Terms And Conditions (T&C)

Introduction to Keep Sailing Terms and Conditions

At Keep Sailing, we are committed to providing high-quality watersports training in a safe and professional environment.

These Terms and Conditions govern all bookings made with Keep Sailing Limited and outline the responsibilities of both our organisation and our course participants.

By booking a course with Keep Sailing Limited, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Please read them carefully before making your booking, as payment confirms your acceptance of all terms outlined below.

We aim to be transparent about our policies regarding course fees, cancellations, refunds, and safety requirements. Our goal is to ensure that all participants have a clear understanding of what to expect when booking with us, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in all our activities.

Effective Date: 01/08/2025
See Privacy Policy

COURSE FEES AND PAYMENT

All course fees must be paid in full at the time of booking, unless a deposit is requested. Payment confirms your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

CANCELLATION POLICY BY KEEP SAILING

Keep Sailing, or organisations we act as booking agents for, reserve the right to cancel a course if:

  • The minimum number of students has not been reached
  • Weather or water conditions are deemed unsafe
  • Circumstances beyond our control prevent the course from running safely

In such cases, we will endeavor to offer a compromise, such as a shorter one-on-one course or rescheduling. If no alternative can be agreed upon, a full refund will be provided.

CUSTOMER CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

How to Cancel Your Booking

To cancel your booking, email us at info@keepsailing.co.uk. All cancellations must be confirmed in writing and are subject to a £25 administration fee.

Refund Entitlements

More than 7 days before your course: Full refund minus £25 administration fee

Within 7 days of your course: No refund available unless your course is fully booked with a waiting list. If we successfully fill your place from the waiting list, you will receive a full refund minus £25 administration fee. If we cannot fill your place, no refund will be provided.

Group Bookings: Group participant numbers are locked in 14 days before the activity. No refund will be given if participant numbers decrease within 14 days of the activity.

Booking Transfers

Course transfers to alternative dates are subject to availability and a £25 administration fee. Alternatively, you may choose to take course credit instead of transferring to a specific date - in this case, no administration fee will be charged. The same refund policy applies if you subsequently cancel a transferred booking.

LATE ARRIVAL AND NO-SHOW POLICY

If you arrive late or do not turn up for your course, no refund will be provided. We will do our best to catch you up on what has been missed, but we cannot guarantee this will be possible. Participants who miss substantial portions of a course may not be able to complete the required assessments.

COURSE COMPLETION AND ASSESSMENT

Assessment Requirements

All courses involve continuous assessment throughout the duration. You must demonstrate all the required skills and competencies to pass the course. Simply attending the course does not guarantee certification.

Certification

Certificates will only be issued upon successful completion of all required assessments. If you do not meet the required standards, you may be offered additional training at an additional cost, subject to availability.

GROUP BOOKINGS

Group Leader Responsibilities

For group bookings, the designated group leader must provide and be responsible for:

  • Names of all participants
  • Ages of all participants
  • All medical information for all participants
  • All emergency contact details for all participants
  • Written consent from all participants (or parents/guardians for under 18s) to attend the activity

Group Participant Numbers and Changes

Participant numbers are locked in 14 days before the activity. No refund will be given if participant numbers decrease within 14 days of the activity. Keep Sailing will do their best to accommodate an increase in numbers inside 14 days but this cannot be confirmed.

Group Leader Liability

The group leader accepts responsibility for ensuring all information provided is accurate and complete, and for the conduct of all group members during the course.

GIFT VOUCHERS AND COURSE CREDITS

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers are valid for 1 year from the purchase date. Extensions may be granted upon request - please contact info@keepsailing.co.uk. To redeem: select a course, enter your voucher code at checkout, and enjoy your experience.

Course Credits

Credits are provided when moving bookings to a different date when the new date is unknown. Credits have a 1 year expiry date automatically, please contact us to extend the Credit length. Credits represent the monetary amount paid at the time of original booking and are non-transferable and can only be used by the original purchaser.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Medical Fitness

All participants must be medically fit to participate in watersports activities. Participants with medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate safely must declare these on the booking waiver form. Keep Sailing reserves the right to refuse participation if we believe it would be unsafe for the individual or others.

Age Limits

Age limits for different activities are specified on each course listing at the time of booking. Participants under 18 must have parental/guardian consent.

