Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Taylor Bowker | South African | 0 | |
| 0 | ||||
| Number of Crew: 5 | Languages: | |||
Taylor Bowker | Captain
South African
Taylor was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and was by no means brought up around, or on the ocean. It was his attraction to adventure and travel that pushed him to sail a 40ft catamaran across the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Town, South Africa to Annapolis, Maryland at the age of 18. It was from there that he began his career on yachts. Taylor has traveled a vast amount of the world by sea, having encountered all sorts of weather and emergencies in his years of yachting. He has performed and excelled in every role throughout his yachting career, including chief engineer on a 146ft jet drive yacht at the age of 28. Due to his extensive knowledge on land, sea and behind the scene mechanics, Taylor carries a calm, collected and educated approach to any situation. Taylor has been Captaining motor yachts since the age of 25 and will ensure you a safe voyage aboard VIVACE. To top it off Taylor holds a PADI dive master, certified free diver and is an expert spear fisherman. If you are interested in water sports, Taylor is your guy. He can lead you through the lively reefs and wrecks of the clear Bahamas water and even catch your dinner! This, along with his friendly demeanor has created a favorable reputation for Taylor in the super yachting industry. In his off time he can be found venturing the mountains in Maine or diving the reefs of Central America. His passion for the outdoors and happy go-lucky attitude will have you smiling for weeks after your trip.
Monja Jacobs | Chef
South African
Monja grew up in Northeastern South Africa in a town called Nelspruit, on the boarder of the Kruger National Park. Her childhood circled around nature & wildlife, as she spent her winter’s enjoying safaris and summers on the Mozambique coast. After grade school, Monja moved to the Western Cape of S.A. and attended the University of Stellenbosch for Law and Accounting. It was there where she developed a greater passion for the outdoors, arts and gastronomy. After successfully procuring her bachelor’s degree she set her eyes on finding a career that suited her personality and aligned with her passions. It was then she decided to join the Yachting industry. Monja started yachting as a sous chef learning under some of the best charter chefs in the industry. Throughout her many years cooking on yachts, Monja has developed a refined, artistic and fresh cooking style. She has taken various intensive culinary courses and has a true passion for pastry making, Northern African and Mediterranean cuisine. Monja’s attention to detail and ability to utilize the freshest ingredients in all areas of the world, ensure each meal to be filled with flavor, delight and appreciation. Her calm and collected persona make her an advantageous crew member on board Vivace.
Elodie Davis | Chief Stewardess
American
Having grown up in the mountains of New England, Elodie’s love for the outdoors has always been strong. Her summers were spent sailing the ridged Maine coastline, while her winters were spent skiing the White Mountains. At an early age, Elodie was taught to grow her own produce on the family farm which created her palate and value of fresh and flavorful foods. Being a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, Elodie decided to take on a double major in Criminology and Sociology in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, she made the decision to join the yachting industry in 2015, to combine her passion of traveling the world with working on the ocean. Elodie has been lucky to travel many destinations all over the world on Superyachts, including the South Pacific, Australia, Central America, the East and West Coast of the United States, the Mediterranean and Caribbean. She has taken pride in learning cuisine styles on all of her travels and incorporates them into her cooking style. Elodie’s positive, upbeat and caring attitude creates for a fun-loving presence onboard amongst crew and guests. Elodie’s focus is always the guests experience, and she does everything she can to make the guests stay onboard memorable. Her impeccable service is complimented by her friendly, enthusiastic approach to life. She loves to entertain and strives for perfection. Elodie will ensure your holiday on VIVACE is everything you could imagine and more. Watch out, as her smile is contagious!
Ashlee Lakeman | Second Stewardess
Australian
Ashlee was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. Growing up she was involved in many sports including competitive swimming, where her love of the water originated. With Sydney’s infamous coastline, she spent many of her summers enjoying the beaches, numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities on offer. Ashlee has traveled to various places around the world, including Western Europe, Scandinavia, North America and New Zealand. On her travels, it is Ashlee’s goal to try and partake in her favorite activity – bungee jumping! After recently completing her Batchelor’s degree in Journalism, Ashlee’s travel bug was still alive and well, leading her to take the leap into the yachting industry. Having more recently joined the industry, she is eager to learn all the tricks of the trade. She is enthusiastic and takes on new tasks with optimism and ease. Her calm and collected demeaner is a lovely addition to Vivace. Ashlee is ready and willing to serve, her eye for detail and attentiveness in housekeeping will leave you wondering how your room is always so pristine. Ashlee’s professionalism and fun personality provide top notch service for guests. She is looking forward to aiding in an unforgettable experience for any guest that comes onboard Vivace.
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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