Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Matthew Burns | American | 0 | |
| 0 | ||||
| Number of Crew: 5 | Languages: | |||
Captain Matthew Burns - Paul grew up in upstate New York and began yachting in Michigan in 1986 after serving 9 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He has served as Mate and Captain on various yachts over the past 30+ years. Paul took a short break from the warm tropical waters of yachting in 1993 and served as Chief Mate aboard a Bering Sea commercial longliner in Alaska. Paul and his wife Lo-ami and son Pieter, travel annually to Kareehoek in South Africa to visit family.
Mate Kasey Peck – Bio coming soon!
Chief Stewardess Stevi Gregorios – Stevi is from Long Beach, CA. Growing up a swimmer, she has always been attracted to the ocean. This lead her to the University of Hawaii, where she studied broadcast journalism and swam competitively. She also worked in several client facing roles in the hospitality industry; serving, bartending, and catering for 5 years. Upon her return to California is when her yachting career began. She worked high end charters in Marina Del Rey before diving into a full-time, live aboard position in 2018. Since then, she has had successful seasons in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northeast & the Bahamas.
Being Chief Stewardess has taught her to lead by example, be flexible, and always expect the unexpected! Her competitive drive and passion to please others means she puts her heart into every trip. Whether it be for the new charter guest or the owners who have been onboard countless times, her goal remains the same… to give the guests the best experience possible with memories that will last a lifetime.
Deckhand/Stewardess – Briana Bolanos – Briana is from Charlotte, North Carolina, but moved to sunny South Florida when she was 19 years old. Growing up in a household with both parents from El Salvador, Briana was raised speaking both Spanish and English. Having dual languages definitely came in handy as she ventured to South Florida and began working in hospitality. Briana has always loved the ocean, but after a few land-based jobs in West Palm Beach over a few years she wanted to take her love for the sea to a new level. Briana has now been in the industry for 4 years which led to an unforgettable experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Briana loves her career for a multitude of reasons, but most important is that she loves to make sure every single guest feels happy, welcomed and is enjoying their time onboard!
Chef Eli Pomerantz – Eli was born and raised in rural foothills of the Appalachian Mountains outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his youth, he spent all his time outdoors or playing competitive lacrosse and wrestling. He began working in the culinary arts at just 15 while he was still just in 10th grade. His first job was in a fish market outside of Philadelphia where he learned to steam blue crabs and butcher whole fresh fish. After high school, Eli moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University where he studied Mechanical Engineering. To fund this endeavor Eli worked at some of Boston’s top restaurants after class. Upon finishing school, Eli worked in his educational field for just three months before receiving a job offer to run a restaurant in Cape Cod. He never looked back and has since worked as a chef in New York City and Philadelphia. Over the past 6 years Eli has traveled the world as a yacht chef on a variety of vessels. He specializes in cooking different cuisines from across the globe. You may even see him jump in the water with a spear to catch your lunch himself.
Matthew Burns
Captain
Martin van der Westhuizen
Mate
Charli Fredette
Stewardess
Briana Bolanos
Deckhand/Stewardess
Eli Pomerantz
Chef
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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