Overview

At OpenCommonsGateway, we recognize that situations can change, so we aim to offer transparent and impartial refund policies. The conditions under which yacht charter service refunds will be issued are set forth in this policy.

Before booking, we urge you to read through this policy. By securing a charter with OpenCommonsGateway, you are signifying your acceptance of and agreement to these refund conditions.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Before Charter

100% Refund

Qualifies for: Full reimbursement minus transaction fees

Time to Process: 5-7 business days

Service Cost: €50 for card payments

Prerequisites: Written request necessary via email or contact number

24-72 Hours Prior to Charter

50% Refund

Eligible for: Half the entire charter cost.

Processing Duration: 7-10 business days

Processing Charge: €25 subtracted from the refund

Stipulations: A legitimate reason is necessary; administrative charges apply

Less than 24 Hours Before Charter

No Refund

Eligible for: No refund is available

Exception: Emergency cases may be taken into consideration

Alternative: A charter voucher might be offered at the discretion of the management

Requirements: Documentation necessary for emergency applications

Weather-Related Cancellations

Our Weather Assurance

Your safety is our foremost concern. Should the weather conditions not be suitable for charter activities as judged by our certified captain, we offer adaptable choices:

  • Full Reimbursement: 100% refund if rescheduling can't be arranged
  • Change of Date: Transfer your charter to another available date without any additional expense
  • Charter Voucher: Issuance of a credit good for use within 12 months from the initial charter date

Process for Weather Evaluation

Our evaluation of the weather involves:

  • Analysing wind patterns and velocity
  • Checking sea conditions and wave size
  • Forecasting visibility and precipitation
  • Heeding Coast Guard notices and alerts
  • Evaluating the professional captain's safety assessment

Timing of Decision: Decisions regarding weather cancellations are made no later than 4 hours before the planned departure time.

Medical Emergency Refunds

Critical Circumstances

We appreciate that medical emergencies might happen unexpectedly. The following incidents may receive special consideration:

  • Sudden health conditions or injuries that necessitate hospital stay
  • Passing of family members
  • Military service calls or emergency summons
  • Jury duty or legal summons
  • Natural disasters impacting travel plans

Required Documentation

To process requests for refunds due to emergencies, please supply:

  • Healthcare certificate or hospital documentation
  • Certificate of death (when relevant)
  • Formal military orders
  • Legal subpoena or jury duty notification
  • Emergency declarations or travel advisories

Handling: Requests for emergency refunds are processed within 3-5 business days following the receipt of complete documentation.

Operational Cancellations

Technical Difficulties

In the event that the vessel allocated to you faces technical issues that remain unresolved:

  • Replacement Vessel: We will seek to provide a similar alternative
  • Complete Refund: If no appropriate substitute can be found
  • Partial Refund: If the alternative vessel costs differently
  • Compensation: Additional recompense could be considered for the inconvenience

Crew Unavailability

On the uncommon occasion that certified crew is not available:

  • An alternate crew will be sourced if doable
  • A full refund if the charter is unable to proceed
  • Options to reschedule with no added fees

Refund Handling

Method of Reimbursement

Reimbursements are issued back to the initial payment method provided at the time of reservation:

  • Credit Cards: 5-7 business days
  • Bank Transfers: 7-10 business days
  • Cash/Cheque: 3-5 business days

Service Fees

Credit Card Handling

A €50 charge for cancellations made over 72 hours ahead of time

Bank Transfer Handling

A €25 cost for all refunds through bank transfer

International Handling

International transactions may incur additional charges

Issuance of Charter Credits

Circumstances for Offering Credits

In certain cases, charter credits might be presented instead of refunds:

  • Late cancellation notices (less than 24 hours prior)
  • Cancellations pertinent to adverse weather
  • Voluntary requests to reschedule
  • Disturbances in operation

Conditions of the Credits

  • Effectiveness: 12 months from the date of issue
  • Transferability: Credit is not transferable to other persons
  • Value: The entire value of the charter (excluding fees)
  • Application: Applicable towards any future charter
  • Expiry: Extensions past 12 months are not granted

Partial Service Reimbursements

Service Disruptions

If your yacht charter is disrupted or cut short due to factors within our control:

  • A pro-rated refund for the unused portion
  • Credit for an equal value future charter
  • Add-on services or bonuses may be offered

Disruptions Caused by Guests

Should the charter be terminated early because of guest behavior or violations of safety:

  • No reimbursement for the remaining time
  • Settlement for the full duration remains obligatory
  • Additional fees may be levied

Settling Disagreements

Should you hold any objections to a refund decision, you may:

  • Summon a review from our administrative team
  • Submit further documentation or proof
  • Look for a resolution via consumer protection organizations
  • Consider legal measures as permitted by prevailing laws

Steps to Request a Refund

Initial Step: Reach Out

For requesting a refund, contact us via:

Second Step: Provide Details

Your refund inquiry should include:

  • Confirmation code of the booking
  • Date and time of the charter
  • Explanation for the cancellation
  • Required accompanying documents (if relevant)
  • Method preferred for refund

Final Step: Evaluation and Completion

We will affirm receipt of your request within a day, compare it against our policy, provide an outcome within two days, and carry out approved refunds within the designated periods.

Vital Information

  • All requests for refunds should be made in writing
  • Reimbursements are processed in €, regardless of the payment's original currency
  • Purchasing travel insurance is highly advised
  • This policy may be modified with a 30-day notice
  • Refunds adhere to relevant taxes and regulations

Contact Details

For any inquiries about refunds or to present a refund petition:

Refunds Office
OpenCommonsGateway Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Port Vell
Barcelona 08039
Spain

Phone: +34 932 21 74 74
Email: [email protected]
Working Hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM