Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Jason Stone | US | 1982 | USCG 50 Ton, PADI Dive Instructor |
| Mate/Chef | Katie | US | 1998 | |
| Number of Crew: 2 | Languages: English, Spanish | |||
Captain: Jason Stone
Jason grew up in Texas City, raised on video games, not yet knowing the opportunities that awaited out at sea. He eventually took a leap and joined the Army for four years. Then after working as an oil refinery operator for another five years, Jason was determined to find a way to escape the rat race. On a whim, he flew to Romania for lasik eye surgery and with the money saved, he booked a train to Greece and took a two week sailing course. Instantly, Jason fell in love with the lifestyle and quickly bought his own boat which he has been cruising on for the past 10 years.
With now over 60,000 miles of Caribbean island hopping experience, 10 Gulf of Mexico crossings, 2 trans-Atlantic crossings, Jason is always eager to share this world with others. A natural teacher and expert “Coconut Husker”, guests are easily entertained and welcomed to have as much of a hands-on, interactive sailing experience as they like. Jason also takes his knack for entertaining from behind the helm, to beneath the hull. As a PADI Dive Instructor an avid deep sea and spearfishing enthusiast, there’s so much to see and and new activities to try with his guidance. There’s nothing more rewarding than enjoying your own fresh catch, and learning the Captain’s famous Smoked Fish recipe!
The Exumas in the Bahamas have consistently been Jason’s favorite, especially for chartering. He loves how the winds are plentiful, but the choppy seas are minimal as the waterways are blocked by the barrier reef islands. Simultaneously, these reef islands offer so much within a small region that is smooth to navigate. Constantly exploring new places, Jason and Katie spend 6 months chartering to fund 6 months of getting further around the world in their monohull, Windy. Presently in Pacific Mexico, their next leg is Tahiti via Hawaii!
Chef/ Mate: Katie O’Hara
Katie was raised in northern Idaho spending her winters skiing and summers swimming and sailing on lake Coeur d’Alene. Because her dad grew up in Hawaii, she enjoyed extended family vacations there from a young age, giving her an even stronger love of the ocean and waves. Healthy eating was always a huge part of her childhood and way of life. From a young age she fondly remembers having a large vegetable garden and fresh eggs from their family’s chickens, learning the delights of farm-to-table dining.
Before she could even reach the sink or stove, Katie loved pulling up a chair to help with meal preparation. She was taught all about cooking primarily by her father with an emphasis on fresh, healthy, quality food. Her earliest jobs were also centered around the kitchen training under various chefs. Once Katie started to travel, she found that she could combine her culinary experience with her passion for sailing.
As a yacht chef for the past three years, Katie has had some of her most memorable experiences in both Greece and Croatia, where she was in awe of the outstanding produce found in the Balkan region. She looks forward to this next chapter in the Bahamas on Miss Elizabeth where she can feature the local seafood with some Mediterranean twists!
Jason Stone
Captain
Katie
Chef/ 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.
Find out our