StaysAfloat, the new way to holiday on boats...

View our booking enquiry page

Booking Terms and Conditions 2009:

This contract is between Stays Afloat Ltd., of ………………………….
And
................................. client of …………………………………

1. Stays Afloat Ltd lets holiday stays on boats owned by third parties (the ‘Owner’).

1.1. When the client makes a booking it guarantees that it is authorised to accept and does accept these conditions on behalf of itself and all members of its party. In these terms the word client includes all members of its party.

1.2. A contract will exist as soon as the earlier of a deposit, part or full payment is received by Stays Afloat, or on its behalf via any approved agent or where Stays Afloat is in receipt of a signed booking form. A contract shall be created either verbally in writing by email or payment of any sum of money when the client will be liable to pay the full price in accordance with these conditions.

1.3. the word ‘client’ means all members of the client’s party.

2. Travel. Stays Afloat does not arrange inclusive tours and travel to and from the boat which the client has booked is wholly his responsibility.

3. Arrival days and durations.

3.1. The arrival day at the boat counts as the first day and the night before the morning of departure from the boat counts as the last day, regardless of timings.
3.2. Late arrivals, Check in is up to 8pm. Arrivals later than these times can only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and by prior arrangement.
3.3. No Shows. If accommodation is not taken up, without prior notification by 9am on the day immediately after its scheduled arrival day, then Stays Afloat reserves the right to re-let the boat.
3.4. Check in/check out. Normally, the boat will be ready on arrival day from 2pm. On departure please vacate by 11am so that we can service it in good time prior to new arrivals.

4. Costs.
4.1. Payment of the full holiday costs entitles the client to stay on board the chosen boat (or in exceptional circumstances at Stays Afloat entire discretion a broadly similar boat and the use of the word boat includes any such substitution).
4.2. If due to exceptional circumstances the boat becomes unavailable or unsuitable for the client’s use and if Stays Afloat cannot source a reasonable substitute it will cancel the holiday booking and refund Clients monies paid to date but shall not be liable for any other costs or claims whatsoever.
4.3. All prices and supplements are per boat and are based on holiday commencement date. All prices include VAT (and are guaranteed against any increase, unless in the event that the Government alters the VAT rate). Tariffs. If the clients holiday duration cuts across two price bands the applicable rates are combined on a pro rata basis.

5. Inclusions and exclusions.
5.1. The holiday includes accommodation for the client and its party on the boat. Linen and towels are provided.
5.2. Other than any starter pack of tea, coffee and the first morning’s breakfast are provided by the owner, no food or beverage or anything else is included in the price.
5.3. Electricity if supplied by shore power will be provided free of charge.
5.4 Gas, if supplied, will be supplied free of charge, if you find your require a further cylinder, please advise us.

6. Groups are most welcome. Please note that under certain circumstances all-male/female groups may not be accepted or, may be subject to an additional loss/damage deposit. Please check at the time of booking.

7. Reservations. Contact Stays Afloat by 'phone, fax or e-mail to check availability or book online. Early booking is advisable, especially for peak dates or where there are specific requirements.

8. Money matters.
8.1. A deposit of one nights hire charge as a security deposit and 25% of the whole hire charge is payable on booking; full payment is required if booking is made within 6 weeks of arrival.
8.2. A full confirmation and account will then be sent to the client confirming the contract with it.
8.3. Balances are required 6 weeks prior to arrival. No further reminder will be sent and bookings may be cancelled if payment is not received by the due date and any deposit paid will be forfeit.
8.4. Should the client have to cancel their holiday within the 6 weeks prior to the holiday commencing, 100% of the holiday charge will be required, if over the 6 week period the customer will only loose their deposit. Holiday cancellation insurance is therefore strongly recommended.

9. Our liability.
9.1. Stays Afloat accepts full responsibility for ensuring that the boat provided is in accordance with our descriptions of it and is of a reasonable standard.
9.2. No liability is accepted for any accidental injury to any client nor for any loss or damage to their property without limitation and including vehicles however caused.
9.3. We reserve the right to amend or withdraw any on board or shoreside amenity or facility due to operational or safety reasons. Naturally every effort will be made to restore any such loss of facility with a minimum of delay.
9.4. If any advertised facility is withdrawn or unavailable we will notify it in advance where possible.
9.4.1. Claims must be notified to Stays Afloat by telephone within 24 hours days of the incident complained of and confirmed in writing within 7 days of the scheduled completion of the holiday.
9.4.2. The claimant agrees to assign to Stays Afloat their rights against a supplier or any other person relating to the claim.
9.4.3. The claimant agrees to give his or her full cooperation in the event that Stays Afloat or insurers wish to enforce the rights assigned to Stays Afloat or to which Stays Afloat is subrogated.

