Beyond the Blue Sailing Adventures

Terms and Conditions: Beyond the Blue Sailing Adventures (BTBSA)

The payment of any deposit shall constitute unconditional consent to all provisions contained herein.

1. Definitions

• “BTBSA,” “School,” “we,” “us”: Beyond the Blue Sailing Adventures LLC.

• “Student,” “you”: The individual(s) registered for a course.

• “Vessel”: The sailing craft utilized for instruction, whether owned by the School, a third-party charter company, or the Student.

2. Booking, Deposit, and Payment

• Standard Courses: A 50% deposit is required to secure a booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to the course start date.

• Offshore Passagemaking: Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start date.

• Late Bookings: Reservations made within 60 days of the course date require full payment at the time of booking.

• Payment Methods: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, cashier’s check, money order, or wire transfer.

3. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation by Student

Deposits and course fees are non-refundable except under the following conditions:

• Standard Courses: If cancelled at least 60 days prior to departure, a refund will be issued minus a 10% cancellation fee of the total course price.

• Offshore Passagemaking: If cancelled at least 90 days prior to departure, a refund will be issued minus a 10% cancellation fee.

• Private Schools: Subject to a 10% cancellation fee regardless of timing.

Cancellation by BTBSA

We reserve the right to cancel any course due to sickness, strikes, mechanical breakdown, or insufficient participation. In such cases, BTBSA will attempt to find a suitable replacement course; if one cannot be found, our liability is limited strictly to a refund of payments rendered.

Weather & Hurricane Policy

If a tropical storm or hurricane watch/warning is issued for the training area, BTBSA may cancel the course. No cash refunds will be issued for weather-related cancellations; instead, a "Rain Check" credit will be provided. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover these non-refundable expenses.

4. Vessel-Specific Provisions

The responsibilities of the parties depend on the ownership of the vessel:

Provision

Company Vessel

Charter Vessel

Student-Owned Vessel

Insurance

Provided by BTBSA

Provided by Charter Co.

Provided by Student

Maintenance

BTBSA responsibility

Charter Co. responsibility

Student responsibility

Liable Party

BTBSA

Student (as Charterer)

Student (as Owner)

Special Conditions for Student-Owned Vessels

If instruction occurs on your vessel, you warrant and agree to:

1. Seaworthiness: Ensure the vessel meets all USCG, NauticEd, ASA, and/or US Sailing safety requirements.

2. Command: The Student remains the Master of the Vessel at all times. The Instructor acts solely as an advisor. BTBSA assumes no liability for damage to the vessel or third parties.

3. Insurance Endorsement: You must notify your insurer that a professional instructor will be aboard and ensure coverage extends to the intended sailing area.

4. Expenses: Student shall cover all instructor travel and out-of-pocket expenses to/from the vessel location.

5. Conduct and Safety Onboard

Alcohol & Substance Policy

• Dry Ship: All vessels are "dry" (no alcohol) while underway. Consumption at anchor/port is at the Captain's discretion.

• Zero Tolerance: Illegal drugs or excessive alcohol consumption resulting in unsafe behavior will result in immediate removal from the vessel at the nearest port. No refunds will be issued, and the Student is responsible for all return travel costs.

• Smoking: Prohibited below decks. Limited to the leeward deck (downwind) only.

Student Responsibilities

Students are active crew members. You are expected to participate in cooking, cleaning, and routine maintenance. The vessel must be returned to an "as found" clean condition at the end of the course.

Liability for Damage

Students are responsible for replacing or repairing any damage to the vessel or its furnishings caused by their negligence (excluding normal wear and tear). Student liability is capped at the insurance deductible amount carried on the vessel per incident.

6. Health, Age, and Documentation

• Certification of Health: You certify you have no physical disabilities that create a hazard. BTBSA reserves the right to decline any student whose health impedes the safety or enjoyment of the group.

• Age Limit: Minimum age is 18, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

• Travel Documents: Students are solely responsible for valid passports and visas.

7. Photo & Media Release

BTBSA reserves the right to take photographs or video during programs for promotional use. By signing, you assign all rights to such media to BTBSA without remuneration.