We can’t wait to meet you!
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Captain, Mark Sperber
Born and raised in St. Croix, Captain Mark Sperber’s connection to the sea runs deep. From an early age, he developed a passion for sailing the Caribbean’s turquoise waters, spending his youth racing both mono- and multihull vessels. This lifelong love of the ocean inspired him to launch his own successful water sports company on the island—one that continues to thrive today.
Mark’s maritime career is as dynamic as it is impressive. After years at the helm of private yachts in the Bahamas, he brought his expertise to the forefront during the Deepwater Horizon recovery, working with the Gulf’s largest subcontractor in the oil spill cleanup effort. Craving a return to adventure, he later owned and captained the famous 63-foot Peter Spronk racing catamaran, Jolly Mon, delivering unforgettable day charters throughout the Virgin Islands.
When Hurricane Maria struck, Mark knew it was time to come home. Now at the helm of Qara, he brings not only expert seamanship and island insight, but also a genuine enthusiasm for creating meaningful guest experiences. Whether he’s guiding Qara to secluded anchorages, sharing stories from a life spent at sea, or simply ensuring every detail is dialed in, Captain Mark approaches his role with professionalism, warmth, and a deep pride in his island roots.
His calm demeanor, seasoned leadership, and love for the water make him a trusted captain—and an essential part of the Qara experience.
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Chief Stewardess & First Mate, Morgan Donovan
Morgan has been an integral part of Qara for over five years, bringing together maritime expertise and refined hospitality in every charter. A licensed captain, accomplished mate, and Chief Stewardess, she pairs operational confidence with an intuitive understanding of elevated service.
From initial planning to final farewell, Morgan remains a steady and thoughtful presence. She curates personalized itineraries, collaborates on exceptional dining experiences, and ensures each detail unfolds seamlessly.
Originally from Connecticut, Morgan moved to New York City, where she transitioned into high-end hospitality and luxury event management. Her experience includes working at a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as planning five-star weddings and private milestone celebrations. These experiences shaped her sharp eye for detail and deep appreciation for exceptional service, fine dining, and creating memorable experiences.
During the pandemic, Morgan relocated to St. Croix, where her passion for the sea and hospitality naturally converged. Beginning on day boats and advancing through the maritime ranks, she built a strong foundation in vessel operations, safety, and guest experience—ultimately finding her home aboard Qara.
An adventurer at heart, she enjoys hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and diving, and loves sharing that enthusiasm with guests. When not on charter, she embraces island life, with a foster pup never far from her side.
Morgan’s approach is simple: to create charters that feel luxurious, personal, and effortlessly memorable.
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Chef, Briana Partridge
Briana grew up in the great outdoors of Maine. Always active, she spent her summers hiking, camping, and sailing with her family, while winters were filled with skiing, hockey, and ice fishing.
After graduating with a B.S. in Business Management, Briana began a corporate career that introduced her to international travel, eventually leaving the U.S. to travel full time. She has visited more than 50 countries and lived, worked, and volunteered in destinations around the world.
Bri has a passion for adventure and learning new skills. Some of her favorite experiences have included working as a river guide in Costa Rica, teaching English in Bali, working with the United Nations in Africa, and volunteering at wildlife refuges around the world. She fell in love with the ocean in Thailand while learning to scuba dive, and her passion for marine life eventually brought her back to sailing. After joining a sailing expedition through the Tuamotus archipelago of French Polynesia, she went on to crew aboard dozens of vessels, becoming a confident sailor and earning her Captain’s license.
Through her travels, Bri has seen how food brings people together. She has always loved cooking for others, and combining her passion for sailing, the ocean, and hospitality with life as a charter chef has been a natural fit. Using fresh, local ingredients, she brings techniques and flavors inspired by Italian nonnas, Costa Rican abuelas, and Thai yaya’s to create delicious, nutritious meals designed to fuel your adventures.
For Bri, cooking aboard Qara is about more than just a great meal—it’s about sharing an experience. She looks forward to welcoming guests to the table, introducing them to new flavors, and creating memorable dining experiences throughout their time aboard Qara.