Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Alan Ham | American | 0 | |
| Chef | Rachel Fry | American | 0 | |
| Number of Crew: 5 | Languages: | |||
ALAN HAM, CAPTAIN/ENGINEER
Alan grew up on the coast of Georgia, just south of Savannah, in a boating and fishing family that equipped him with the foundational knowledge and drive to become a captain and share his love of the water with others. After completing his studies at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Alan's adventures catapulted him beyond the waters of Georgia when he accepted an invitation to sail across the Atlantic to Kinsale, Ireland. Having officially caught the bug for an exciting life at sea, it wasn't long before he decided to pursue a career in yachting, which he'll tell you today was the best decision he ever made. Alan is a great conversationalist with a love of sharing new experiences and beautiful locations with guests. He's an accomplished fisherman, a skillful engineer and a thoughtful host with an infectious smile and can-do attitude. So whether they're reeling in the catch of the day, riding a Flite board e-foil or snorkeling with a SeaBob, Alan's guests always feel safe and well taken care of.
Certificates: USCG 200 Ton Masters, Commercial Assistance Towing, FCC radio operator permit, PADI Open Water scuba, STCW
Previous Yachts: BRAVO ZULU (112’), JOPAJU (112’), LADY LAURA (132’), I. LORRAINE (92’),
LISA G (68’)
JUSTIN RABB, FIRST MATE
Justin grew up on the largest lake in Georgia, which is where his love of the water first began–a love that shaped his path through school, work, hobbies and eventually onto LUCKY LADY. He has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Coastal Carolina and an expertise in all things “watersports.” When not in class, Justin worked at watersports companies along the South Carolina coast, leading everything from jet ski eco tours to advanced scuba dives in the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” to parasailing adventures and paddle boarding tours around the coast. After university, he moved to South Florida, the state in which water sports and boating happen year-round. He immediately went to maritime school to work on the licenses and certificates that’d help him be an invaluable member of a yacht crew. With his sights set on becoming a yacht captain himself one day, Justin is a highly attentive and hard-working mate whose love of the water has a way of rubbing off on all those around him! If you're ready to have fun on or under the water, Justin is your guy!
Certificates: USCG 100 Ton Master license, PADI Divemaster, Enriched Air (Nitrox) certified, STCW, ENG1
Previous yachts: GIGI (164'), AXIS (181'), POUR ANOTHER (115'), DELFINO (105’)
CHEF RACHEL FRY
Rachel is a Pennsylvania native, who at age 20 followed her love of the water to the Virgin Islands. Her passion for the open ocean, culinary arts and human relationship culminate to give guests the ultimate bespoke experience they'll talk about well after their time on board. Rachel's bubbly, warm and welcoming character help create the perfect environment for any vacation or special event.
Growing up in an Italian family with life centering around the kitchen, Rachel was taught the importance of quality ingredients from a young age. In the years that followed, she trained with some of the top chefs between Philadelphia and the US Virgin Islands, opening her up to a diverse range of cuisines and allowing her to further hone her craft. Today, Rachel continues to evolve her artistry as she expertly navigates every unique palette and dietary requirement with a creative flair that has guests both reaching for their cameras and begging for seconds. She is wonderful with children and embraces the opportunity to share her passion and experience through creative culinary techniques with her guests. When Rachel is not cooking up a storm and working on board, she's typically found fire dancing, sharing her passion for flow arts with anyone who asks (she does this for guests too!), free diving, scuba diving, skydiving or driving anything she can get her hands on-- boats, motorcycles, four wheelers and dirt bikes.
Certificates: USCG 100 Ton Masters; Molecular Gastronomy Certificate; 200 HR Rasamaya Yoga Teacher, PADI Open Water; Food Safety in Catering (HABC Level 2); STCW; ENG1; Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties, First Aid and CPR; Assisted Towing
Previous Yachts: EXCELLENCE (153’), TIMOUT (109’), SOGNO (109’), S/Y SEA ESTA (58'), S/Y
AMAZING GRACE (53’)
LUCIA DEL PRETE, CHIEF STEWARDESS
Originally from Framingham, Massachusetts, Lucia attributes her love of the ocean to spending warm summer days with her family on Cape Cod. She attended college at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and graduated with a Bachelors in Hospitality and an Associates in Business Management. After graduating, Lucia moved to South Florida, where she was introduced to the yachting industry in 2012 while working at the Lauderdale Yacht Club. Since that fateful introduction, she has been working on yachts around the world and soaking in all the beauty from the waters of Alaska, Panama, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Caribbean and Europe! Lucia's breadth of knowledge, attention to detail, calm demeanor, and kind nature make her an easy fit with all charter parties.
Certificates: Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2, PADI Open Water, Power Boat Level 2, STCW
Previous Yachts: JETSTREAM (130’), NETTO (115’), SHEHERAZADE (164’), JOPAJU (112’)
LIZ CLOYS, DECK/STEW
Liz grew up in Beaumont, Texas. After graduating from Lamar University with a BBA in Advertising Communications and a Minor in Graphic Design, she moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where her passion for sailing began. After three years of sailing around Narragansett Bay, Liz headed to South Florida and decided to take the leap into the yachting industry. She has a deep love for travel and seeks diverse cultural experiences wherever she goes. She is an energetic and bubbly member of the LUCKY LADY crew with a magnetic personality and eagerness to provide unforgettable experiences for every guest. With her friendly and professional approach, Liz is sure to be a favorite of all those who come on board.
Certificates: STCW Basic Safety training, ENG1, PBL2, TWIC, PADI Advanced Open Water
Previous Yachts: FREDDY (106'), GEMINI (95'), TRU LUV (105'), IRON GRYPHON (100')
Alan Ham
Captain/Engineer
Justin Rabb
First Mate
Rachel Fry
Chef
Lucia Del Prete
Chief Stewardess
Liz Cloys
Deck/Stew
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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