Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Michael Souther | American | 0 | |
| 0 | ||||
| Number of Crew: 9 | Languages: | |||
CAPTAIN MICHAEL SOUTHER
Mike was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and has spent a majority of his career traveling the globe competing in fishing tournaments and chasing billfish. He has worked for multiple programs traveling majority of the Bahamas, Caribbean, Pacific coasts, as well as the northeast Atlantic, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Panama and so much more. In his off time, he spends time with his two daughters and lovely wife, either boating or camping at his cabin in the woods of North Carolina. Some of his hobbies include woodworking, welding, hunting, fishing, surfing, kite boarding, or anything involving being on the ocean.
ENGINEER ROBERT BOUCHARD
Bob grew up in Northern New Jersey. He spent the first 3 years of his yachting career building yachts in Staten Island. This allowed him to get very familiar with the inner workings of yachts. He went on to earn the chief engineer title on multiple yachts over the past 15 years. His interests include sports cars, diving, and fishing.
FIRST OFFICER OWEN GARCIA
Owen grew up in Northeast Georgia, just outside of Athens. He worked on a hay/horde farm as well as in restaurants around Athens. He has spent many years in yachting and has previously worked on a 45M Christensen and a 50M Trinity. His favorite part of the job is exploring new places and fishing. Owen’s hobbies include weightlifting and archery.
BOSUN AMANDA ULRICH
Amanda grew up in Michigan where her love for water began. She spent a lot of her time on the freshwater lakes kayaking, wake surfing, and paddle boarding. After graduating from Colorado State University she decided to further immerse herself in the maritime industry. Amanda’s favorite aspect of yachting is sharing her love for the sea with guests and her crewmates alike. She has an adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors. In her free time, you’ll find her fishing for her next trophy fish and taking part in a variety of water sports.
DECKHAND MASON STORM
Mason grew up in Copley, Ohio. He started his career working in country clubs, ski resorts, and some light construction work. He has previously worked on a 35M Benetti, 50M Westport, and assisted in many yard periods on an assortment of different yachts. His favorite thing about the job is meeting people from all over the world and getting to be in the sunshine all day. His hobbies include soccer, drawing/sketching, and hiking in the wilderness.
CHEF NOAH AGUILAR
Noah grew up in the desert of Arizona. He got his start cooking in restaurants at 15 years old. Since then, he has worked in different restaurants all over the country, until he decided to join the yachting industry in 2008. He has worked on several yachts ranging in size from 35-60M. Noah’s favorite part of the job is experimenting with different cuisines to create new, spectacular dishes. In his off time, he runs a distillery, rock climbs, hikes, scuba dives, and challenges himself with new DIY projects.
CHIEF STEWARDESS NICOLE RANBY
Growing up in a beach town in New Jersey, Nicole has always felt comfortable near the ocean. After graduating university, she realized she may not be ready for a desk-job in finance just yet! She was introduced to yachting by a friend and has never looked back. Coming from a family of restauranteurs- cocktail making, decorating, and entertaining are in her blood. She has been chief stewardess on several yachts, ranging from 37- 50M. Nicole is dedicated to making your time aboard Neenah the best holiday of your life. In her free time, Nicole loves practicing Pilates, fishing, and exploring new cities.
SECOND STEWARDESS RACHAEL AVARA
Coming from the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, Rachael serves as the Neenah team's 2nd Stewardess. With half a decade of experience on super yachts, Rachael has mastered the art of approachable luxury, offering guests prompt and friendly service, always accompanied by her signature smile.
Beyond her impeccable stewardess duties, Rachael boasts a rich background in luxury events, specializing in the art of floristry and table design. Whether on land or navigating the high seas, she's renowned for crafting stunning and memorable occasions. Off duty, you'll find Rachael at home with her husband and their lively Catahoula pup, Odie. In these cherished moments, she finds the perfect balance between professional excellence and life's simple joys.
THIRD STEWARDESS KEALY FLYNN
Kealy was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL, which gave her a glimpse into the yachting industry from a very young age. She went to the University of Central Florida to earn a degree in hospitality management. During her time there, she worked for both Disney and Universal. After completing her degree, she decided to return to Fort Lauderdale to begin her journey in yachting industry. Her favorite part of the job is traveling, meeting people from all over the globe, and creating lifelong memories for the guests. Some of her interests include traveling, photography, horseback riding, and all things reality TV.
Michael Souther
Captain
Robert Bouchard
Engineer
Owen Garcia
First Officer
Mason Storm
Deckhand
Noah Aguilar
Chef
Nicole Ranby
Chief Stewardess
Rachael Avara
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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