Terms & Conditions

Weather Policy

If the weather is too bad to sail (a complete rain out or stormy/hazardous weather), we will work with you to reschedule your sail to another day or time. In some cases, we may delay your sail by up to 90 minutes to wait for a weather system to pass. If we cancel your sail due to weather and you are unable to reschedule your sail, you will receive a refund. Weather cancellations are determined only by the captain of the vessel.

Reschedule and Cancellation Policy

We offer a no-fee reschedule policy if a charter needs to be canceled due to bad weather. Customers will receive a reschedule or credit for a future sail in case of operator cancellation due to foul weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

You may cancel your reservation up to 30 days before your charter date to receive a refund, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. This fee can be avoided if the charter party chooses to keep their booked charter as a credit for a future charter date. Cancellations made less than 30 days, but more than 14 days, before the charter date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the charter date will not be refunded. Ventura can sail rain or shine, but if conditions are determined to be unsafe then the charter will be rebooked for a later time with no additional fees.

You may reschedule your charter up to 30 days before your charter date at no cost. Charters rescheduled less than 30 days and more than 14 days before your charter date are charged a 50% reschedule fee. Charters rescheduled less than 14 days, but more than 3 days, before your charter date are charged a reschedule fee at 75% of the total charter cost. Charters rescheduled less than 3 days before your charter date are charged 100% of the total charter cost.

Operator Cancellation

For safety reasons, Ventura reserves the right to cancel your charter at any time due to severe weather conditions or a mechanical failure. In such an event, your sail will be rescheduled, at no additional charge, to a mutually available date. Severe weather is determined solely by the Captain of the vessel.

Payment Terms

Charter reservations are only confirmed if a deposit or payment in full has been made. Any charters with remaining balances will be charged in full on the credit card on file two weeks in advance of the charter date.

A minimum gratuity of 10% applies to all charters and will be charged to the card on file if the gratuity portion of the total is not included in the final payment. In the event a good faith cash gratuity is not given to the Ventura staff, a 10% gratuity will be charged to the card on file.

Substance Abuse

The use of illegal substances is forbidden on board the vessel, as is underage use of alcohol and tobacco. Violating this rule will terminate the charter and there will be no refund. For charter guests bringing their own food and drinks aboard, any hard liquor or cocktails must be served by Ventura staff only.

Sail Charter NYC, LLC, at its sole discretion, can decide to cancel any charter early and return to the dock if a guest or guests become intoxicated to the point of becoming a hazard to themselves or others. No refunds will be given in this circumstance.

Risks

By chartering a sail, you acknowledge that at marinas and aboard sailboats there is an inherent risk of personal injury or accident. You agree to release and hold harmless Sail Charter NYC, LLC, its owners, and employees from liability and responsibility for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death, however caused, including but not limited to product defect or the negligence of the released parties.

You have discussed the risks with your invitees and they agree to release and hold harmless the owners and employees of Sail Charter NYC, LLC in the same manner as stated in the above paragraph. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify the owners and employees of Sail Charter NYC, LLC from any claims brought by your invitees.

Medical

If medical treatment is necessary for you or your invitees, you will be fully responsible for paying such expenses. Authority without limitation is granted to Sail Charter NYC, LLC and it assigns in all medical matters to hospitalize and treat you and your invitees.

Disputes

All disputes shall be governed by Federal Maritime Law. In any action against Sail Charter NYC, LLC, its owners, or employees, which results in a decision, judgment, decree, order, stipulation, or settlement that substantially upholds the Sail Charter NYC, LLC position, the adversary party shall reimburse Sail Charter NYC, LLC attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses.