Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Gino Barale | South African | 0 | RYA Yacht Master Offshore, STCW |
| Chef/First Mate | Nikita Du Preez | South African | 0 | STCW, Power Boat License, Olive Branch Culinary School |
| Number of Crew: 2 | Languages: English | |||
MEET YOUR CREW
CAPTAIN: Gino Barale
CHEF/FIRST MATE: Nikita Du Preez
Gino grew up in the bush, travelling across Southern Africa with his parents. Any chance they got they were out camping in remote locations, which is where his great sense of adventure came about. Gino was introduced to sailing through his father, which is where he began to compete in multiple races, working his way up from crew to skippering his own boat.
After 3 years of racing keelboats, Gino found himself in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean enroute to Rio De Janeiro competing in the Cape 2 Rio Ocean race. This ended up being a 3-month journey, sailing from island to island in Brazil once they got there before starting the passage back home to Cape Town, South Africa.
Nikita found her love for cooking at a young age in the kitchen with her dad where he taught her all the tips and tricks to cooking a delicious meal. With time, this slowly ended up becoming weekly competitions in the house in who created the better dish.
Nikita decided from the get-go she would not be spending her life in an office but rather exploring the world. After discovering the beauty of sailing and life on the water, Nikita quickly booked her course to become a stewardess and culinary courses to increase her culinary skills, which led her to working as a sole chef/stew in Cape Town, South Africa on a superyacht. This is where both her passion for the sea and cooking aligned and she knew her career choice was right.
Gino and Nikita, being friends since high school and having created endless adventures, memories, and stories together, decided to join forces and run sailing charters out of Cape Town. Realizing how well they work together they made their way to the Virgin Islands for another adventure together.
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