Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | John (Jack) Gorman | American | 1965 | USCG Master |
| Chef | Mallory Patterson | American | 1988 | RYA YM Coastal |
| Number of Crew: 4 | Languages: | |||
CAPTAIN
Captain Jack was born and raised in Maryland sailing the waters of the Chesapeake. He started sailing as a young boy with his father. He studied at the University of Maryland and served in the US Navy. Jack has a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and was trained in the Navy's Nuclear Power Program were he served on Submarines.
After leaving the Navy, Jack worked as a Nuclear Engineering consultant for 14 years during which time he obtained a Master's in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. Jack built sea miles in the Navy, and doing deliveries and passages throughout his years in the corporate world. Finally, Jack decided to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a sea Captain and left the US. Jack sailed, single handed, across the Atlantic and has completed many other crossings and long distance deliveries. Jack has also skippered numerous recreational vessels, including day sail vessels, dive boats, as well as working on Tall Ships.
Jack is passionate about being on the water. He has spent the past 12 years in the Caribbean working in the private yacht industry, running day charters and Captaining term charter vessels with up to 10 guests. Jack is also qualified Dive Master.
Jack has a contagious joy for life. If you are looking for a fun, exhilerating yet luxurious vacation that is exactly what you will get with the SOL team.
CHEF
Mallory grew up in Kawkawlin, Michigan spending her summers sailing on the Great lakes. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant management and a concentration in Sales, meeting and event management. After graduation she managed a romantic Inn in Asheville, NC, anf went on to manage and chef in restaurants, catering companies and restaurant development. She loves to sail, free dive, water ski, scuba, and cook and travel.
She has been a successful yacht chef since 2013 and obtained her Yachtmaster, Aida 2 Free diving certification and Rescue scuba Diving during this time.
CHEF
Sara was born and raised on a farm in North Dakota. Although seemingly landlocked she enjoyed spending summers at the family lake cabin in nearby Minnesota.
Her parents raised her amongst many friends and family, always entertaining guests. Instilling a warm sense of hospitality in her personality from a young age.
Having been raised on a farm, surrounded by agriculture and produce from the garden, her relationship with food has always been an important one. She is passionate about knowing where food comes from, and sources the freshest, locally grown produce and freshly caught fish.
With over 6 years experience cooking aboard yachts, a yacht chef certificate, and a year cooking privately land-based, Sara is thrilled and ready to welcome guests aboard Sol for a sensory experience.
STEWARDESS
Blake is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up spending time cruising the many beautiful lakes and developing a respect for the outdoors. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas where she studied business management and the Spanish language. With dreams of seeing a different part of the world (and a chance encounter with a group of awesome seafarers while traveling Europe), she would move to Croatia every summer to work as a chef/sole stewardess on small sailing boats, a position she enjoyed for 3 summers. She loved it so much she decided to move to the Caribbean and make it her career.
Blake is elated to now be joining the Sol team. Her pleasant, “Minnesota Nice” demeanor and charming personality make her a wonderful Stewardess, ready to greet and care for guests. She loves to whip up cocktails, share wild travel stories, and will make you feel right at home!
Captain Jack
Mallory
Chef
Sara Lou
Chef
Richard
First Officer
Blake
Stewardess
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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