Terms and Conditions – Yacht Charter Bookings
1. About Us
Sailormade is an independent online yacht charter broker based in New Zealand.
We provide an online platform where clients ("you", "your") can search for, compare, and book yacht charters and related marine services offered by independent yacht owners, operators, and management companies ("Charter Providers").
We act solely as an intermediary and booking agent — not as the yacht owner, operator, or carrier. All charters are subject to the specific terms of the Charter Provider with whom you contract directly.
2. Scope of Our Services
Our Services include:
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Displaying available yacht charters (crewed, bareboat, or skippered);
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Facilitating enquiries and bookings;
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Processing payments on behalf of Charter Providers when applicable;
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Providing customer support related to your booking process.
We do not own, manage, maintain, or operate any yacht.
Descriptions, specifications, and pricing are provided by the Charter Providers and are subject to change or correction at any time.
3. Eligibility
To make a booking through our platform, you must:
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Be at least 18 years old;
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Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts; and
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Provide accurate, current, and complete information.
For bareboat charters, you (or your skipper) must hold valid and recognized sailing qualifications and licenses as required by the flag state and/or local maritime authorities.
4. Booking Process
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Enquiry: You may request availability or a quote via our platform or through our customer team.
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Confirmation: Once the Charter Provider accepts your booking, we will issue a written confirmation and payment instructions.
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Contract: The binding charter agreement is between you and the Charter Provider, subject to their charter party terms.
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Deposit and Balance: Deposits are typically 50% at the time of booking, with the balance due between 30-60 days before embarkation.
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Security Deposit: Charters require either a partially or fully refundable security deposit, payable before departure, to cover potential damages or losses. Details of security deposits are available before contracting the yacht, and clearly stated on the booking confirmation/contract once the charter is confirmed.
5. Pricing and Payments
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All prices are displayed in the relevant currency for the area of charter, unless stated otherwise.
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Prices include the yacht charter fee and standard equipment unless specified; optional extras (fuel, skipper, provisioning, port fees, end cleaning etc.) are billed separately. Some charters also require a payment for dinghy outboard motor.
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Payment can be made via bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard are accepted with a surcharge/processing fee (available on request) American Express and other cards are not accepted.
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We reserve the right to correct any pricing or display errors and, if necessary, cancel the booking with a full refund.
6. Cancellations and Refunds
6.1 By You
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following ‘general’ rules apply unless otherwise specified by the Charter Provider:
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Cancellation more than [90 days] before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
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Cancellation within [90–30 days]: 50 % of the total charter fee.
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Cancellation within [30 days] or no-show: 100 % of the charter fee is forfeited, plus 25% of any crew cost associated with the booking
Any refund is subject to the Charter Provider’s own policy and may exclude our service fee.
6.2 By the Charter Provider
If the Charter Provider cancels due to technical issues, unseaworthiness, or force majeure, they may offer:
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An alternative vessel of similar type and standard; or
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A full or partial refund, depending on their terms.
We are not responsible for any additional costs you incur as a result of such cancellations.
7. Your Responsibilities
You agree to:
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Use the yacht and its equipment responsibly and lawfully;
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For bareboat charter - Hold the required sailing qualification for operation of the vessel in the jurisdiction of the charter provider
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Comply with maritime laws, customs, and port regulations;
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Respect the maximum passenger limit and crew instructions;
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Maintain valid travel and health insurance (including coverage for maritime activities); and
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Leave the vessel in clean and undamaged condition.
Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of your security deposit and/or early termination of the charter without refund.
8. Travel and Insurance Requirements
You are responsible for arranging:
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Valid passports, visas, and any required travel documentation;
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Adequate travel and cancellation insurance;
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Medical insurance covering maritime activities.
We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance covering charter cancellation, skipper liability, and personal accidents.
9. Liability Disclaimer
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As a broker, we do not accept liability for any injury, loss, damage, delay, or inconvenience arising from the acts, omissions, or negligence of any Charter Provider, crew member, or third party.
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We are not liable for weather conditions, changes in itinerary, or mechanical issues beyond our control.
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To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability to you shall not exceed the total amount paid for the booking in question.
Nothing in these Terms limits any rights you may have under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (unless the booking is for business purposes).
10. Force Majeure
We and the Charter Providers shall not be held liable for non-performance or delays caused by events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, strikes, pandemics, government restrictions, or mechanical breakdowns.
11. Intellectual Property
All website content, trademarks, images, and materials are owned or licensed by Sailormade. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute our content for commercial purposes without written consent.
12. Privacy and Data Protection
We handle personal data in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and applicable international data protection laws.
Please see our privacy policy for details on how we collect, use, and safeguard your information.
13. International Use
Our Services are accessible worldwide. You are responsible for ensuring that use of our platform and bookings comply with local laws and maritime regulations in your region and of the destination country.
14. Changes to These Terms
We may amend these Terms at any time. Updates take effect upon publication on our Website.
Your continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.
16. Contact Us
For enquiries or support:
