Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Duran Stuart | Bahamian/American | 0 | |
| 0 | ||||
| Number of Crew: 4 | Languages: English | |||
Duran Stuart - Captain
Nationality: Bahamian
Captain Duran Stuart, who is a native of the Bahamas, has over ten years’ experience in the yachting industry. After receiving his high school diploma from Queens College in Nassau, he enrolled in the Chapman School of Seamanship, located in Stuarts, Florida. The school prepared him for his career by offering classes in theory and hands-on experience related to boating. Classes included rules of the road, Marlinspike, weather, first aid/CPR, boat handling, piloting, dead reckoning, electronic navigation, and boat and engine maintenance. After 369 hours of study, Duran graduated in September of 2005 with his Professional Mariner Diploma.
Duran formally began his yachting career as a mate aboard a 92- foot luxury motor yacht, but quickly learned the ropes and was promoted to the role of captain after obtaining over 2300 hours logged in navigating and piloting and being part of three different crews. He has worked aboard both private and charter yachts and has traveled throughout south Florida and the Bahamas as well as making vessel deliveries up the northeastern United States.
Captain Duran has a friendly personality and a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of his guests. His focus for each charter is the satisfaction of those on board, and he will always go out of his way to help create the best vacation possible. Personally, he enjoys deep sea and reef fishing and loves sharing his favorite spots for the best catch. Duran looks forward to welcoming his guests aboard Yacht MARGATE and doing all he can to ensure that everyone has a fun and memorable yacht charter vacation.
Ollie Ryan - Chief Stew
Nationality: American
Ollie is originally from South Jersey, USA. She had developed her passion for boating at a very young age on her family’s Chris Craft cruising the Jersey Shores. Ollie went to Moore College of Art and Design in South Philly where she explored and toned her creative side. To get away from the cold winters Ollie moved to South Florida in 2000. Living in the Boating Capital, it was only natural with Ollie’s passion for boating and entertaining that she would find herself working on Yachts. For over the past ten years, Ollie has worked onboard vessels in The Bahamas. Ollie’s number one goal is to make guests happy, and she can’t wait to bring this to fruition on MARGATE.
Mandy Luscombe – Chef
Nationality: Canadian
Mandy grew up in a small town outside of Kelowna British Columbia, Canada. Her taste for organic and fresh ingredients started at a young age as she was taught bread making and canning from her mother who is a chef. She is very passionate about healthy cooking and utilizing the fresh ingredients around her. She started traveling the world at age 19 starting in Australia then moving to New Zealand at 21. She then traveled around Europe settling for a year in Scotland.
This exposed her to many different tastes and styles of cuisine. Before yachting, Mandy worked as a corporate trainer in high-end restaurants learning about service and various cooking techniques. Being from a wine country in Canada, Mandy has taken great interest in the industry and is very knowledgeable about food and wine pairing. In 2012 she took a year off to go to expand her knowledge and enrolled in a culinary program at The Art Institute in Vancouver. While in Vancouver studying, she met her husband, Shane. Together they have made a career out of yachting and have traveled extensively for work and pleasure including The Bahamas, Indonesia, Central America, the USA, and Mexico.
Shane Ryan - Mate
Nationality: Canadian
Shane was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest in a city just outside of Vancouver, Canada. His first introduction to boating was over 20 years ago when he served as a salmon fishing guide on the west coast for 10 years. He then headed south to Florida to pursue a career in yachting with his wife, Mandy.
Shane handles all guest excursions and experiences off the boat and always aims to maximize their experience. He loves to make sure guests experience something new while also ensuring they are checking off of their wishlist.
In his spare time, you can find Shane fishing, golfing, or playing hockey. He is looking forward to showing guests the best time possible with all the beauty and adventure the Bahamas has to offer.
Duran Stuart
Captain
Ollie Ryan
Chief Stewardess
Mandy Luscombe
Chef
Shane Ryan
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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