Booking Conditions

1. By completing the booking form, you are seeking to charter the boat Freestyle Spirit under the terms now listed.  Freestyle Spirit’s management company will confirm the booking in writing, at which point, a contract (governed by English law) will exist between the parties.
2. The Charterer, and group leader must be over 18 years of age.


3. FREESTYLE SPIRIT'S OBLIGATIONS
• The boat shall be in a clean and seaworthy condition.
• Freestyle Spirit shall be offered on charter complying fully with Maritime Coastal Agency (MCA) demands on UK chartering, and shall comply with the provisions of Maritime Guidance Notes (MGN 280).
• The Skipper will be competent, qualified and shall meet standards demanded by the MCA. 
• The Skipper shall liaise with the Charterer (group leader) on the requirements for charter.
• Such arrangements shall be confirmed in writing.
• Freestyle Spirit shall provide maps, programmes and information packs to the Charterer for forward transmission to guests.
• The Skipper shall liaise with the Charterer/group leader in the run up to, and during, the day.
• The Skipper will, when possible, liaise with the Charterer/group leader before adjusting the itinerary of the day.
• The Skipper is responsible for the safety of the vessel, its crew, and guests at all times.
• The Skipper shall carry out a safety briefing for all who board Freestyle Spirit.


4. CHARTER’S OBLIGATIONS
• All passengers must be reasonably fit and healthy.  It is the responsibility of the Charterer to ensure the skipper is aware of any disabilities or injuries (or indeed any matter which may compromise one or more persons on the boat).
• In booking Freestyle Spirit, you accept that all passengers are responsible for their own safety and undertake the boat trip at their own risk. They also accept that motor boating has an element of risk.
• Any accidents must be reported to the skipper as soon as is practical.
• Guests must wear suitable clothes and shoes.
• The Charterer must accept responsibility for the conduct of themselves and all their guests whilst on the vessel, and all are reminded to behave in a manner appropriate for responsible adults, and to treat the boat and all property accordingly.
• No-one in your party should commit an act contrary to UK law. 
• Insofar as is permitted by english law, the owner of the vessel and all representing Freestyle Spirit will not be liable for any loss, damage, death or personal injury to any member of guests on board the vessel.


5. AUTHORITY OF THE SKIPPER
• The Skipper is responsible for the safety of the vessel, its crew, and guests at all times.  The Skipper's word shall be final.
• The Skipper's will comply with all reasonable requests of the Charterer but the skipper will be the sole judge of all matters concerning seamanship and the safety of the boat.
• If guests fail to comply with the reasonable instructions of the skipper concerning seamanship and the safety of the boat, the skipper shall return to the nearest port whereupon the charter will be terminated and the Charterer will not be entitled to repayment of any part of the charter fee, nor of any other remedy.


6. INSURANCE
• The boat is insured for charter for up to 12 guests,   Hirer's personal effects are not covered by this insurance.
• Freestyle Spirit, nor its crew, will not accept liability for any loss or damage to Hirer's property whilst upon the Boat, howsoever caused.


7. NO SMOKING ON BOARD, NO PETS


8. CHARTER PAYMENTS
• The charterer will be responsible for payments.  If it’s a company booking, this must be made clear on the booking form.
• A deposit of £500 becomes due 6 months (or less) before the day of charter.
• Full payment for the boat charter is payable 6 weeks before the day of charter (this excludes any upgrade costs for food, beverages etc..).
• Payments can be made by cheque or bank transfer.
• Freestyle Spirit reserves the right to cancel your booking if the payment schedule is not met, in which circumstances, the Charterer will lose their deposit.


9. FOOD AND DRINK UPGRADE PACKAGE PAYMENTS
• Food packages must be booked 10 days or more in advance of the charter.  Final numbers shall be taken and paid for 7 days before the charter.
• Drink upgrade packages shall be invoiced after the event and payment will be required within 7 days of invoice.  (see charging notes in menu pages).
• The management company reserves the right to deduct the costs of the drink package from the security deposit if payment is not made within 5 days.


10. SECURITY PAYMENT
• A refundable security deposit of £500 will be required 7 days before the event.  This can be in the form of a cheque.
• This deposit shall be used to pay for damage and losses not arising from normal wear and tear during the charter by guests.  If no claims are to be made against this deposit, the sum shall be returned within seven days of the charter.  In the event of any claim, the cost of the claim shall be assessed, and when known, the balance shall be returned within seven days. 
• In the unlikely event that the sum claimed is greater than the deposit, an invoice shall be sent onto the Charterer, who will be responsible for its payment within 30 days.


11. IF THE CHARTER IS CANCELLED OR POSTPONED BY FREESTYLE SPIRIT
• There are times when it’s not viable to charter - be it the weather or machinery failure on the vessel.  Such unlikely events are beyond the control of Freestyle Spirit.
• Freestyle Spirit must therefore reserve the right to cancel/postpone the charter at any time up to and including the date of the charter.
• If your trip is postponed because such events, Freestyle Spirit shall offer the Charterer alternative dates.
• If no date is suitable, Freestyle Spirit shall provide a full refund of your booking fees as a full and final remedy to the charterer.


12.  IF THE CHARTER IS CANCELLED OR POSTPONED BY YOU
• Please advise Freestyle Spirit immediately by telephone and writing if your charter may be compromised for any reason.
• For cancellations made more than 6 months before your charter date, there will be no cancellation penalty. It will be possible to postpone to a later date in the season without charge.
• If the trip is cancelled between 6 months and 6 weeks before the charter, the charterer shall loose their deposit.
• If the trip is cancelled between 6 weeks and 3 weeks before the charter, Freestyle Spirit shall retain 50% of the fee to reflect the potential loss of income and the need to remarket the boat.
• If you cancel within 7 days of the charter, no refund will be possible.