Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | FC Lubbe | South African | 1980 | |
| Stewardess | Theodora | Romanian | American | 1988 | |
| Number of Crew: 4 | Languages: English & Spanish | |||
As of 2024, the NEW LIFE team have been together 2 years, with Paul and Diandra as the newest members being onboard for the past year.
Captain FC Lubbe
FC, 42 born and raised on the east coast of South Africa
Having parents that are avid deep-sea anglers, the ocean has never been a stranger to him. He received his provincial fishing colours at the age of 13. He gained his Skippers license at age 18 and skippered his father's ski boats over weekends for fishing tournaments and family days. He studied Business Management at Richtec College in Richard's Bay. Since then, he has built a stable international maritime career.
He started his maritime career onboard an MSC Cruise Ship in the Mediterranean at 19. Then, staying in touch with his fishing passion, he took up a Fishing guide position for five years in Dubai, where he often travelled to Muscat, Oman and The Maldives. During his time in Dubai, he discovered the yachting industry. FC did his Yacht Master License and started a seven-year-long career in 2010 with the Impulsive Group yachts onboard Impulsive Too, an 82-ft Sunseeker, and Impulsive, a 126-ft Norship. The yachts travelled to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and The Bahamas. FC discovered The Bahamas in 2012 onboard Impulsive Too, where he immediately fell in love with the Bahamian archipelago, culture and friendly nature of the Bahamian people.
He enjoys fishing, reading up on history and playing golf in his spare time.
FC's experience and ability will make your time onboard NEW LIFE safe and enjoyable.
Stewardess: Theodora "Theo" Niculescu (34) Romanian | American
Teodora is a yacht stewardess with a passion for hospitality and a love for the ocean. Born and raised in Romania until the age of 11, she immigrated to Los Angeles, where she eventually pursued a career in hospitality management. With a wealth of experience working for top luxury brands in the restaurant and nightlife industries, Teodora made her way to the Bahamas, where she worked in resort management.
After the initial Covid era and some travelling, Teodora discovered her love for yachting, where she could combine her hospitality strengths with her passion for the ocean. She enjoys travelling to new and exotic locations and is always up for a thrilling adventure. For Teodora, there is nothing better than being surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and the excitement of never having the same day twice.
With her expertise in hospitality management and her love for the ocean, Teodora is the perfect addition to any yacht crew. Her warm and welcoming personality, coupled with her attention to detail, ensures that every guest on board is treated like royalty. Whether she is serving a gourmet meal or organizing an unforgettable excursion, Teodora's dedication to her craft is second to none.
Deckhand: Paul Botha (27) South Africa
With a passion for the maritime industry, Paul Botha embarked on his yachting journey in 2018, driven by a desire to excel in every aspect of his role. Born on January 1, 1998, Paul brings youthful enthusiasm and dedication to the NEW LIFE Team.
Paul's mission is to continually enhance his deck-hand skills, deepen his understanding of equipment and procedures, and broaden his knowledge of hospitality within the maritime context. His commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience makes him a valuable addition to any team of like-minded professionals. With a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic, Paul Botha is poised to contribute significantly to the success of any yacht charter, ensuring smooth operations and unparalleled service.
Chef: Santiago (26) Mexican | American
Coming Soon
FC Lubbe
Captain
Theodora "Theo" Niculescu
Chief Stewardess
Santiago "Santi" Picolo
Chef
Paul Botha
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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