These booking terms and conditions will form part of your contract with 'Ventus Sailing' for all the arrangements you book with us. Information given by the Client via the booking form, deposit, or online, forms the basis of this contract and the Client will be accepting the booking conditions for themselves and members of their party.
Booking & Payment
At the time of booking, the Client shall pay to Ventus Sailing a deposit which will be calculated as 25% of the overall cost, or full payment will be required if the booking is within 10 weeks of the first date of a racing charter or corporate charter.
On returning the booking form, these Terms & Conditions shall become binding. The Client who signed the booking form shall be liable for all those to whom the booking form applies and in respect of whom the Client was sent an invoice.
On receipt of deposit and a completed booking form, Ventus Sailing will send a confirmation and details of the charter. It is the Client's responsibility to check the details on the confirmation invoice and inform us of any discrepancies immediately.
The balance of the charter must be paid at least 10 weeks before the start of the campaign/charter date. If the balance is not paid in time we may cancel the booking and apply the cancellation charges set out in the paragraph "Cancellation or Amendment” below. The charter deposit is non-refundable unless we are unable to honour your original booking request.
Cancellation and Amendment
In the event of a Client cancelling the booking more than 10 weeks prior to the start of a charter, Ventus Sailing will be entitled to keep the deposit. If a Client cancels the booking 8-10 weeks prior, Ventus Sailing will be entitled to keep 50% of the full cost of the booking. Less than 8 weeks no refund will be made.
Cancellation must be received in writing or by email.
Ventus Sailing May cancel the booking at any time upon repayment to the Client of all sums already paid.
Equality, Diversity and inclusion
Ventus Sailing is committed to ensuring that we are a training centre, open, accessible and inclusive to all new, existing, past and potential customers. As acore value, inclusion is championed all the way through our company, we aim to positively encourage sailing for all.
As a company, Ventus Sailing is committed to reflecting and representing the diversity of the UK and to ensure equal opportunities in employment and the ongoing development of staff and volunteers. We will ensure that our training centre is free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the
diversity of all people and that all people are treated fairly with dignity and respect.
We take pride in promoting our wonderful sport to EVERYONE. To enjoy and reap the benefits that sailing brings to people’s lives.
Complaints Procedure
If you have any complaint arising from your time spent with Ventus Sailing, please tell us. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, please contact the principle, Bob Mechem in writing within 28 days (info@ventussailing.co.uk). We will make an initial response within 48 hours and will make every effort to resolve the issue satisfactorily within 14 days.
Any investigation usually requires the instructor, other students on the course and any other independent witnesses to be canvassed to get a balanced view. The Principal Will instigate an investigation quickly and respond objectively to the complainant with conclusions and any corrective action that has or will be
taken.
We will make every effort to deal with any complaints in a timely fashion and resolve the matter quickly. Should your complaint not be dealt with satisfactorily then please contact the RYA on training@rya.org
Obligations of the Client
- The details provided by the Client on the booking form are complete and accurate.
- The Client should make their own arrangements for travel to and from the charter.
- If a Client fails to arrive at the departure point of the charter in time, further travel arrangements will be at the clients own responsibility and will not be compensated by Ventus Sailing.
- It is the responsibility of the Client to ensure that all travel documents, visas, inoculations and vaccinations are in place and in date.
- It is the responsibility of the Client to be in compliance with all laws, regulations and customs of all countries visited.
- The Client must ensure they do not take any action which jeopardises the safety of fellow clients, staff, or vessels.
- The Client must undertake to comply with all sea-going rules and regulations currently in force and to obey the reasonable requests of the Skipper. The Client agrees to accept the authority, decisions and instructions of the company's Skippers, employees, agents and representatives during the charter. At all times, the decision of the Skipper is final on all matters.
- The Client must observe standards of personal conduct which will not be considered offensive by fellow crew members or neighbouring vessels.
- Smoking is not permitted below deck or while handling sails .
- The Client must not bring aboard any restricted or illegal goods such as drugs, firearms or explosives. The Skipper (or any member of professional staff delegated for the purpose) shall be entitled at all times to search a Client and/or their personal luggage if the Skipper reasonably believes they may in breach of this clause.
- Clients must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance while sailing.
In the event of unacceptable behaviour, Ventus Sailing reserves the right to terminate the offending Client's charter. Under such circumstances, fees will not be refunded and Ventus Sailing shall not be liable for any incidental costs and expenses incurred by the Client, including (but not to) flights and hotel accommodation.
Ventus Sailing reserves the right to hold any Client liable for any/all losses or damages resulting from negligence or misconduct.
- English is the working language on our crewed charters. For safety reasons the Client is expected to have a good working knowledge of the English language. Ventus Sailing reserves the right to decline passage at any time, without liability, to anyone considered not to have adequate language skills.
- The nature of our trips means that Clients are asked to show a flexible approach at all times. For example, plans may change due to weather conditions, local circumstances, and for a variety of other reasons. On occasion it may be necessary to change the route of a trip, the timing of a trip or the length of a trip, sometimes at short notice, sometimes before departure and sometimes after the trip has already commenced. Wherever possible, Ventus Sailing will provide the Client with advance notice of any change to the itinerary but reserve the right to do so without giving prior notice. If the itinerary of a trip is changed due to local circumstances or events outside of the company's control, Ventus Sailing is not responsible for any costs that a Client may incur as a result of the change.
- We recommend that the Client has adequate travel insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of any charter.
- The Client accepts that sailing carries an element of personal risk. Ventus Sailing endeavours to minimise risks wherever possible by implementing stringent safety measures and procedures, however the Client accepts that in deciding to travel on a yacht charter that they do so in the knowledge that there are personal risks involved.
Obligations of Ventus Sailing
- Ventus Sailing will deliver the yacht in good and seaworthy condition , complete with all items stated in the yacht's inventory and fully compliant with MCA/RYA regulations or ISAF special regulations when racing.
We will provide a fully qualified Skipper and where regulations require, a fully qualified First Mate.
The yacht will be insured against fire and all usual marine and collision risks including third party risks to such an extent
Ventus Sailing in its absolute discretion shall deem appropriate.
Age Limits
Clients must be above the age of 18, or be accompanied by an appropriate adult.
Insurance
Our yacht is fully insured against accident, third party liability and personal injury arising from neglect by Ventus Sailing. We accept no liability for personal accident or loss or damage to the property of the Client. We strongly recommend clients take out their own appropriate holiday insurance to cover against cancellation, accident, injury or loss of personal possessions.
Health
Sailing is an activity sport and it is the responsibility of the Client to ensure they are healthy and fit to take part. Please check with your GP if you are in any doubt. If for whatever reason the Skipper has to put a Client ashore or administer medical aid, Ventus Sailing or its employees accept no liabilities. If a health condition arises that prevents a Client from taking part, this shall be regarded as a cancellation by the Client and the cancellation procedure above will apply.
Swimmers
It is strongly recommended that all those participating in the sport of Sailing should be able to swim. It is essential the Skipper should know if any Clients are non-swimmers.
Force Majeure
No liability shall accrue to either party if the other is prevented from fulfilling any of its obligations here under by any incidence of Force Majeure, including Acts of God, strikes, lock out, Act of Government or Authority or any other occurrence whether similar or dissimilar wholly beyond the control of either party .
Law & Disputes
This agreement is subject to English Law. In the event of a disputed arising under this Agreement, the parties agree to use reasonable endeavours to resolve such a dispute by negotiation. If such negotiation fails, any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be submitted to the jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.
