Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Paul Garfield | South African | 0 | |
| 0 | ||||
| Number of Crew: 7 | Languages: | |||
Paul Garfield - Captain
Paul born in England, raised in south Africa. Paul began racing sailing dinghies (Optimists) on a salt pan at 5 years old, leading to superyachts at age 19. He has worked on various yachts around the world settling into the 130ft range. Paul holds a Master 3000 tonnage certificate and has Captained yachts for over 10 years and has clocked several hundred thousand sea miles, including 14 Atlantic crossings. He was most recently at the helm of M/Y SWEET ESCAPE where he performed numerous successful charters in the Bahamas and Mediterranean. Paul loves water sports, he is a keen sailor, PADI dive master, jet ski instructor, and has recently taken up kite surfing. Now back in the beautiful Bahamas as the Captain of MY/ OCULUS, Paul’s goal is to create an exciting and fun and safe environment while providing the highest quality of service for guests.
Nicholas De Waal - Chief Officer
Born in Cape town, South Africa, Nick started his yachting career at a young age of 21 in Europe. He spent 5 years along the Mediterranean coast working on several busy private yachts. Nick is extremely excited to finally be here in the Bahamas! When not on the boat, you’ll find Nick in the water or at a gym. He loves Crossfit, playing squash and chess. Nick is looking forward to exploring the Bahamas with you and entertaining you all with his Dad jokes! (Sorry, but we did warn you)
Taruna Aswani – Chief stewardess
Taruna grew up in the busy city of Mumbai, India, where she graduated from Physical Therapy school in 2013 and has worked in various hospitals and clinics in India as well as the US. Despite loving her profession then, Taruna’s curiosity to explore the world, and love for travel brought her into the world of Yachting 6 years ago. Taruna has worked on several busy charter/private yachts on which she’s travelled the west and east coast of North America, Bahamas, Caribbean islands and her favorite so far, Scandinavia! Taruna spends all her energy (while never losing her smile) in creating beautiful memories for our charter guests and making sure every guest’s needs and demands are met, above and beyond their expectations! Taruna enjoys travelling, hiking, practicing yoga and although it takes little to make her happy, Taruna’s perfect day must involve the sun, sand and sea!
Chelsi Lotter- Stewardess
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Chelsi has always had a love for the ocean, sports and animals. Chelsi grew up riding horses ever since she was 4 years old, and participated in various horse riding competitions with her equine beauty ‘Intaba’, her partner in crime for 6 years. She gave up her equestrian dream before embarking on her travels while she worked as a professional Au Pair, in parts of Netherlands and California. Loving every bit of her travelling experience and combining her love for the ocean, Chelsi decided to step foot into the Yachting world in 2020 and has never looked back! Chelsi cannot wait to have you all onboard and make sure you’re all well taken care of and full of smiles throughout your stay on your floating home, Oculus
Thomas Rider – Chef
Chef Thomas Rider is American Born from Washington D.C. From an early age Thomas had a passion for Cooking, being inspired by both his grandfather and Step father who was a well known chef in Washington D.C. Thomas was accepted in o the Culinary Arts program and The Culinary Institute of America in N.Y and also studied at Le cordon Bleu. Thomas trained at many high end restaurants in Washington D.C and Maryland and has worked at several resorts and restaurants up and down the east coast as well as the US Virgin Islands. Thomas began his career as a chef yachts for over 5 years ago. He loves to prepare guests with a taste of the cuisine in the areas they are cruising as well as incorporating other flavors and styles to give it a unique twist. In his spare time he loves to be on the water, fishing, swimming and boating with his wife Alyssa and two children Charles and Thomas Jr. Having worked with Paul before, he joined the team.
Johnathan Luszcz – Engineer
Growing up in new England USA, in the brisk, abundant waters off the Atlantic, Rhode Island, Johnathan was drawn to the ocean. Graduating from New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) with a degree in Electrical Engineering (4 Year associates).
His passion for the sea grew and his expertise took him to the Bahamas, Caribbean, South America, Mexico, the West Coast, and the South Pacific. Learning how to fish, scuba dive, Free diving and salvage boats, was just the fundamentals for beginning a life on the high seas. 12 years in the industry to date. His vast experience and knowledge ensures that Oculus runs smoothly.
Nicholas Orry Pyfrom – Deckhand
Orry, our youngest crew member, adds a youthful energy and enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in the Bahamas, he has developed a strong affinity for the sea and his love for the Bahamas is evident in his enthusiasm for showcasing the best that the islands have to offer. His responsibilities include maintaining the exterior of the yacht, assisting with docking procedures, and providing exceptional service to guests.
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.
Find out our