Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Blake Sellers | American | 0 | |
| American | 0 | |||
| Number of Crew: 5 | Languages: English | |||
Captain - Blake Sellers
Born in Myrtle Beach, SC, where he lived on the Intracoastal Waterway, Blake’s dream was always to become a yacht captain. He spent time on his family’s runabout boats, wakeboard boats, and jet skis learning how everything operated. He was always on the water every chance he got and would wakeboard, kneeboard, tube, water ski, wake surf, and jet ski together with his two older brothers. Starting out as a mate for TowBoatUS he started in the yachting industry delivering vessels in order to gain his Sea Time and Captain’s License. Blake worked his way up from a 54ft Motor yacht, to a 76ft Lazzara, to a 124’ Trinity, and now to the 114ft Hargrave Brandi Wine.
Captain Blake currently holds his 200 Ton USCG Masters Near Coastal/500 Ton ITC, STCW trained, and Auxiliary Towing Endorsement. He looks forward to having you aboard Brandi Wine where you will be greeted with one of the best crews in the industry ensuring you a safe and wonderful vacation. Captain Blake’s motto for the yachting industry is “always chase your dreams, because if you can dream it, you can do it”
Deck hand - Obie Hanna
Obie is from Nassau, Bahamas, and has a wife and 3 daughters at home. He started his yachting career as a diver and exterior dayworker cleaning many vessels throughout the marinas in Nassau whether they be passing through or staying for trips. He made a name for himself in the yachting industry in Nassau doing what he loves. He is now based out Nassau, Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, FL and is the full time deckhand on Brandi Wine. He is starting his 1st full season on Brandi Wine, and having his local knowledge of his home country and his skill set of diving and spear fishing on board is a special treat for our guests. He has been in yachting for 3 years now. Some of his favorite hobbies and activities are diving, spear fishing, and most importantly is spending quality time with his wife and kids
Mate - Matthew Edwards
Matt was born and raised in Virginia Beach. From there he grew up on boats and was always in the water. When he wasn’t in the water he was playing football. After High school he realized his passion was for the open ocean and pursued a career on yachts. He was a deckhand for 2 years on a private yacht where he traveled up and down US Atlantic coast from Rhode Island to Grand Bahama. Soon after he discovered the action packed adventures of charter yachts. He’s completed one season on Brandi Wine and is looking forward to many more.
Chef -Jef Ciucevich
Chef Jeff Ciucevich is an award-winning chef from Athens, Georgia. Ciucevich started cooking at an early age with fond memories of picking vegetables and shelling peas from the garden with his grandmother, where he gets a lot of his inspiration. This led him to the reputable Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating with an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Institutional Management he accepted the job managing the four diamond restaurant at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Ciucevich managed the restaurant for two years and decided it was time to shed the suit and tie and get back in the kitchen. He moved to Puerto Rico, headed a few restaurants as chef before finding his niche as a yacht chef fifteen years ago which has taken him all over the Caribbean, Central America, California, Alaska and the entire east coast. Chef Jeff enjoys spending time with his dog, family and friends, playing guitar and cooking. He has worked on numerous boats including Serenity-116’ and 133’, (same owner), Kipany-116’ , Independence 2-105’ Silverado-120’ , and many more. Allow Chef Jeff’s tantalizing flavors to provide you with an unforgettable culinary experience!
Stewardess -Kathryn O' Brien
Kat is originally from Atlanta Ga, but is now based between Fort Lauderdale FL and Nassau Bahamas. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Public Relations & Hospitality Management. From there she started a career in wedding and event planning, but her love for the ocean drew her to yachting. In the industry going on 5 years now she has had the opportunity to work on both private and charter vessels, mainly based out of south Florida and the Bahamas. Prior to Brandiwine:
Truly passionate about the industry, she pours her heart and soul into every charter with the goal of making each better than the last.
Blake Sellars
Captain
Jeff Ciucevich
Chef
Kathryn O
Stewardess
Matthew Edward
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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