10. Changes to its Holiday
10.1. In the rare event we make a major alteration to holiday arrangements, we will inform the client or its travel agent as soon as possible and offer the best available alternative or issue a prompt and full refund of all monies received by Stays Afloat from the client.
10.2. Any alternative boat offered, subject to availability, would be of relatively comparable standard. The client understands that boats are very individual and direct comparisons are often impossible. We shall not cancel the holiday after full payment of the price has been made unless for reasons beyond our control.

11. Assistance, Problems, Complaints.
11.1. If the client has a problem during their holiday, please inform Stays Afloat at once so that every opportunity is given to restore holiday satisfaction. Stays Afloat will do its utmost to resolve the problem while it is on holiday.
11.2. If the client remains dissatisfied it must notify Stays Afloat by telephone within 24 hours of the incident complained of and confirmed in writing within 7 days.
11.3. It is a condition of this contract that it immediately communicate any problem to the owner of the boat and to Stays Afloat. If the client fails to follow this simple procedure Stays Afloat cannot accept responsibility as it will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify the problem.

12. Children and Infants. Boats do not usually have facilities specifically geared to children and infants and it is the clients responsibility to ensure that they are at all times protected within, upon or around the environment of the boat and its marina or berth and to ensure that they are not in a position to or allowed to compromise the boat or any of its domestic or marine systems.

12. Disability.
12.1. In the case of disabled clients and members of their party or where for medical reasons special services are required it is the clients and their duty to ensure that they are safe to access a boat by way of marina structures such as pedestrian ramps and floating pontoons.
12.2. Stays Afloat cannot be held responsible for problems related to disability and it is entirely in the clients and each member of its party’s responsibility to judge whether he/she/they is competent to access and live aboard in a marine environment.

13. Meals. Whilst owners provide a complimentary starter pack of tea coffee and the customers first breakfast, this holiday is strictly self catering and there is no entitlement to meals or refreshment.

14. On Board Facilities.
14.1. Water. Most UK based boats have basic facilities of hot and cold running water supplied by on board tanks which may need to be topped up by clients from a nearby hose on the marina. Unless the boat has a water filter attached to a particular tap it is recommended that water for drinking is boiled first or bottled water purchased.
14.2. Cooking will probably be by a relatively small gas appliance with two burners and an oven, but often without a grill. There may or may not be a microwave on board.
14.3. Fridge. There is likely to be a fridge but probably not a freezer.
14.4. There is unlikely to be a washing machine but the owner’s information will direct the client to machines either on the marina or nearby.
14.5. Electricity. The boat may be connected to 240V shore power but bear in mind that many electrical facilities will be working on 12v DC supply.
14.6. Systems. The owner or his agent will meet you and explain carefully how all the on board systems work.
14.7. Bed linen, towels and tea towels etc are supplied.

15. Parking. All our featured boats are within a short distance of a marina or public car park where it is likely charges will apply.

16. Conduct. The right is reserved the right to decline acceptance of any booking and to expel anyone whose conduct is deemed to be detrimental to the boat and the comfort of all other persons in the immediate vicinity. We are sure this ruling can only prove beneficial for the vast majority of clients.

16. Pets. With the exception of registered guide dogs most boat owners do not accept pets, but we can always check with a particular owner. This will be give by written agreement only prior to boarding if acceptable.

17. Information. All details have been compiled as carefully as possible to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. If any material changes subsequently occur, we will notify it accordingly.

18. At your service! If you have any queries or require further information please do not hesitate to ask.

19. The client will allow time for a full safety and system brief to be given to them, and all members of their party on first boarding the boat. This can take up to 45 minutes. The client understands the importance of this for the safety of all people on board and the client will ensure the information is imparted to everyone on board who cannot be present at the briefing. (2 copies of the briefing will be left on board.) A copy of an example safety briefing is attached.

20. Staysafloat needs to verify our lead clients’ identity for insurance purposes, please ensure you bring either a passport or driving licence with you, for this purpose.

Schedule

1. The lead client is the person named at the head of this agreement.

2. The word client includes all members of the clients party who are

2.1 Name
Address

Name
Address

Name
Address

Name
Address

Name
Address

Name
Address