Terms & Conditions

1] Our yachts are fully insured against accidents and third party liability but responsibility is not accepted for personal accidents, damage or loss attributable to your negligence, recklessness or gross misconduct. FCS reserves the right to hold any student liable for any/all damage or loss resulting from negligence or misconduct.

2] Personal Insurance. You are strongly advised to arrange your own insurance at the time of booking to cover against personal accident, cancellation, medical and repatriation etc. One such company that offers this type of policy is Top Sail Insurance but you should make your own enquiries. If you use Top Sail Insurance quote A0028 when asked. For some events personal insurance is mandatory.

3] If you wish to cancel: For courses and other training weekends booked dates are final. It is not possible to change dates once you have booked. You may cancel your course at any time. Written notification [email] must be received by our sales team. Cancellation will be effective on the day notification is received. Cancellation charges are as follows. Period before departure: 57+ days: deposit only [where a deposit amount has not been specified at the time of booking it shall be 25% for refund purposes]; 29-56 days: 50% of total; 22-28 days: 70% of total; 21 days or less: 100% of total. If the reasons for your cancellation are covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. A cancellation invoice will be issued on request. No refunds can be given for online courses. If for whatever reason you transfer to a different course than that originally booked it will be consider a new booking and the above will apply. For ARC, Biscay, Atlantic, Norway, Fastnet, Round the Island Race, Spinnaker Sailing and Heavy Weather Sailing weekends all payments are non refundable by First Class Sailing as a result of cancellation by yourself. Cancellation may be covered under the terms of insurance policies depending on the circumstances. It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that you are covered. For Vouchers No refunds can be given.

4] If we cancel your course: Arrangements for courses are made many months in advance. We reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel a course or your booking. If we cancel your booking our liability is limited to monies already paid, which will be refunded. We may offer as an alternative a replacement course, which you may choose to accept in place of a refund. Such an offer once accepted, constitutes a new booking subject to all the aforesaid terms and conditions. Occasionally we may need to make changes which may include, but are not limited to: a] a change of destination/venue, b] change of departure point, c] change of vessel, d] change of instructor. Such matters do not constitute conditions of the contract and changes to them by us do not constitute a cancellation.

5] Should you at any time feel that a course has not met your expectations or you have a concern, it is vital that you bring the issue to the attention of your instructor. The issue may be resolved by him/her. If more appropriate please notify First Class Sailing’s office at the earliest possible opportunity. Telephone 0203 006 3717. We may not be able to offer alternative arrangements for comments received after the course is completed, if the issue could have been solved or ameliorated at the time.

6] Booking from Abroad or when expensive travel arrangements are involved: All courses require minimum numbers to run. You are advised to contact the office before committing yourself to ascertain the current position of a course. This also applies where you are making arrangements with other companies contingent on passing one of our courses on a certain date. We will always do our best to help you make arrangements if you keep us informed.

7] It must be recognised that boating is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in the Event, you agree and acknowledge that:

i) You are aware of the inherent element of risk involved in the sport and you accept responsibility exposing yourself to such inherent risk whilst taking part in your course/trip/event;

ii) You will comply at all times with the instructions of the Instructor/Skipper particularly with regard to handling of boats, wearing of life jackets aids and the wearing of suitable clothing for the conditions;

iii) You accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by your own negligence;

iv) You will not participate in the course/trip/event if [under the influence of]/OR [your ability to skipper a vessel is impaired by] alcohol, drugs or if otherwise unfit to participate

v) You are aware of the inherent risk of exposure to any contagious disease that other participants in the course/trip/event may be carrying and you accept responsibility for exposing yourself to such inherent risk whilst taking part in the course/trip/event;

vi) You have satisfied yourself as to your [suitability]/[eligibility] for the course you are attending

vii) You will inform the organiser if there have been any changes to information provided at the time of the course/trip/event.

8] I do not object to appearing in photographs, video footage, radio or newspaper interviews, social networking/media that may be used by First Class Sailing Ltd or the media.

9] You will not be able to sail with us if you are positive for Covid and in such a situation you will not be eligible for a refund. You are advised to take suitable precautions to ensure you do not catch Covid in the run up to sailing with us.

10] Should you at any time feel that a course has not met your expectations or you have a concern, it is vital that you bring the issue to the attention of your instructor. The issue may be resolved by him/her. If more appropriate please notify First Class Sailing’s office at the earliest possible opportunity. Telephone 0203 006 3717. We may not be able to offer alternative arrangements for comments received after the course is completed, if the issue could have been solved or ameliorated at the time.

11] If you wish to cancel for any reason including transport strikes clause 3 above will apply.