Water Confidence Requirements

While participants are not required to be swimmers, all participants must have water confidence and be comfortable being in and around water. If you are not confident in water or are a non-swimmer, please discuss this with us before booking.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during any course activities. Anyone found to be under the influence will be immediately removed from the course without refund. Prescription medications that may affect participation must be declared on the booking waiver form.

PARTICIPANT CONDUCT AND SAFETY

Behavioral Expectations

All participants must:

  • Treat staff, instructors, and other participants with respect
  • Follow all safety instructions and guidance from instructors
  • Behave in a manner that does not endanger themselves or others
  • Respect equipment and facilities
  • Comply with all site rules, regulations and bylaws

Safety Instruction Compliance

Participants must listen to and follow all instructions given by qualified instructors. Failure to comply with safety instructions may result in removal from the course.

Consequences for Disruptive Behavior

Keep Sailing operates a one-strike policy for serious behavioral issues. Participants who engage in dangerous, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior will be given one warning. If the behavior continues, they will be removed from the course immediately without refund. For safety-critical violations, removal may be immediate without warning.

Emergency Information and Medical Details

All participants must complete our booking waiver form, including emergency contact information and relevant medical details, before course commencement.

WEATHER AND FORCE MAJEURE

Weather Conditions

Courses will proceed in most weather conditions, including rain. However, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a course if conditions are unsafe (e.g., extreme wind or unsuitable water conditions). In such cases, a full refund will be provided, or a pro-rata refund if part of the course has already taken place.

Force Majeure

Keep Sailing shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations under these Terms and Conditions if such failure is due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Natural disasters
  • Pandemic or health emergencies
  • Government restrictions or regulations
  • Acts of terrorism or civil unrest
  • Power failures or technical failures

In such circumstances, we will endeavor to reschedule the course or provide a full refund.

Pandemic/Health Emergency Procedures

In the event of health emergencies or pandemic restrictions, courses may be modified, postponed, or cancelled in accordance with government guidelines. Refunds or rescheduling will be offered as appropriate to the circumstances.

LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

Limitation of Liability

Keep Sailing's liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. We accept no liability for:

  • Personal injury, accident, or death except where caused by our negligence
  • Loss or damage to personal property
  • Indirect, consequential, or special damages
  • Costs incurred due to travel arrangements, accommodation, or other expenses

Personal Insurance

Course participants are strongly advised to obtain personal insurance to cover circumstances such as:

  • Missing the course due to illness or other personal reasons
  • Cancellation or curtailment of travel
  • Personal injury or accidents
  • Loss or damage to personal equipment

Personal insurance is not mandatory but is recommended.

Public Liability Insurance

Keep Sailing maintains appropriate public liability insurance. This covers our legal liability for accidents or injuries that occur due to our negligence during the course of our activities. It does not cover personal belongings, personal accident insurance, or circumstances beyond our control.

Use of Personal Equipment

Participants using their own equipment do so at their own risk. Keep Sailing accepts no liability for damage or loss to personal equipment. Participants must ensure their equipment is appropriately insured and meets minimum safety requirements as specified by our instructors. It is at the discretion of the Duty Officer whether personal equipment can be used.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Missed Course Components

If a participant misses any portion of a course due to illness, personal reasons, or circumstances beyond Keep Sailing's control, we are under no obligation to offer course completion, refund, or booking transfer.

Course Modifications

Keep Sailing reserves the right to modify course details, dates, instructors, locations, and prices without prior notice. Where possible, advance notice will be given.

Booking Forms and Information

All course participants must complete a booking form with up-to-date medical, emergency contact, and personal information before the course starts. This information must be accurate and complete.

Code of Conduct and Bye-laws

All course participants and accompanying visitors must adhere to relevant site bye-laws, harbor regulations, and Keep Sailing's Code of Conduct.

Multi-Site Operations

These Terms and Conditions apply to all Keep Sailing Limited locations. Site-specific rules and additional safety requirements may apply and will be communicated at the relevant location.

