A Rubicon charter is designed to be relaxing and fun. But there are a few things we need you to be aware of. Apologies for the length of this section but we prefer to cover all eventualities to avoid any confusion on the day.

The Skipper – If you have any problems on the day, your Skipper is the person to talk to and in most instances a solution will be found there and then. He or she is responsible for the boat and for your safety and this will be his or her overriding concern. If it proves necessary to re-arrange a port of call for reasons beyond our control , such as passenger illness – and including the weather, we are unable to offer a refund or compensation

Payment terms and cancellations – A £500 non- refundable deposit secures your booking. Full payment is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the commencement of your charter. Cancellations made more than 4 weeks prior to the start date of your charter will result in a loss of deposit plus any costs incurred on your behalf. Cancellations made less than 4 weeks prior to the start date will result in the loss of 80% of the cost of your charter. Should the dates be later taken by someone else, the cancellation will be dealt with as though it were made more than 4 weeks prior to commencement.

Forced cancellation – If we have to cancel your charter due to circumstances beyond our control ,we will offer a full refund less any costs incurred on your behalf - such as provisioning or positioning. In the event of a foreshortening of your charter we will offer a pro-rata refund less any costs incurred on your account. We will always seek to make alternative arrangements where possible.

Cancellation of your charter due to mechanical failure – Our Princess Flybridge boats were supplied new by one of the most highly -regarded motor yacht builders in the world. As such mechanical breakdown issues are rare but in the event of such a failure we will make every effort to continue with your charter providing it is safe to do so. In the event of a cancellation or partial cancellation ,any refunds will be limited to the cost of charter or any unexpired part of your charter. Where possible we will seek to offer alternative arrangements.

Damages – You are liable for any damage you cause to the boat. There will be a thorough briefing covering all the boat’s systems and if you have any questions please ask. To avoid doubt this includes damage from putting foreign objects into any of the toilets. Although the toilets on board function just like the ones at home they are choosy about what they digest. Normal waste and toilet paper is fine. Anything else will cause a problem.Professional cleaning charges apply should it be required to deal with any spillages or staining.

Medical conditions. It is essential you make us aware of any medical conditions you or anyone in your party may have. All information is treated in strict confidence but we have to know in case someone falls ill whilst on board, when some distance away from immediate assistance. We have radio contact with the emergency services at all times, but help may take longer to arrive than when on land. Whilst we have first aid facilities on board, but these are limited and we are not able to provide medical support for ongoing conditions.

Disability – By virtue of their design, our boats are not ideally suited to those with mobility problems. Things to consider are getting on and off the boat, tackling stairs on board, narrow doorways, toilet and shower compartments with restricted space - and using the tender or having to abandon the boat and climb into a life raft in an emergency ( in the very unlikely event of that being necessary). We want to extend the luxury Motor Yacht experience to as many people as possible and will do as much as we can to accommodate on an inclusive basis - but please be aware of the potential problems you may face if you have a disability – and please let us know in advance about any disability you or another guest may have, when booking.

Children – We do not impose a minimum age because good behaviour is not dependent on age, but our boats have many systems and finishes which can easily be damaged, so it is the responsibility of anyone bringing a child on board to ensure that they are well- behaved. Any damage will be charged at full cost to repair or replace. Notwithstanding damage, passenger safety is our number one priority and an unruly child can be a hazard on board a boat. If the Skipper deems it necessary to abandon your charter due to a child’s behaviour, no refund will be given.

Animals and pets – Animals and pets are not allowed on board our boats under any circumstances. We will do our best to accommodate guide dogs and work with you on this, but you must appreciate the boat is a confined space with surfaces that damage easily. Any damage or cleaning requirements will be charged at cost. Please make sure your guide dog is happy to be at sea!

Abusive behaviour – We will not tolerate any form of abusive behaviour towards our staff or crew. Such behaviour will result in the immediate abandonment of your charter without refund. You will be disembarked at the nearest safe port and the remainder of your charter will be forfeited without refund.

Drugs. Any drug use on board will result in the above action with no exceptions.

Smoking – Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Rubicon. We do not permit vaping inside the boat, but there are designated areas outside the boat where you may vape, which will be pointed out by your skipper. In the event of a customer being found to have smoked on board, we reserve the right to terminate the charter and there will be a charge for cleaning. This charge is a minimum of £500 and there are no exceptions to this rule.

Alcohol on board – Any drinks provided on your charter are subject to fair use and sensible limits. It is dangerous to you, others and the boat for anyone to be intoxicated on board, so your Skipper reserves the right to withhold alcoholic beverage supply should he deem it necessary.

Maximum guests on board – our boats are coded for a maximum of 12 guests on board (per boat)  at any time. For the avoidance of doubt children and support carers are classed as guests. Under no circumstances can this number be exceeded.

Crew – For your charter to operate there must be a skipper plus 1 crew member per boat -and all quoted prices make provision for this..

VAT – All quoted prices include VAT at current rate where appropriate. Prices are in pounds sterling.

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