Overview

At PublicCommonsOutreach, we recognize that plans can alter, and we are committed to establishing clear and honest refund guidelines. This document provides the criteria for issuing refunds pertaining to our yacht rental services.

Kindly review this policy with attention prior to confirming a reservation. When you book a charter with PublicCommonsOutreach, you are acknowledging and consenting to these refund conditions.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Before Charter

100% Refund

Eligible for: Complete refund except for servicing charges

Processing Time: 5-7 business days

Processing Fee: €50 for transactions via credit card

Conditions: Request must be submitted in a written form via email or telephone

24-72 Hours Before Charter

50% Refund

Eligible for: Half the complete cost of charter

Processing Time: 7-10 business days

Processing Fee: €25 is withdrawn from the refund

Conditions: A legitimate excuse is necessary; admin fees will apply

Less than 24 Hours Before Charter

No Refund

Eligible for: Non-refundable

Exception: Cases of urgency may be taken into account

Alternative: An offer for a charter credit subject to management's approval

Conditions: Proof for emergency situations is required

Weather-Related Cancellations

Our Weather Guarantee

Our primary concern is safety. In the event that our professional captain regards the weather conditions as unsafe for sailing:

  • Full Refund: A 100% refund is given if another schedule is unfeasible
  • Reschedule: Your charter can be shifted to a subsequent open slot with no further charge
  • Charter Credit: You'll receive a credit that's valid for a year from the initial charter date

Weather Assessment Process

We evaluate the weather by considering:

  • Inspection of wind force and course
  • Ocean wave magnitude and conditions at sea
  • Predictions for visibility and rainfall
  • Notifications and warnings from the Coast Guard
  • The professional captain's judgment on safety

Decision Timeline: We make decisions on weather cancellations no longer than 4 hours before the planned departure.

Medical Emergency Refunds

Emergency Circumstances

We recognize that unexpected medical situations can occur. Special consideration might be allowed in scenarios such as:

  • Sudden medical conditions or injuries necessitating hospital admission
  • A family member passing away
  • Call to armed forces or emergency recall
  • Mandatory court attendance or subpoena
  • Natural calamities impeding travel arrangements

Documentation Requirements

For consideration of emergency refunds, please ensure you provide:

  • Medical verification or hospital documents
  • Certificate of death, where applicable
  • Instructions from the military, if relevant
  • Legal summons or notice of jury duty
  • Emergency declarations or travel alerts

Processing: Should an urgent situation arise, we endeavor to process refunds in 3-5 working days once the correct documents are received.

Operational Cancellations

Mechanical Issues

If the yacht assigned to you faces unresolvable technical problems:

  • Alternative Vessel: We will strive to offer a comparable substitute
  • Full Refund: Provided when no suitable alternative can be found
  • Partial Refund: If the substitute vessel is priced differently
  • Compensation: Additional reparation might be provided for any inconvenience caused

Crew Unavailability

In the unlikely event that the certified crew is not available:

  • An alternate crew will be arranged if possible
  • A full refund will be issued if the charter cannot take place
  • Opportunity to reschedule without extra charges

Refund Processing

Payment Method

Reimbursements are issued back to the original method of payment utilized for the booking:

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

Processing Fees

Credit Card Processing

€50 fee applies for cancellations made beyond 72 hours prior

Bank Transfer Processing

€25 is charged for all bank transfer reimbursements

International Processing

For international refunds, additional charges may be incurred

Charter Credits

When Credits Are Offered

In certain cases, instead of a refund, credit for charters may be provided:

  • For late cancellations (within 24 hours of the scheduled time)
  • If the cancellation is due to weather
  • Change of plans at the customer's request
  • Any disruptions in operations

Credit Terms

  • Validity: Valid for a period of one year from the issuing date
  • Transferability: The credit is non-transferable
  • Value: Equivalent to the full value of the charter without any processing charges
  • Usage: Applicable on any available yacht charters
  • Expiration: They are not extended beyond the 12-month limit

Partial Service Refunds

Service Interruptions

For any interruptions or early termination of the charter due to our oversight:

  • Refund will be prorated based on the remaining time not utilized
  • Credit equivalent to the unfinished service for a future charter
  • Gratuitous services or beneficial upgrades

Guest-Related Interruptions

If an early termination of the charter occurs due to guests' actions or safety breaches:

  • There will be no refunds for the remaining time
  • Complete payment will still be required
  • Possibility of additional costs being charged

Dispute Resolution

In the event of a disagreement regarding a refund, you have the option to:

  • Ask for a reconsideration by our management
  • Submit further documentation or evidence
  • Look to consumer protection services for settlement
  • Opt for legal avenues according to the prevailing laws

How to Request a Refund

Step 1: Contact Us

You are required to commence your refund application through:

Step 2: Provide Information

Your refund claim should incorporate:

  • Confirmation code of your booking
  • Scheduled date and time of your charter
  • Your reasons for cancellation
  • Any pertinent documentation (where applicable)
  • Your choice for refund method

Step 3: Review and Processing

Our team will acknowledge reception of your request within a day, check it against our refund policy, come to a conclusion in two days, and execute authorized refunds within the highlighted time periods.

Important Notes

  • Refund requests should be submitted in writing
  • Refunds are processed in €, regardless of the initial payment currency
  • We advise purchasing travel insurance
  • Notice of policy changes will be given 30 days in advance
  • Refunds are subject to the relevant taxes and rules

Contact Information

Should you have inquiries regarding refunds or wish to make a refund appeal:

Refunds Department
PublicCommonsOutreach Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20459
Germany

Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM