Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Stella Sotomayor | 0 | RYA Yachtmaster Offshore | |
| Chef/Mate | Iona Newman | 0 | STCW | |
| Number of Crew: 2 | Languages: English, Dutch, Spanish | |||
Captain Stella Sotomayor
Stella is British and Spanish but was born and raised in The Netherlands.
Growing up learning to sail on Lasers in Scotland, everything about the ocean always excited her. From lifeguarding, swim coaching, surfing, sailing, scuba diving, underwater videography and photography, her life and passions have always circulated around the sea.
During her time at university in England, where she directed and edited short films, (some of which have been recognized in International film festivals), she spent her long summers working on sailing yachts. After having various roles in the yachting industry, she obtained her Yachtmaster Offshore Sail 200T license in Gibraltar and has worked on charters in Croatia, Greece, the Amalfi coast and Balearic Islands before moving to the BVI.
CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail 200GT Commercial
• PADI Advanced Diver
• RYA powerboat Level 2
• RYA VHF SRC (GMDSS)
• STCW BST
• ENG1 Medical
• RYA PPR
• Radar
• Food & Hygiene Level 2 Sports
• Massage Therapist
Chef Iona Newman
lona was born and raised in-between London and the Cotswolds, also spending many summers in Lake Como which sparked her passion and love for cooking. lona has been trained at both the Ashburton and Orchards cookery school in the U.K. and has worked over several summers as a private chef in the Algarve Portugal where she made top quality meals in the comfort of the client villas.
During the winter seasons lona worked in the French Alps running and catering chalets to a very high standard. With both of these experiences, lona is able to present and deliver a vast variety of cuisines. lona aims to impress and wow and is constantly experimenting with new ideas, always receiving outstanding reviews. lona has a Mediterranean cooking flare and loves working with both land and sea elements.
After graduating with 2:1 degree in Economics from Oxford Brookes University, lona worked in the renowned Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, before following her passion for hospitality and starting her first yacht season in Mallorca where she met Stella. They worked together on a 55ft catamaran sailing around the Balearic Islands. They are a dynamic and outstanding team, and they have the customers wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. They have chartered the Mediterranean extensively and are looking forward to welcoming guests in the Caribbean.
CERTIFICATES
• STCW
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
• Ashburton Cookery School
• Orchards Cookery School
Stella Sotomayor
Captain
Iona Newman
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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