Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Brendan Emmons | US | 0 | 200/500 |
| Chief Stewardess | Julie Emmons | US | 0 | STCW |
| Number of Crew: 6 | Languages: | |||
Freedom Crew Profiles
Captain: Brendan Emmons
Born in Northern New Jersey in a small town called Allendale, raised going down the Jersey shore every weekend to enjoy boating. After graduating high school early, he started his own business at the young age of sixteen. After doing this and working for his family business for many years, he decided the ocean was his calling after several trips to Fort Lauderdale. He started out as a delivery mate at the age of eighteen on a trip from Florida to Boston, MA and quickly moved up to the captain position before the trip had even ended. Captaining for 10 years now, he has gained a lot of wisdom and insight into the yachting world. He has run boats in five countries, along with experience from Maine to Key West. Brendan and his wife have been a team since 2017, where they have learned and grown together. Brendan holds his Master 200/500-ton license and looks forward to creating a safe and memorable experience for his charter guests aboard motor yacht Freedom!
Chief Stewardess: Julie Emmons
Born and raised in the small town of Ramsey, New Jersey, Julie grew up enjoying time at the beach and doing water sports. She graduated from SUNY Cortland where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education. After teaching and coaching gymnastics for several years, she met Brendan and decided it was time to join him in the yachting industry. She has completed her STCW training, as well as bartending courses. Julie enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, and water sports in her free time. She is excited to give guests aboard Freedom the experience of a lifetime, by creating a warm and welcoming environment. With Julie’s friendly personality and amazing organizational skills, Freedom’s guests are sure to be enjoying their experience!
Mate: Molly Gates
Molly was born and raised in Chicago but has a love for travel and meeting people from all over. Growing up on Lake Michigan, she spent her summers swimming, tubing, waterskiing, and more. She joined the sailing team in high school, and seven years later, she hasn’t gotten off boats since. In between studying at the University of Dayton, Molly spent her summers in Chicago running a boat washing business throughout all the Chicago Harbors, crewing for various private and charter boats, and even ran a charter company in Summer of 2021. Now, she has completed her STCW course and is ready to use her knowledge of boating and her love of travel into the yachting industry. Molly’s favorite thing about her career is connecting with guests, so she can’t wait to help make an unforgettable experience for every guest that comes on board Freedom!
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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