Yacht charter and courses Terms and Conditions
Booking
All arrangements are made subject to the following terms and conditions and the client’s signature on the booking form is confirmation that he/she accepts and agrees to be bound by these conditions.
Before booking, please satisfy yourself that you have received adequate guidance on the suitability of the cruise or course you are joining and availability and make a provisional reservation there and then. We will hold this for you for 7 days pending receipt of a completed booking form and deposit. If the booking is less than 3 weeks before the course or cruise we may reduce this provisional period but we will advise you at the time.
All bookings must be made by fully completing and returning our booking form to Kent Sailing School (‘the School’) with the required fee. References to ‘clients’ in this document refer to any fee-paying client or student of any course or event.
Print off a booking form or ask us to send you one.
Complete the booking form and send it to us with a cheque for your deposit of 25% (minimum £50) or full payment if less than 6 weeks before the session. Please make cheque payable to Kent Sailing School.
Following receipt of your Booking Form we will confirm your booking subject to availability within approximately 7 days. The final balance is payable no later than 6 weeks before the start date and we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain the deposit if you fail to settle the invoice in full by that date.
Once the booking is confirmed we will send you detailed joining instructions and a suggested list of kit to bring.
Cancellation by the School
The School reserves the right to cancel courses or events, change plans or use alternative Instructors or boats if and as circumstances dictate. If a course or event is cancelled, the client will be informed as quickly as possible and unless an alternative date can be agreed, all monies paid in respect of that course or event will be reimbursed. The School will not be liable for any additional or consequential costs or expenses. Should a course or event be cut short by the breakdown or damage of a boat or any other cause the School’s liability will be limited to the return of clients to the starting port and the School will not be liable for any consequential costs or expenses. The cost of the course or event will be refunded in direct proportion to the time lost after the failure of the boat.
Although every effort will be made to adhere to the published course dates there is no guarantee of this and we accept no liability for expenses incurred due to late return of the vessel for any reason.
Cancellation by the client
Deposits and fees paid are not refundable if the client is not able to proceed unless we are able to re-sell the course. In that event all monies paid will be refunded less an administrative charge equal to 10% of the advertised price. You may re-schedule your dates at no extra cost.
Food and accommodation
The School will provide food and non-alcoholic refreshments for all meals taken on board for the duration of each course or event. The School will not pay for meals and refreshments taken ashore unless at the discretion of the School or Instructor. Clients may not smoke inside any boat operated by the School (but may do so on deck). Clients wishing to drink alcohol at the end of a training day are asked to do so only in moderation.
The School will provide accommodation on board for all but the last night of any course or event. A boat is a confined space with limited accommodation. Clients must make allowance for the privacy of others. Clients may also be asked to share a berth with another client of the same sex. Couples will be berthed together whenever possible.
Please note that for all offshore sailing it is customary for crews to participate in domestic duties aboard including cooking and light cleaning.
Also for practical courses the overnight berthing fees, away from base, and fuel costs are included in the course fees.
Weather conditions
The School and the Instructor will endeavour to deliver the full course syllabus of each course or event programme of any event. However, weather and other conditions may prevent the full syllabus or programme from being met.
Insurance
The yacht is insured against accidents and third party liabilities. The School, its servants, agents and employees accept no responsibility for personal accidents caused by a client. Clients will be asked to pay for damage and losses to the yacht and/or its fittings or equipment attributed to the carelessness of the client. The School, its servants, agents and employees will not accept responsibility in respect of personal injury, loss or damage to clients’ personal property and effects howsoever caused, whilst attending any course.
All clients are advised to take out their own insurance cover for personal injury, medical expenses and their own property whilst on board and travelling to and from any course or event, including cancellation charges.
Notification of medical conditions
Before booking please ensure that you have honestly declared any illnesses or disabilities. These will not necessarily preclude you from taking part, but it is essential to the safety of you and others that the Skipper is aware of them. If new medical conditions arise or existing ones change between booking and sailing, please advise Kent Sailing School in writing or the Skipper on joining.
Minimum age
The minimum age for all cruises and courses is 16 years, unless an exception is agreed in writing. Exceptions may be agreed where a responsible adult accompanies the minor. Young people under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Joining instructions
Joining instructions will be available to each client before the start of each course or event and after receipt of the full course or event fee. Instructions will include directions, recommended clothing and equipment and a likely itinerary for the course.
RYA examination fees
Students are responsible to the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) for the payment of all examination fees. For the Coastal Skipper exam the fee is £135 and the Yachtmaster exam fee is £155.
Complaints
Kent Sailing School promises to deliver professional training and activities of the highest standard. You have a right to expect good service and our reputation depends on this. If you feel we are not fulfilling this promise, please use our complaints procedure to help us put things right.
- In the first instance speak to a member of staff directly involved in your course or event. This could be your instructor or training adviser.
- If the matter is not corrected promptly, please put your complaint in writing. You should write to enquiries@kentsailingschool.com or the Administration Manager, Kent Sailing School, 5 Raglan Place, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1LW.
- We will respond in writing within 15 working days. We will try to resolve the problem to your satisfaction.
All clients will be asked to complete a feedback form about each course or event. Every RYA course student has the right to contact the RYA about a problem they feel has not been adequately dealt with by the School.
Unacceptable behaviour
The Skipper may put any client ashore at any time should their behaviour compromise the success or good conduct of the course or event. The School and the Skipper will not be liable for any consequential costs or expenses and fees may not be refunded. The School may refuse or cancel any future bookings from the same client.
The Instructor has overall responsibility for the yacht at all times and his decisions regarding the vessel and crew when on board are final.
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