Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Jason Bacon | British | 0 | |
| Captain | Peter Martin | South African | 0 | |
| Number of Crew: 7 | Languages: English, Italian | |||
CAPTAIN
Jason Bacon | Great Britain
Previous Yachts: Smeralda (253’) Dubai and Worldwide Itinerary, One Off (201’) and One More Toy (157’)
Jason started his life on the water at the age of 5 racing small sailing dinghies. After racing for several years, he taught these skills at the Olympic sailing school in Wales. At the school, he passed his Master of Yachts Unlimited and with such credentials was able to join the America’s Cup Yacht, Stars & Stripes. With a passion for travel working onboard super yachts seemed a natural progression. Since then, he has worked onboard multiple yachts and has 23 years of experience in the industry. As Captain, Jason oversees every aspect of the yacht’s operations ensuring safety at all times and a comfortable cruising experience. He is adept at crew relations, continually maintaining a strong team environment to create the most memorable and service-oriented experience for the guests.
Hobbies: Free diving, wakeboarding, sailing and kayaking
Jason would like to take this opportunity to welcome you aboard M/Y Far Niente and introduce you to the rest of the crew...
CHIEF ENGINEER
Pedro Diaz Rocha| Mexico
Previous Yachts: 164’ Tsumat, 108’ Narvalo, 100’ Indigo, 95’ Bella luna
Pedro was born in Nayarit Mexico but settled in Mazatlan, Mexico, known as the pearl of the Mexican pacific. He spent 4 years in merchant marine school and graduated in 2016. He then started his internship in a tuna purse seine fishing vessel traveling to the western pacific and south America after he got his engineering ticket. Pedro moved into the yachting industry in 2019.
Hobbies: jogging, playing soccer
CHEF
Rico Haring | South Africa/Switzerland
Previous Yachts: Mimi la Sardine (34m), Tatii (42m), Elysium I (34m), Tender To (27m), Good Year (30m), Lady Sharon Gale (33m)
Born in South Africa, Rico moved to Switzerland when he was 5 years old, where he lived for 15 years. Shortly after receiving his diploma from the culinary institute Lausanne, he decided it was time to expand and start his career as a qualified chef. Rico followed his passion for food around the world, working in many European countries as well as Brazil, Tokyo and Australia to name just a few. He was driven by this untameable hunger and constant need to discover new flavours and spices within different cultures. Once Rico discovered the yachting industry, there was no looking back, he eventually found himself working on mega yachts in the Caribbean. He has resided on the Caribbean Island of St-Martin for 12 years, where he is happily married. Rico is happy to share his knowledge and passion for the culinary arts with his guests should they wish to ask for him it not only about being a chef and preparing meals. It’s a lifestyle, taking the best of what Mother Earth provides him with, in all its beauty, adding his knowledge, passion, heart and soul and creating exceptional cuisine.
Hobbies: Creating Jewellery, Diving, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Wakeboarding, Hiking
Ask Rico “what is your profession?” He will say: “I am a food artist".
FIRST MATE
Lindsay Semino | USA
Previous Yachts: Aqua Cat and Vista Blue
Lindsey was born and raised in Arizona. She previously worked as a Trainer Jockey for a horse track but her love for the water convinced her to make a change into the Maritime Industry. She has been in the industry ever since, 13 years now and counting. She gained extensive experience as a Dockhand at a marina and from working at a boat and jet ski rental company. From there, she decided to take her career further and worked onboard a dive boat while obtaining her Captain’s license. With her passion for the ocean and determination to ensure every guest has a blast onboard, you are guaranteed to have a trip to remember onboard M/Y Far Niente!
Hobbies: Diving, Kite Surfing, Wakeboarding, Horseback Riding, and Traveling
CHIEF STEWARDESS
Marlena Drandic| Croatia
Previous Yachts: MY G3, MY Lionshare, MY Nero, MY DynaR, MY Rahil
Marlena was born and raised in Croatia. After finishing nursing high school, she got a degree in Physiotherapy and started working as a Physiotherapist in a rehabilitation and thalassotherapy clinic for patients with different physical disabilities. In the meantime, she got a degree as a lecturer in physiotherapy, and played guitar and sang in a local band. She enjoyed her jobs a lot, but always felt like something was missing, and then she got into yachting. Now, after 10 years in the yachting industry Marlena is loving the fact she can combine her passion for travel, fine dining, and luxury hospitality with her work. Her bartending and barista experience, the fact she speaks various languages, her outgoing personality and organising skills make her great in her chief stewardess role.
Hobbies: yoga, music, reading, hiking, dancing.
SECOND STEWARDESS
Gorana Sabic | Croatia
Previous Yachts: G3(44m), LionShare(39m), Nero(90m)
Gorana was born in Sinj, a town in Dalmatia. After finishing school to become a Dental technician, she went on to study Business Economics where she got her Bachelor degree. Shortly after, she pursued her love for traveling, discovered yachting and has been there for 8 years now. She has a bubbly, friendly personality which makes her a great addition to the Far Niente crew.
Hobbies: traveling, reading, hiking, working out
DECK / STEW
Tessa Pillay | South Africa
Tessa joined yachting in May 2023 after leaving South Africa, looking for a way to see the world and challenge herself. She holds a BSC (hons) in Dietetics and has a huge passion for nutrition and wellbeing. Tessa is also a qualified personal trainer. She enjoys working as a deck/stew and would like to work her way up to first officer.
Hobbies: Exercising, SCUBA diving, tennis and swimming.
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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