Bahamas Yacht Charters by Sneed Charters
(800) 581-7130 / (561)459-5316

| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses |
| Captain | Rubin Terblanche | South African | 1994 | |
| 0 | ||||
| Number of Crew: 7 | Languages: | |||
CAPTAIN- RUBIN TERBLANCHE- SOUTH AFRICAN
Captain Rubin hails from the small coastal town of Amanzimtoti on South Africa’s southern coast. His passion for swimming defined his high school years, but an injury prompted him to explore new avenues after graduation.
Discovering a love for yachting, he embarked on a career that has now spanned over 10 years, accumulating countless nautical miles cruising extensively through the Caribbean, Bahamas, East Coast of the USA, and Mediterranean. His wealth of experience and keen insights allow him to guide guests to some of the most enchanting destinations.
Embracing adventure and novelty, Rubin thrives in diverse environments and pursuits. Whether it’s hiking, spearfishing, diving, road trips, or a round of golf, he finds joy in the great outdoors. Rubin’s charter reputation is simple: Listen to the guest, offer practical suggestions, and give the guest what they desire.
CHIEF STEWARDESS- MARLEI KOK- SOUTH AFRICAN
Mareli was born and raised in the landlocked city of Pretoria, South Africa. After graduating high school in 2018, she set her sights on a career that would take her beyond the city borders, officially stepping into the yachting industry in early 2020. Since then, she has travelled extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, and the East Coast of the United States, where New York City remains her favorite destination.
Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences, Mareli thrives within the interior and is especially known for the creativity and thoughtful touches she brings to her work, always aiming to elevate the onboard experience in a warm, approachable way.
Outside of yachting, she enjoys staying active, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her unwavering positivity, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for the industry make her a valued addition to the crew of M/Y Éalú.
CHEF- RYAN MICHAEL POTHIN- BRITISH
Ryan is a true Londoner, born and raised in Islington, where he developed two lifelong passions: football—most notably his unwavering support for Arsenal F.C.—and the culinary arts.
His true calling has always been cooking. Classically trained in French techniques, Ryan built a strong foundation in traditional cuisine before evolving his style to embrace more modern, refined cookery. He has a particular appreciation for freshly caught seafood and is known for his depth of knowledge in sauce work, allowing him to elevate simple ingredients into elegant, flavour-driven dishes.
Ryan joined the yachting industry later than most, beginning his maritime career aboard M/Y Kismet in 2019. Starting as a Crew Chef, he quickly progressed to Sous Chef on the iconic Motor Yacht A (119m / 390ft), where his skill, discipline, and leadership saw him rise to the role of Head Chef. Since then, Ryan has continued to hone his craft as a Sole Chef on a variety of vessels, delivering consistently high standards across diverse operational environments.
He now brings this wealth of experience, versatility, and passion to his current role as Sole Chef, where his focus remains on exceptional cuisine, attention to detail, and creating memorable dining experiences for guests and crew alike.
FIRST MATE-RYAN STEPHENSON- SOUTH AFRICAN
Born in South Africa, my lifelong connection to the ocean naturally guided me toward a career on the water. From an early age, I developed a deep love for diving, spearfishing, and all forms of water sports — a passion that has shaped both my personal and professional life.
I began my yachting journey at the age of twenty-four in Turkey, training with a catamaran sailing academy. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of sailing to unique and remote destinations around the world, further fueling my dedication to the yachting industry. As I transitioned from sailboats to luxury motor yachts, I discovered my passion for creating memorable guest experiences — from leading snorkeling safaris and sunset cruises to helping guests build confidence in water sports or exploring remote island trails in the Seychelles.
My ultimate goal is to deliver unforgettable experiences for guests while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and team spirit on board.
2ND STEWARDESS- MOKASE TSAOANE- SOUTH AFRICAN
Mokase is an experienced and dedicated stewardess with four years of professional hospitality experience in service-driven environments. Born and raised in Ladybrand, South Africa, she brings a strong work ethic, cultural awareness, and a calm, professional approach onboard. Her upbringing and boarding school background instilled discipline, accountability, teamwork, and respect for structure, translating seamlessly into yacht life.
She is highly family-oriented and emotionally intelligent, remaining composed, attentive, and discreet in both guest-facing and crew environments. Mokase has a solid understanding of interior operations, including housekeeping, laundry, turn-down standards, and high-level service, consistently creating immaculate and welcoming spaces.
With experience in silver service, formal table settings, and food and beverage service, she excels in timing, presentation, and anticipating guest needs, working seamlessly with the galley to deliver elevated dining experiences. Her passion for beauty and fashion enhances her eye for detail, tablescaping, and presentation, while maintaining a polished and professional appearance at all times.
ENGINEER- EFRAIN SEVERIANO- MEXICAN
Efrain Cartas Severiano is a marine engineer who graduated from the Veracruz Merchant Marine Academy, Mexico, in 2019 and began his career in the merchant marine. He has gained experience across a wide range of vessel types, including oil and chemical tankers, passenger ships, offshore supply vessels, tuna fishing vessels, tugboats, and yachts.
In 2023, he transitioned into the yachting industry and subsequently secured his first position as Chief Engineer. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of main engines and auxiliary machinery, as well as preparation for and participation in class and flag state inspections.
Efrain is a hardworking, positive, and responsible professional with a strong technical background and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Outside of work, he enjoys playing the guitar, exercising, and riding motorcycles with friends.
DECKHAND- EDUARD COETZEE- SOUTH AFRICAN
Eduard is a devoted family man who holds his loved ones above all else. He believes that life is best lived in the company of those you cherish, and he makes it his mission to create meaningful, lasting memories with the people closest to him.
From a young age, Eduard was introduced to the wonders of travel, an experience that sparked a deep curiosity and enduring passion for adventure. Whether he’s exploring new cultures, exploring the ocean, or standing in awe of breathtaking landscapes, he is driven by a desire to experience all the beauty the natural world has to offer.
An outdoorsman at heart, Eduard finds peace and thrill in equal measure through fishing his favorite escape where patience meets excitement. He’s also drawn to adrenaline fueled activities that challenge his courage and provide that unmistakable rush. Friends know him as a social, quick-witted individual whose sense of humor can brighten any moment.
Golf has played a significant role in Eduard’s life, becoming more than just a sport during his high school years. It was a discipline that taught him focus, perseverance, and patience. His appreciation for the natural world extends to every destination he visits, finding unique beauty in each one.
For Eduard, life is about connection, adventure, and wholeheartedly embracing every experience.
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
