Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern the relationship between Bluewaters Club ("the Club", "we", "us") and its members and guests ("you"). By applying for membership, booking a voyage, or otherwise engaging with the Club's services, you agree to these Terms.

1. Membership

Membership of the Club is offered by application and reviewed by the Committee on a quarterly basis. Membership fees are billed annually in advance and are non-refundable except at the Committee's sole discretion.

Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the ethos of the Club and with respect for other members, crew, and staff. The Committee reserves the right to terminate membership for conduct that materially disrupts the Club's operation.

2. Bookings & voyages

All voyage bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of payment in full or a deposit as agreed with the Secretary. Voyages are subject to weather, safety considerations, and the discretion of the Skipper, whose decisions regarding routing, timing, and passage are final.

2.1 What is included

The published rate for a voyage includes:

• Full-time skipper aboard (and mate, on the Flagship)
• All meals cooked aboard, and wine at dinner
• Harbor dues and fuel for the passage
• Bedding, towels, and normal consumables

2.2 What is not included

• Travel to and from the joining port
• Dinners ashore beyond those we host
• Personal spending on land
• Travel insurance (which is a member's own responsibility)

3. Safety & the skipper's authority

Safety at sea is the Skipper's absolute authority. In the interests of guest and crew safety, the Skipper may amend or shorten a voyage, change destinations, or alter departure and arrival times without notice. No refund is due where a change is made for safety reasons.

4. Cancellation & refunds

Cancellation terms are set out in the separate Refund Policy, which forms part of these Terms.

5. Conduct aboard

Members and guests are expected to abide by any reasonable instruction from the Skipper or crew, and to treat the Club's vessels with appropriate care. Damage to a vessel caused by willful action or gross negligence may be charged to the responsible member.

6. Liability

Sailing is an activity with inherent risks. The Club maintains appropriate insurance for its vessels and crew and complies with all applicable maritime regulations of the Netherlands and the flag states of its vessels. Members and guests participate at their own volition and are strongly advised to hold their own travel and personal accident insurance.

7. Data protection

We hold only the personal information you provide to us in the course of inquiries, bookings, and membership. See our Privacy Policy for full detail.

8. Amendments

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated in writing to members; the current version is always the one published on this page.

9. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the law of the Netherlands, and any dispute arising from them shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Amsterdam.

Questions about these Terms may be addressed to the Secretary at secretary@bluewaters.club.