioli, red pepper and fresh coriander
Papaya Salad and Tom Yum or Tom Kah Gai soup
Variation of Bruschettas as presented for the lunch sample menu
Entrees
Beef Fillet
wild mushroom cream sauce, roasted carrots & oven baked potatoes
Sautéed local fish Fillet
lemon, caper and parsley butter sauce, served with grilled asparagus and steamed potatoes
Braised beef short ribs
mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and chimichurri
Sautéed shrimp
lime - chilli - garlic butter, toasted sesame seeds and parsley
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Rösti and mushroom cream sauce
Local fish confit
served on a bed of carrot pure charred cherry tomatoes and beurre blanc foam
Handmade Parmesan gnocchi
with a white wine foam and thyme champignon
Moroccan fish served with fresh pita
Spaghetti carbonara
Desserts
Lemon curd cookies
Lemond curd with caramelised lemon zest
Tiramisu
Cherry Tart
Poached pear with crumble drizzled with chocolate
Honey Panna Cotta with Honey Twill and Honey Tea
Pistachio Cheese Cake
Chocolate mousse with whipped cream
Ice cream with fruit compote, crumble & fruit chip
Sorbet with fruit syrup, fruit chip
Mille feuille with berry compote and berry sauce
or
Desserts from shore

More Locations Details

Summer Operations
Caribbean Leewards, Caribbean Windwards

Winter Operations
Caribbean Leewards, Caribbean Windwards