Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Timothy Laughridge | American | 0 | |
| 0 | ||||
| Number of Crew: 5 | Languages: English | |||
Captain Timothy Laughridge | American
A “captain’s captain,” Timothy has more than four decades of professional experience and holds a U.S. Coast Guard 1600/3000 gross tons Master’s license. Timothy has logged more than 300,000 sea miles, done multiple transatlantic and transpacific crossings, and completed two global circumnavigations. He has captained numerous large vessels—both sail and power—competed in prestigious regattas and offshore races throughout the world and overseen the construction or major refit of a variety of yachts. Additional accomplishments include being one of the founders of the high-profile Bucket Regattas in Newport (originally in Nantucket) and St. Barth’s. When not in command of LADY VICTORIA, you may cross his path around the globe participating in the many Superyacht regattas. Hailing from New England, Timothy is very familiar with the cruising grounds spanning from Nova Scotia to as far south as Key West. He has had many successful charters over the years in Florida, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. During the 9+ years that Timothy has been working with LADY VICTORIA's charter program, he has completed over 50 successful charters, and has garnered a reputation for keeping his boats in impeccable condition both in the guest areas and below deck. Timothy was instrumental in sourcing the newer larger “LADY VICTORIA “ and overseeing the new upgrades. Captain Timothy brings together an experienced, professional, compatible, and fun-loving crew, and with Timothy's creative and energetic flair for entertaining, the crew of LADY VICTORIA aim to exceed the expectations of the most demanding clients.
Chef Gaylinn Fast | American
Chef Gaylinn has been with LADY VICTORIA for over eight years after a career in the hospitality industry. She owned a successful boutique bed and breakfast for 10 years in Litchfield County, Connecticut, as well as an event and catering company. Gaylinn has worked for and with many celebrity and published chefs and was a food stylist for print media. Gaylinn is a graduate of PLANTLAB Culinary and she creates dishes that reflect her extensive traveling adventures. She enjoys sourcing fresh, local and seasonal ingredients for the menus she creates on LADY VICTORIA. Her specialties include organic garden-to-table cuisine, plant-based, raw foods, Mediterranean cuisine, baking and specialty menus based on her guest’s preferences. In her time away from LADY VICTORIA, Gaylinn enjoys decorating and gardening at her home in Connecticut and foraging for wild edibles through the beautiful woodlands near her home.
Mate Travis Dautel | American
Born in New Jersey but raised as a Floridian, Travis grew up in Gainesville, Florida. He spent his younger years instructing sailing, surfing and solving mechanical puzzles. In his yachting career, he has sailed to destinations as remote as Juneau, Alaska, the voyage beginning in West Palm Beach; he has also made multiple voyages up and down the Eastern seaboard. An accomplished water sports instructor, he’s focused on safety having spent two years during high school working as a lifeguard. His hobbies include surfing, free-diving, spearfishing, photo-editing, hiking, traveling and writing fiction. Travis’ passion for yachting and ocean activities is evident in his drive, attention to detail and friendly approach to the world. He has also worked as a personal trainer since 2020, if you’re looking for a bit of fitness onboard, he’s happy to guide you. He’s excited about the opportunity to share experiences, explore and create lifetime memories for our guests.
Stewardess Liga Sture | Latvian
Liga has an extensive experience from stewardess and deckhand positions held on a variety of notable charter yachts including M/Y CETACEA 140’ Feadship; M/Y B&B 130’ Westport; M/Y PLAN A, 130’ Westport; S/Y AXIA, 123’ Palmer Johnson, and S/Y ZENJI, 183’ Perini Navi; and M/Y APRICITY, 163’ Mangusta. Outside of the yachting experience, Liga’s background includes waitressing, bartending and customer service. Liga is dedicated to delivering superior guest service, is meticulously organized and has a warm and easy-going personality. She looks forward to treating you to a wonderful charter holiday onboard LADY VICTORIA. Liga’s hobbies include sailing, sky diving, scuba diving, archery, painting, traveling, photography, fitness and reading.
Rotational Engineer Daniel Sampiero | American
Born and raised in Coconut Grove Florida, Dan began sailing at the age of six, and became enthralled with racing one designs, small keel boats and all manner of making a sailing vessel go fast. His dedication and focus to sailboat speed and racing performance led to his first summer job at 14 years old as a sailmaker’s apprentice. Dan’s thrill-seeking nature compelled him to pursue auto cross, then motorcycle racing and eventually, he settled on kitesurfing to satiate his need for adrenaline. In that time, he worked in the motorcycle industry then transitioned into communication technology and finally business to business sales. After over ten years in retail sales management and training, Dan decided to cut off his tie, trade his dress shoes for no-shoes and took a job as captain on charter boats in the Florida Keys. Five years later, Dan earned his Divemaster rating and covered over 15,000 nautical miles under sail. He was Captain for over 70 week-long charter excursions in Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Dan still loves sailing but has a deep appreciation for the utility of all watercraft. As a member of Captains for Clean Water, Dan comes to our team with a passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
Rotational Engineer Jon Lynch | American
Jon has 20+ years of experience as captain and engineer on both private and charter yachts ranging between 45-150 feet. Much of his time has been spent in the Caribbean, Bahamas and the East Coast of the United States. Relief work has expanded Jon’s range of experiences on different types of yachts, systems and marine electronics over the last several years.
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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