Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Billy Blackwell | American | 0 | |
| First Mate | Allen Polk | American | 0 | |
| Number of Crew: 5 | Languages: English, Spanish, German, Russian | |||
CAPTAIN: Billy Blackwell
Captain Billy hails from Savannah Georgia. He has spent the last 18 years working in yachting, and has been a Captain for 15 of them. He has worked aboard TASTY WAVES for 2 years. Prior to TASTY WAVES, Billy has cruised the East Coast of the US and the Caribbean, from Canada to Guadaloupe. His previous boats include DAYS LIKE THIS and SILVERFOX. Your Captain not only has a 1600 / 3000 Unlimited Masters License, he is also the yacht’s Medial Person in Charge, a Rescue Diver, and has several additional safety certifications: RADU, ARPA, and GMDSS among them.
Billy loves to take guests out on the Yellowfin tender, showing them his favorite snorkeling and fishing spots in the Exumas. Ask him where the best secluded beaches and dive bars are hidden!
At home, Billy is a dad to a 3 year old, and in his free time he enjoys deep sea fishing, spear fishing, traveling and Cross Fit. Billy’s crew describes him as experienced and thorough, easy going and relatable, and energetic. His old-fashioned Southern hospitality will ensure that your stay aboard TASTY WAVES will be unforgettable!
CHEF: Ely Reyad
Chef Ely Reyad was born and raised in Egypt before moving to the United States in 2006 after completing his studies. He spent time in Financial Sales and Restaurant Management before his love of travel, food, and the sea paved his way into the yachting industry.
His unique style of cooking is healthy yet delectable, and he enjoys introducing his guests to new dining experiences. He has visited many countries around the world in search of culinary adventure and has picked up many techniques along the way.
He is drawn to the water no matter where he may be. Fishing is one of his favorite pastimes, especially in the waters of Miami’s Intracoastal Waterway. When not at sea, you’ll find Chef Ely cycling, hiking, running, or playing soccer.
CHIEF STEWARDESS: Alexia Ledebrink
Alexia was born in a small town in Canada, amidst the beautiful vistas of Ontario. She began her career in yachting in 2013, and has since cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas, New England, the South of France, and the Canadian Great Lakes.
Alexia has been aboard TASTY WAVES for 2 years and brings some fantastic charter experience with her.
Previous yachts include LACEY KAY, DAYBREAK, PRINCEVILLE and MIA ELISE. She has extensive silver service experience as well as a lighthearted, guest-focused energy. Alexia’s crew describes her as easy going, hard-working and determined, and fantastic with all ages.
Alexia thrives in the fast-paced lifestyle that is yachting, diving into new and exotic locations, and discovering joy and excitement in all the people that she meets. She is very much into fitness and happy to host an exercise session on the sundeck. On the other hand, she will gladly concoct a fabulous Jalepeño- Infused Margarita or a mocha latte if that is more your speed!
Traveling, hiking, sport fishing, diving, cooking, and camping are high on her list of off-time activities. She is also an avid snowboarder during Canadian winters, and loves to snowmobile and ride ATV’s. Additional certifications include Barista Training, CPR, First Aid and Massage Therapy.
SECOND STEWARDESS: Chloe Vincent
Chloe is originally from the friendly Mid-West state of Minnesota. Her childhood home was a lakefront setting, here she developed a passion for being out the water and she spent much of her time on and around boats. Chloe knew right after school that she wanted to move to Florida to find a job in yachting. She has since cruised the Northeast coast of the US before joining TASTY WAVES a year ago.
She has a background in customer service, event planning, and photography. She strives to deliver the best possible service, always ensures her guests are beyond satisfied and keeps her crew smiling throughout the day. She takes pride in her work and is a reliable member of the team.
In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, fitness and has a strong passion for cars and sport motorcycles. Chloe’s crew describes her as authentic and sociable, lots of fun, bubbly, and very active. She speaks near-fluent Spanish.
FIRST MATE: Allen Polka
Allen grew up in the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado. Later, he and his family moved overseas. It is no surprise to learn he has traveled extensively around the world - from the lush rainforest of Ecuador to the volcanic islands of Indonesia.
From an early age, Allen was captivated by the ocean through the adventures of Jacques Cousteau and explorers from National Geographic. His passion for scuba diving and travel is the foundation which compelled him to become a PADI Divemaster and begin his career working on yachts. Allen has been in yachting for 4 years and has cruised the Pacific Ocean from LA to Mexico. Previous yachts include BODACIOUS, SILVER MAMA, SEAHORSE, TRUE LOVE and GOOD TIMES.
Allen enjoys getting to know charter guests and helping them discover the beauty of the ocean. He strives to make the guest's time on board both comfortable and entertaining, hoping to make each TASTY WAVES guest a repeat TASTY WAVES guest! He will gladly accompany you on your SCUBA adventure, or show you how to use the Seabobs, E-foils and Jetski. Allen’s crew describes him as fun-loving, intelligent, thoughtful, and attentive.
Prior to yachting, Allen spent 15 years working for industrial manufacturing, banking, and defense contractor companies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Russian language, and a Master’s degree in Political Science. He enjoys hiking and mountain biking, skiing, freediving, fitness and Cross Fit. At home he is the proud parent to a 15 year old son. He speaks English, Russian and German.
Billy Blackwell
Captain
Ely Reyad
Chef
Alexia Ledebrink
Chief Stewardess
Allen Polk
First Mate
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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