Terms and Conditions

Welcome to OranTeach! Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before making a booking. My goal is to provide an unforgettable sailing experience, and I’m here to help. Still, it’s important we have clear terms so we’re both on the same page. By making a payment, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

1. Your Contract with OranTeach

These Terms and Conditions form a contract between you (the student) and OranTeach (me, your instructor!). By paying for a course, you agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions for yourself and any guests you book on behalf of. Your booking becomes binding once payment is received.

2. Changes to Your Course

I’ll do my best to honor your chosen course dates and itinerary. However, if weather, safety concerns, or other factors require adjustments, I may need to change dates or the course plan. Significant changes will be communicated promptly. Please note that I won’t be able to refund any portion of the fee for these kinds of changes. Additionally, I am not responsible for covering any travel-related expenses (such as flights or accommodations) in the event of course rescheduling due to unforeseen issues, so I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen changes.

3. Cancellations & Refund Policy

Life can be unpredictable! Here’s what you should know about refunds and cancellations:

Cancellations up to 14 days after booking: A 10% administration fee of the total course fee is non-refundable.
Cancellations 90 to 61 Days Before Course Start: I will retain the 25% deposit paid to reserve your place if you cancel during this window.
Cancellations Within 60 Days of Course Start: Unfortunately, no refunds are available if you cancel within 60 days of the start date, as costs will have already been allocated.

All cancellations must be sent in writing (email is fine!). The date of the email will determine any applicable refund.

4. Travel Insurance

To help cover any last-minute changes, I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. This may cover unforeseen issues like weather disruptions, illness, or other uncontrollable events. You’re free to choose the provider that best meets your needs.

5. Payments

To reserve your place, a deposit of 25% of the total course fee is required. The balance is due 60 days before the course start date. I’ll send a reminder as your payment date approaches.

6. Instructor Availability and Unforeseen Events

In the rare case that I, as your instructor, am unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, such as war, regional safety concerns, travel restrictions, or other conflicts beyond my control, I will work to reschedule your course or provide a credit towards a future course. Please note that I am not responsible for covering any travel-related costs (e.g., flights, accommodations) in these cases. For this reason, I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen changes.

7. Conduct Aboard

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, I ask that all participants conduct themselves responsibly while aboard. If, in my reasonable opinion as the instructor, you engage in behavior that endangers the vessel or any person or property on board, or act in a manner that other clients may reasonably object to, I may take necessary actions to prevent the continuation of such behavior. This may include removal from the vessel or, if necessary, reporting the offense.

All participants agree to abide by the orders of the skipper/instructor in command of the vessel at all times. If any client or member of their party refuses to comply with instructions or behaves in a way that disrupts or endangers others, I reserve the right, at my sole discretion, to terminate their sailing arrangements without further notice. In such cases, OranTeach will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by the participant.

8. Legal Obligations

Participants are solely responsible for complying with all laws, regulations, and requirements of the host country where the course takes place. OranTeach assumes no liability for your compliance with legal requirements or for any consequences resulting from your failure to obtain necessary documents, permissions, or comply with local laws. Please ensure all guests are properly registered on the crew list, as only registered individuals are permitted on board. Removal of items, antiquities, or natural resources from land, beaches, or the seabed is strictly prohibited.

9. Health and Fitness Requirements

Each participant must confirm they are physically fit and able to safely engage in a sailing course and disclose any medical conditions or physical limitations that may impact their safety or participation. OranTeach reserves the right to require a medical clearance if necessary. Participants also agree that they will avoid impairment from alcohol or drugs and will refrain from any behavior that could diminish the safety or enjoyment of others on board.

10. Responsibility for Personal Possessions

Each participant is responsible for their personal possessions and equipment during the course and related activities. While all due care will be taken, OranTeach cannot be held liable for the replacement of any personal belongings in the event of break-in, theft, or loss on board. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that participants have adequate travel insurance that covers personal possessions, as well as injury and health coverage.

11. Safety Briefing and Risk Acknowledgment

Before departure, the skipper will provide a comprehensive safety briefing. The vessel will not leave the marina until all participants are satisfied with their obligations and the skipper is confident in everyone’s understanding. Despite these precautions, OranTeach cannot be held liable for injuries resulting from participant negligence or mishaps.

Sailing is an active sport, and by setting foot on board, participants acknowledge that they assume the associated risks, including potential for cuts, bruises, sprains, broken bones, or rope burns. Each participant acknowledges that sailing involves inherent risks of injury or even death due to factors such as wind, water, moving equipment, and other vessels. Participation is entirely at each guest’s own risk.

Make sure you have travel insurance that covers any potential medical needs, lost luggage, and unexpected cancellations. This is especially important as I won’t be able to cover these areas on your behalf.

12. Local Government Fees and Charges

Where we include costs for local government fees, we allow for the costs that exist at the time of purchase. If any local government fees change between booking and course, we reserve the right to pass these new fees on to you, without any markup.

13. Yacht Specification

OranTeach may alter the specification of the yacht if deemed necessary, at its absolute discretion, to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from your sailing experience or to protect the safety of yourself, other crew members, and other water users.

14. Photography

Photos and videos may be taken during the course for use in marketing materials, including social media platforms. If you prefer not to appear in any media, please let me know, and I will respect your wishes by excluding your images from future publications or promptly removing any shared content featuring you.

15. Passing or Failing the Course

Sailing requires skill, and while I’m committed to helping you succeed, passing is not guaranteed. Assessments are based on your skills and performance, with my decision as the instructor considered final. If you have concerns about your progress or results, feel free to discuss them with me.

16. Complaints

If something isn’t meeting your expectations, please let me know as soon as possible so we can try to resolve it. Clear communication is key—so please speak up honestly, and I’ll do my best to find a solution. I genuinely want your experience to be a great one, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

17. Disclaimer

While I take every measure to ensure your safety, sailing inherently involves risks. OranTeach shall not be held liable for personal injury, death, loss, or damage to property arising from participation in the course, except in cases where such injury, death, or damage results directly from my gross negligence or reckless conduct as the captain. By signing the booking confirmation, each participant releases OranTeach, its employees, and agents from all liability in connection with any injury, death, or property damage, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

OranTeach reserves the right to interpret and amend these Terms and Conditions at its discretion as necessary.

Final Note
All the legal talk aside, I’m here to make this an incredible experience. If you have questions, concerns, or need special accommodations, just reach out. I’m here to help and make your sailing adventure with OranTeach as smooth as possible!