DISCOUNT CODE POLICY AND ABUSE PREVENTION

Proper Use of Discount Codes

Discount codes are provided for specific promotions, courses, or customer groups and must only be used for their intended purpose. Each discount code has specific terms and conditions that must be met for the discount to be valid.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities constitute discount code abuse and are strictly prohibited:

  • Using discount codes outside their specified validity dates
  • Applying discount codes to courses or services for which they are not intended
  • Sharing, selling, or distributing discount codes to unauthorized third parties
  • Using multiple discount codes on a single booking unless explicitly permitted
  • Creating false bookings to obtain or use discount codes
  • Using expired or cancelled discount codes
  • Manipulating the booking system to bypass discount code restrictions

Consequences of Discount Code Abuse

If discount code abuse is detected, Keep Sailing reserves the right to:

  • Cancel the booking immediately without prior notice
  • Require payment of the full standard rate before the course commences
  • Refuse future bookings from the individual or associated parties
  • Pursue recovery of any financial losses incurred
  • Report fraudulent activity to relevant authorities where appropriate

Verification and Monitoring

Keep Sailing reserves the right to verify the legitimacy of discount code usage and may request additional information to confirm eligibility. We monitor booking patterns and discount code usage to detect potential abuse.

Disputes and Appeals

If you believe your discount code usage has been incorrectly flagged as abuse, please contact info@keepsailing.co.uk with supporting documentation. All decisions regarding discount code abuse will be made at Keep Sailing's sole discretion.

DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY

By booking with Keep Sailing, you agree to our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms and Conditions. Please review our separate Privacy Policy document for full details on how we collect, store, and use your personal data in compliance with GDPR and UK data protection legislation.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO POLICY

Notice of Photography

Keep Sailing regularly takes photographs and videos during our courses and events for the following specific purposes:

  • Coaching feedback and instructional purposes
  • Recording course activities and achievements
  • Website content and promotional materials
  • Social media posts on our official channels
  • Marketing materials including brochures and advertisements

Your Consent

By booking a course or event with Keep Sailing, you are providing your informed consent for photography and video recording for the purposes listed above. This includes consent for publication of these images on:

  • The Keep Sailing website (www.keepsailing.co.uk)
  • Keep Sailing premises and notice boards
  • Keep Sailing social media accounts
  • Marketing and promotional materials both digital and print
  • Third-party websites where we promote our services

Important Information About Your Images

  • No identifying information such as names will be published alongside images unless separately agreed
  • Storage period: Images may be retained for up to 7 years for our records and ongoing promotional use
  • International transfer: Publishing images online constitutes international data transfer as they can be accessed worldwide
  • Access rights: You have the right to request copies of images containing you (subject to verification)

Your Rights and How to Opt Out

You have the right to:

  • Opt out entirely - Contact us at info@keepsailing.co.uk before your course or speak to staff on arrival
  • Withdraw consent at any time - Email info@keepsailing.co.uk to request removal from future use
  • Object to specific uses - You can consent to some uses but not others (e.g. coaching use only, not promotional)

During events: If you have opted out, please identify yourself to our photographer/instructor so you can be excluded from group shots or positioned accordingly.

After publication: If you withdraw consent after images are published, we will remove them from our website and social media within 30 days and will not use them in future materials. However, we cannot recall existing printed materials already in circulation.

Sensitive situations: We will not photograph during rescue situations, medical incidents, or when specifically requested not to do so.

Contact and Complaints

Data Controller: Keep Sailing Limited

Contact: info@keepsailing.co.uk

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

If you have a complaint, please follow our formal complaints procedure:

Step 1: Informal Resolution - Speak directly with your instructor or centre manager at the earliest opportunity.

Step 2: Formal Complaint - Submit a written complaint to info@keepsailing.co.uk including your details, description of the issue, dates, and desired outcome.

Step 3: Investigation - You will receive acknowledgment within 5 working days and a formal response within 10 working days.

Step 4: Escalation - If unsatisfied, you may escalate to the RYA Training Department via www.rya.org.uk.

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By using this site or booking with Keep Sailing, you agree to the terms and conditions of these Keep Sailing Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use this site or book our services. We reserve the right to change, modify, add, or remove portions of these terms at any time. Any changes to the terms will be made available on this page before taking effect.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

Keep Sailing reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on our website and will apply to all bookings made after the posting date.

SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

CONTACT US

If you need to contact us about these Terms and Conditions, please write to us at:

Email: info@keepsailing.co.uk

Website: www.keepsailing.co.uk

By booking a course with Keep Sailing Limited, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you on the water!