Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Wayne Keese | USA | 0 | USCG 100T / PADI Instructor |
| Chef / First mate | Julia Carpenter | USA | 0 | USCG / STCW |
| Number of Crew: 2 | Languages: English | |||
The above photo is of Captain Allen and Chef Lu which has been on board together hosting our guest for the last two seasons. They will be departing the team mid-May in pursuit of other opportunities, stateside. Our organization is very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them and wish them the best in their future endeavors. Fair-winds my friends.
Now on with the current story.
In 2013, Manna was built by Royal Cape Catamaran in Durban, South Africa. She is a true 53' ocean going vessel customized for the Scuba Diver with water level dive entry and full size ladder with stairwell steps. Once the yacht was launched and sea trails were completed, Captain Wayne sailed her across the Atlantic to the Caribbean islands for your enjoyment.
Manna’s primary team consists of Captain Wayne and Chef Jules which makes up quite the impressive résumé between the two of them. Captain Wayne with over 40 years of boat handling experience. Starting at the age of 10 where he recalls his dad purchasing a small 12-foot fishing boat from Sears to use in the coves of the local freshwater lakes. From there he advanced to competing in bass fishing tournaments progressing to larger and faster boats. He became a pilot at the age of 16, enlisted in the military at age 17 with his dad’s consent and decided to go airborne where he learned Skydiving. Later he founded Eagle Flight Skydiving where he spent years teaching in the civilian world earning every license available. He said that alone didn’t really pay the bills, so he continued pursuing his education and eventually started up a successful technology-based company. Which afforded him the opportunity to have Manna built and move to the Caribbean full-time. With the encouragement from his wife, they together founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called “Manna for Missionaries” to utilize the Yacht in the off season, as a way of giving back. With so much more that could be added, it would be extremely rare to find someone more knowledgeable and with a more diverse history to take you on this Journey through the islands.
Chef Jules earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from New Mexico State University. She has enjoyed the highly rewarding experience of helping others find the homes of their dreams for two decades as a real estate broker. In her spare time, she too discovered two true passions she never realized: cooking and sailing. Which as crazy as it might sound lead her to
obtaining her Captain’s license along with the needed STCW certification to cross international waters. This was just the start as it has given her the freedom to navigate countless Caribbean islands over the last eleven years preparing amazing meals and entertaining Guest along the way. Did I mention Jules owns a private yacht and is how she was able to accomplish all this? She now employees a full-time crew aboard and believes that the crystal blue waters, gentle breezes, colorful sunrises, and sunsets along with the freedom of sailing, brings a special peace and tranquility to life. That blissful feeling becomes evident in all the dishes she prepares, making your meals utterly delightful. Jules looks forward to sharing her spectacular menu with a variety of delectable dishes, assuring an extraordinary culinary experience.
If you’re looking for a Charter Group you can trust in delivering the knowledge, skill, safety and expertise, along with the excitement to make your vacation special, look no further. The Team at S/V Manna is your ticket. Go ahead and take a moment to read some of the reviews and you will find they can customize any vacation for anybody, including your own group. Simply tell them what you want and sit back and watch the Magic happen.
Scuba Dive? Of course. Captain Wayne has a strong passion for diving and sharing that knowledge with others. When divers come onboard they are in for a real treat. S/V Manna offers "Free" onboard daily dives for all certified divers. Who does that? Forget about the need to schedule and pay the additional cost for rendezvous diving or limited dives onboard. It's all part of the package and Wayne will dive with you as much as you would like at no extra charge. Now that’s walking the talk.
Not a diver? No worries we have plenty for you to do above the water including skiing, wake boarding, towable's, hiking and dancing among a few. Who knows maybe you would like to give diving a try through a discover scuba course or even complete a scuba certification while onboard. There is a charge for the PADI Certification but no charge for your dives. If that is of interest, visit with Wayne before your Charter starts and he will be more than happy to put a plan together just for you. Some studies will need to be done online prior to arriving.
So, wait no longer! Come aboard and experience life in the Caribbean!
Julia Carpenter
Chef / First Mate
Wayne Keese
Owner / Captain
Arrrr..... Guest & Crew Always
Living the life of a Pirate
FAQ
WHAT TO DO IN THE BAHAMAS?
We’ll be pleased to assist you in deciding which activities suit your personality and interests the best. Your crew and captain are experts. They are familiar with the locale and the greatest things to do. They can give advice on where to go fishing, diving, or snorkeling. They are aware of the locations of the remotest beaches. They can give advice on the top boutiques, eateries, or nightclubs.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN REGARDS TO MEALS?
We’ll provide you a food choice survey to fill out so we can figure out what kinds of meals you and your visitors would like to eat while you’re away. Along with your preferences, the form will ask about any dietary requirements, medical restrictions, or food allergies that any members of your party may have. Prior to your departure, you will also get the chance to ask any questions of a crew member. The team will next make your favorite cocktails and fresh, gourmet meals for the rest of the voyage.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RATES LISTED?
Running costs are not included in the rates given for motor yacht charters and must be paid separately. Catamarans for sailing must be all-inclusive. The costs are determined by the number of people and cover all meals, drinks (including the typical ship’s bar), fuel, ice, and aquatic activities. Taxes, dockage fees, and communication expenses must all be paid individually.
Food, alcohol, fuel, dockage, port fees, and any other costs associated with the charter are considered running costs.
Typically, the operating costs represent 35% of the base charter fee. A 35% Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) will be paid in advance of your departure, giving the crew time to stock the yacht. A detailed breakdown of all costs will be provided to you at the conclusion of the charter. If there is still a balance, you will get a refund; however, if expenses are higher than the APA, you will have to pay the outstanding balance before disembarking.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
Florida’s tax ranges from 6-7%, depending on the port of embarkation, while the Bahamian tax is 14%. The charter cost also includes tax.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
What to anticipate if you have to cancel your vacation is covered in your charter agreement. To protect yourself in the event that unavoidable circumstances force you to cancel your trip, we advise buying cancellation insurance.
WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE CAPTAIN WHILE ON MY CHARTER?
A luxury yacht rental is made to meet all of your requirements for the entirety of your journey. The skipper and crew will do everything possible to meet and exceed your expectations. The captain’s first priority, however, is the security of his crew and the boat. He has the last say on anything that could affect the safety of passengers.
IS IT CUSTOMARY TO TIP THE CREW?
Yes. Although not required, leaving a tip is encouraged, especially if your yacht rental experience left you feeling especially satisfied. At the completion of your charter, you should give the captain a 15% gratuity.
HOW DO I RESERVE A YACHT?
Once you’ve decided on a yacht, we’ll place an “option” on it, securing it for 48 hours while you finish the paperwork. Then, a yacht charter agreement must be read and signed. We are happy to answer any queries you may have and thoroughly explain the terms. You must send your completed contract together with a deposit for the charter.
HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT?
50% of the charter cost is required as a down payment; however, if there are less than 30 days to departure, the whole amount is due. The deposit is made via bank wire transfer and is kept in an escrow account by the principal agent of the yacht until just before the charter date. You have secured the yacht once we get your signed contract and down payment.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED AND THE DEPOSIT IS MADE?
We’ll start collaborating with you to customize your charter. Your food and exercise preference survey will be delivered to you. We’ll set up a phone call for you and the crew. We will assist you in planning all charter-related details, including transportation in a limousine and flights.
WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT DUE?
If you are renting a motor boat, the APA funds and the remaining balance of the charter are due 30 days before the start of your trip.
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