Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Willem J.M. NIEUWELINK | DUTCH | 0 | STCW95 |
| CHEF | Caroline JORGENSEN | FRENCH | 0 | STCW |
| Number of Crew: 4 | Languages: English, German, | |||
CO-CAPTAIN: Willem J.M. NIEUWELINK
Nationality: Dutch
Diploma: RYA Yacht master Offshore, MCA Commercially endorsed. PADI Dive Master
Language spoken: Dutch & English
Captain Willem hails from a small canal town in Holland where his family kept their sailboat tied to the dock at their home and has lived for sailing since he was a young boy. Later as a teenager Willem taught sailing in Greece, Mallorca and England as well as competed in dinghy racing on an international level where he collected multiple awards.
As a fully qualified RYA Yacht Master Offshore, Captain Willem has an extensive list of credentials as a skipper with his well-rounded career in both the Charter & Private yacht industry.
Willem joins us from his last position which he held with the same owner & yacht for ten years. He oversaw the build of the vessel and eventually completed a circumnavigation while maintaining the owners request for the yacht to be kept up to 5-star standards. He has cultivated an extensive list of global networks which ensure exclusive connectivity no matter where Namaste ventures.
Willem is at his happiest when guests are perched happily in one of the many comfortable areas on deck while the boat sails effortlessly into the sunset. His calm nature and giddy knowledge of almost all types of yachts will elicit a true sense of happiness while onboard.
An outstanding sportsman on the water Willem looks forward to taking you waterskiing and wakeboarding or exploring the treasures under the sea as he is a certified PADI Dive Master.
Captain Willem is looking forward to this new adventure and with his natural humor and easy-going nature you are assured an unforgettable time. Willem creates specialized itineraries for each guest and will make you feel at ease afloat as he safely steers you to unique & exciting destinations on Yacht Namaste.
CHEF - Caroline JORGENSEN
Swedish
STCW 95
Level 2 Food Safety
Chef Degree, Gothenburg Fassberg
Languages: English
Chef Caroline comes from 3 generations of chefs and has a natural passion for food, especially excellent seafood.
A lifelong chef, at the age of 16 she joined the Fassberg chef and restaurant school in Gothenburg where she further developed her skills and understanding of gourmet food preparation.
Travelling the globe as a Temporlarly Chef or chef on luxury private & charter yachts as M/Y Quasar, 49m, M/Y Corinthian, 39m Gunboat DASH, 20m, S/Y Corto Maltese, 37m or M/Y Sea Forever, 32m, she finds inspiration for making incredible food for guests with fresh local ingredients.
In her free time, she likes to explore her love for food by trying out new recipes.
She enjoys water sports such as kite surfing, wakeboarding, and surfing. She makes sure to practice yoga regularly and stay active ;
She has also a creative side that I express through art and painting.
STEWARDESS: Courtney ROUX
Nationality: South African
STCW & PDSD / Powerboat2 / B1B2
Food Hyginee & Safety 2
Languages: English
Courtney grew up in a small coastal town in South Africa, where her love for nature began at an early age. Her diverse professional background includes not only yacht experience, but also hospitality, lodge management, and working on a small organic farm.
Over her five years in the yachting industry, Courtney has cruised Cȏte dʹAzur, Italy, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the East Coast of the United States. She has worked aboard yachts as M/Y Solaris, S/Y Corto Maltese, M/Y Tommy Belle.
One of Courtney’s greatest joys is meeting people and connecting with individuals from all walks of life. She lives the Kahlil Gibran quote, “Work is love made visible.” Hospitality runs in her blood, and her passion for her work is evident to all of Namaste’s guests. Her welcoming and adaptable personality, close attention to detail, creativity, and keen observation skills help everyone aboard feel relaxed and comfortable. She is also a skilled bartender who looks forward to complementing guests’ days with tasty cocktails served with a friendly smile.
In her free time, Courtney enjoys snorkeling, traveling, horseback riding, hiking, reading, cooking, soapmaking, and leatherworking.
FIRST MATE: Glenn WARD
Nationality: English
MCA ENG1, MCA STCW 95
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance / VHF Operators licence
Dinghy/Keelboat/Multihull Instructor, Windsurf Instructor,
PADI Open Water Diver
Languages: english
Glenn began his career as a multi qualified watersports instructor pursuing his childhood love for windsurfing, kayaking and dinghy sailing.
After teaching at a high wind resort in Egypt he started working on yachts.
After many deliveries and charters on luxury yachts, he has thousands of miles under his belt.
Glenn is also a PADI Rescue Diver and loves exploring the reefs with photography equipment.
With a degree in media and his drone pilot’s license Glenn is always happy to help guests capture special moments during their time onboard Namaste.
Willo NIEUWELINK
CAPTAIN
Caroline JORGENSEN
CHEF
Courtney ROUX
STEWARDESS
Glenn WARD
FIRST 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.
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