Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Richard Harpur | South African | 0 | |
| Chief Stew | Shannon Young | South African | 0 | |
| Number of Crew: 7 | Languages: | |||
CAPTAIN | Richard Harpur
South African
BIO: After growing up around boats, jet skis and anything that floats on water, Richard gained a passion for marine life and sustainable recreational fishing from a young age. Once he finished school, he began working at an exotic vehicle dealership managing and assisting in sales of high-end luxury cars. One year after his yachting career cast off on a 55m charter boat. Since then, Richard has hosted on private and charter yachts ranging from 30-90m giving him vast experience in all aspects of the exterior and helped build a solid safe foundation for Guest’s ultimate enjoyment. Between yachting, Richard has worked as a fishing guide and lodge manager at a 5-star boutique fishing lodge in Mozambique. His passion for making sure guests have a fantastic time both in and out of the water is insatiable. His favorite saying is “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
CHEF | Nina-Sue Hopkins
South African
BIO: Chef Nina-Sue comes from a wine farm in the Western Cape winelands, South-Africa!
“With wine, there is always lovely food paired with it”, she says. Nina-Sue spent holidays at the family home in the Western Cape, South Coast of Africa, where her dad, wine farmer and very passionate fisherman, taught her how to catch and clean all seafood themselves. They were always very thankful to have fresh seafood on the table, paired with Hand harvest wine made from their very own vineyards and always having space for a vegetable and herb garden.
This naturally gave Nina-Sue the opportunity to grow a passion for all the lovely flavours of food and wine together.
Her passion for food grew more and more, especially when her best friends kept on telling her-YOU are a natural in the kitchen. She knew this was something she should pursue and here she is, 10 years later! Sailing the seas and cooking on a boat!
The ocean is a part of who Nina-Sue is and she is thankful to be a part of the journey because all the destinations have been worth it!
ENGINEER | Wayne Richter
South African
BIO: Wayne is from a small town on the east coast of South Africa called East London. Wayne has been in the yachting industry since 2017 and is working his way up as an Engineer.
He has sailed most of the Mediterranean and is on his second year exploring the Caribbean. Wayne enjoys diving, fishing, watersports and overlanding and 4x4 trails.
CHIEF STEWARDESS | Shannon Young
South African
BIO: Shannon is a 24 year old, South African second stewardess on board M/Y Halcyon. She enjoys all forms of art, reading, yoga and anything related to being in the Ocean. Shannon is relatively new to the yachting world as she studied Graphic Design and worked in the advertising world before deciding to make the leap into yachting industry. Her experience in the service industry and her desire to travel the world, naturally brought her here. And she has absolutely fallen in love with yachting.
2nd STEWARDESS | Tracey Osterloh
South African
BIO: Tracey is a friendly family orientated individual who comes from a farm outside of East London. This is where she adopted her passion for the outdoors, nature, and later on her love of team sport. Holidays to the coast gave her the love she now has for the ocean and while administration has been her profession, she wants to take her enthusiasm and zest for travel to create an exciting experience with guests and crew alike in the bigger office.
FIRST OFFICER | Tristan James Wille
South African
BIO: Raised in Grahamstown, South Africa, Tristian left his small hometown immediately after finishing school and began his career in yachting. He started based in Cape Town where he was able to work alongside his studies before going on to work a season in Spain and then Fort Lauderdale. As a child Tristian grew up very familiar with boats, learning to drive a dinghy form his father at a young age and always fishing, wake surfing, wake boarding and skiing. Everything came very natural to him which is a big reason for why he joined yachting, considering it almost as a hobby.
DECKHAND | Cejay Coleman
South African
BIO: Cejay was born in Durban, South Africa. He is very energetic and happy person that enjoys travel and adventure. Thanks to his true love for ocean and nature, he was naturally drawn to the yachting industry which he joined 3 years ago. Cejay loves extreme sports, anything on the water and has his private pilot's license. He looks forward to seeing you on board of Halcyon for a fun and relaxing times in the tropics!
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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