Refund Policy

We do our best to hold cabins as members plan them, and to be fair when plans change. This Policy sets out the cancellation terms for voyage bookings and membership.

1. Voyage bookings

All voyage bookings are confirmed on receipt of a deposit as agreed with the Secretary at time of booking, and full payment is due no later than sixty (60) days before the departure date.

1.1 Cancellation by the member

Refund tiers, calculated from the departure date:

• More than 120 days ahead: full refund, less a €50 administrative fee
• 120 – 61 days ahead: deposit forfeit; balance refunded in full
• 60 – 31 days ahead: 50% of the total booking fee refunded
• 30 – 15 days ahead: 25% of the total booking fee refunded
• Under 15 days ahead: no refund; the cabin is held for you to transfer to a future season

1.2 Cancellation by the Club

If we cancel a voyage for reasons within our control (e.g. an operational failure that isn't a safety matter), you will receive a full refund, including any deposit, and reasonable out-of-pocket travel costs where these have been agreed in writing in advance.

1.3 Cancellation or shortening for safety or weather

Where a voyage is amended, cut short, or cancelled because of weather, mechanical, safety, or force majeure reasons, no refund is due for time already spent aboard. Time not spent aboard will be credited pro-rata against a future voyage in the same or a subsequent season, at the member's choice.

1.4 Transferring your booking

You may transfer a confirmed booking to another paid-up member without penalty, up to fourteen (14) days before departure, provided the Secretary is notified in writing.

2. Membership fees

Membership fees are billed annually in advance and are non-refundable once paid. In exceptional circumstances (extended illness, relocation outside our sailing regions, or similar), the Committee may at its discretion pro-rate a refund. Requests should be made in writing to the Secretary.

3. Travel insurance

We strongly recommend that all members hold travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Where a member cancels for medical or other insurable reasons, our cancellation tiers still apply — your travel insurance is likely to cover the shortfall.

4. Refunds — timing and method

Where a refund is due, it will be processed within fourteen (14) working days to the original payment method. Bank fees or exchange losses arising from the reversal are borne by the member.

5. Disputes

If you believe a refund has been declined or calculated in error, write to the Secretary at secretary@bluewaters.club. If the Secretary cannot resolve the matter, it will be escalated to the Committee, whose decision is final.

6. Changes to this Policy

We may revise this Policy from time to time. The tier structure applicable to a booking is the one in force on the day the booking was confirmed.