Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Bill Holden | American / Belgium | 6 | MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, PADI Dive Instructor |
| Chef | Ashley Akers | American | 1 | PADI Dive Instructor |
| Number of Crew: 2 | Languages: English, Dutch and French | |||
BILL AND ASHLEY'S STORY:
Bill and Ashley met in the small town of Airlie Beach, Australia. From there they bonded over a love for diving.
Soon after, Bill introduced Ashley to the world of sailing – until the pandemic hit and the industry came to a temporary stop. They grew closer through the lull of the pandemic and when things finally started to open back up, they continued to work around Australia together, in both sailing and diving jobs.
Eventually, they decided to move back to Florida, where they got married and began their life on this side of the world. After taking a summer job in the British Virgin Islands they became infatuated with the crystal clear blue water and the plentiful wildlife the Caribbean has to offer. For the past two charter seasons they have been crewing a charter catamaran around the Virgin Islands and sharing their passion with many delighted guests.
CREW PROFILES:
Captain Bill Holden:
Bill was born and raised in Belgium. After high school, Bill started a degree in sports management until he took a summer off to do a dive master internship in Thailand. Soon after arriving Bill fell in love with the diving culture and being around the ocean and since then has never looked back! He went far beyond his divemaster internship and eventually became an instructor. He spent the next four years traveling and teaching diving around the beautiful islands of Asia. After a successful four years instructing countless students, Bill discovered a new passion of Sailing. He jumped right in and followed his passion to Spain where he spent 6 months training for his Yacht Master certificate. From there, Bill moved to Australia to further his sailing career. He spent the next two years captaining a 50 foot catamaran for the number one tourist company in Australia. Here he fell in love with taking out charter guests and being around people who are taking a break from their normal lives to have some fun! Ever since, Bill has been hooked on the yachting industry.
Chef Ashley Akers:
Ashley was born and raised in Tampa, Florida where she discovered her love for the ocean and watersports at a young age through snorkeling, fishing and boating. She attended college at Florida State University where she acquired a degree in Family and Child Sciences. After a year working at a preschool, Ashley moved to Australia to further explore her love for the ocean. There she did her dive master internship and like Bill was hooked. She went on to get her instructors as well to continue her passion for teaching. To supplement her diving income, she also worked in a high-end resort as a server and bartender where she gained valuable hospitality skills and a love for the service industry. Ashley has always had a passion for putting on events and entertaining guests, at this resort she was able to help put on wedding receptions and make sure the guests had a special experience. Ashley loves going above and beyond to ensure guests always have an unforgettable time and especially combining her hospitality skills with her love of the ocean, which has led her to the chartering industry.
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Captain Bill Holden -MARINE QUALIFICATIONS:
STCW-95/PSA: November 2018
MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Offshore: January 2019
SSI/PADI Dive Instructor: October 2015
AMSA Marine Engine Driver G2: August 2019
USCG OUPV: December 2023
ENG1: May 2022
Chef Ashley Akers - MARINE QUALIFICATIONS:
STCW-95: May 2022
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor: August 2020
Crew fully vaccinated
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Your professional crew can’t wait to take you on an unforgettable journey! Your qualified captain will design a tailor-made itinerary for your family and friends. Your chef will incorporate all your food preferences to design an award-winning menu that will satisfy all your senses.
Bill Holden
Captain
Ashley Akers
Chef /Mate
Ashley
Chef's culinary designs
Bill
Driving the tender
Ashley and Bill
Enjoying the beach!
Bill and Ashley
Diving Day!
Ashley
A wonderful table setting for New Year
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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