Refund and Cancellation Policy for Sailing Adventure Attendance Payments
1. Attendance Fees and Cost Calculation:
- The fee collected for each sailing event, training, seminar, or hands-on sailing activity is based on the daily cost estimate calculated according to location, duration, time, date, and expected expenses.
- This fee is not considered a transportation ticket, holiday, commercial activity, or passenger service.
- If the attendance fee exceeds the actual expenses, the captain will arrange to refund the difference, and such refunds will be processed within 45 days after the event's completion. Refunds can be made via bank transfer, with the attendee responsible for any fund transfer costs.
2. Cancellation and Refunds for Attendees:
- More Than 4 Weeks Notice: Full refund, minus any administrative fees (10% of the attendance fee).
- Less Than 4 Weeks Notice: Attendees may reschedule for a future event or receive a 50% refund of the attendance fee, minus any administrative fees.
- Less Than 48 Hours Notice or No Show: No refund.
- Rescheduling: If an attendee needs to cancel due to health, personal issues, transportation delays, or any other reason, they can reschedule to a future date, provided that the request is made with more than 2 weeks' notice. If less than 2 weeks’ notice is given, the 50% refund policy will apply.
- Arriving on Time: It is the attendee’s responsibility to arrive at the event location on time. The captain strongly recommends arriving a day before the scheduled activity to avoid delays or the possibility of missing the event. Late arrivals may not be accommodated due to the need to adhere to the event’s schedule.
3. Captain’s Rescheduling Due to Weather, Vessel Malfunction, or Safety Concerns:
- Weather Delays: The captain may adjust the schedule due to weather conditions that could impact safety. This includes late departures or arrivals, or changes to planned activities.
- If there are significant delays or the event cannot be completed as planned, the captain will offer rescheduling for a future event or a partial refund based on the disrupted portion of the event.
- For minor weather-related changes (e.g., slight delays or modifications), no refund will be provided.
- Vessel Malfunction: If a malfunction of the vessel’s primary systems impacts seaworthiness and safety during the event, the captain will offer a rescheduling option or a partial refund based on the affected duration or activities.
- Safety Concerns: The captain has the right to reschedule or cancel the event for safety reasons if there are concerns about the weather, seaworthiness, or the crew’s safety.
* Rain is not considered a weather hazard unless visibility is impacted.
4. Immediate Dismissal from the Event Due to Unacceptable Behavior:
- The captain reserves the right to ask any attendee to leave the event immediately if they engage in unsafe or disruptive behavior that affects the safety and well-being of the vessel, crew, or other participants. This includes but is not limited to:
- Smoking anywhere on the vessel
- Use of illegal drugs
- Unsafe practices or behavior that jeopardizes safety
- Excessive drinking that impairs the attendee’s judgment or physical abilities
- Actions that could endanger the crew, vessel, or other participants
- Physical altercations or defiant behavior toward the captain or crew
- Failure to follow reasonable orders, including cleanliness and sharing duties
- Health or mental conditions unsuitable for the trip as determined by the captain.
- Refunds: If an attendee is dismissed for any of the above reasons, there will be **no refund** of the attendance fee. This is a non-commercial, cost-sharing event, and the decision to dismiss an attendee is based on safety and the integrity of the journey.
5. Late Departure, Late Arrival, or Impact on Activities:
- Late Departure or Arrival: If weather conditions or other factors cause a late departure or arrival, the captain will make reasonable adjustments to the schedule. If these delays impact the event significantly, the captain will offer rescheduling for a future event or a partial refund, calculated based on the disrupted portions of the activity.
- Impact on Activities: If the weather or other conditions affect the planned activities, the captain will offer alternative activities when possible. In the case of activities that cannot be rescheduled, a partial refund will be offered.
6. Rescheduling of Events Due to Weather, Vessel Malfunction, or Safety Concerns:
- If the captain has to reschedule due to weather, vessel malfunction, or other safety concerns, the attendees will be offered the opportunity to reschedule for a future event or a partial refund.
- In the event of vessel malfunction that impacts the safety of the crew or vessel after the event has started, the captain will either reschedule the event or offer a partial refund based on the impacted duration of the event.
7. Communication of Changes:
- The captain will promptly communicate any significant changes to the schedule, including weather-related delays, vessel malfunctions, or other unforeseen events.
- Attendees are expected to stay informed and responsive to communications regarding changes in the schedule or event conditions.
8. Damages to the Vessel:
Liability for Damages: Attendees are responsible for any damage they cause to the vessel, whether due to negligence, improper use, or any other cause while participating in the event. This includes damage to the vessel’s exterior, interior, equipment, sails, or any other property onboard.
Assessment of Damage: In the event of damage, the captain will assess the extent of the damage and determine the cost of repair or replacement. The cost will be based on the repairs required, including any parts, labor, and other associated costs.
Payment for Damages: The attendee responsible for the damage will be required to reimburse the cost of repairs, which will be calculated and provided in writing by the captain. The cost of repairs will be deducted from any refund owed, or the attendee will be asked to pay the difference if a refund has not been issued.
Insurance: The captain recommends that attendees have their own personal travel insurance or liability coverage to protect against potential costs for damages. The captain is not liable for any damages caused by the attendee to the vessel, nor for any personal items that may be lost or damaged during the event. Atendees are highly recommended not to bring any expensive personal items on board.
Intentional Damage: In cases where damage is determined to be intentional or grossly negligent, the captain may take immediate action, including dismissing the attendee from the event with no refund. Additionally, the attendee may be legally liable for further costs incurred due to the damage.
Final Notes:
This refund and cancellation policy is designed to ensure fairness for both the attendees and the captain while maintaining safety and the integrity of the sailing adventure. It is important that all participants fully understand and agree to these terms before committing to the event. The goal is to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone involved.
By participating in the sailing adventure, attendees agree to adhere to this policy and accept responsibility for any damages they may cause to the vessel. The captain’s decision regarding the nature and extent of any damage is final.