Wavy Sail - Terms and conditions

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Version: April 2026  |  Wavysail Ltd, Company No. 12671177

IMPORTANT NOTICE: These Terms and Conditions contain important limitations on Wavysail's liability, particularly in relation to itinerary changes, vessel condition, and consequential losses. Please read them carefully before booking. If you have any questions, contact us at info@wavysail.com before booking.

PART A — GENERAL TERMS

1. INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:

'Berth Fee' means the fee payable by the Customer for a place on a Trip, as set out in the Booking Confirmation.

'Booking Confirmation' means the written confirmation issued by Wavysail following acceptance of a booking.

'Business Day' means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in England when banks in London are open for business.

'Charter Vessel' means any vessel chartered by Wavysail from a third-party owner for the purpose of providing the Services.

'Customer' means the person who purchases Services from Wavysail, referred to as 'you' or 'your'.

'Expedition Club' means the membership scheme operated by Wavysail as described in Part C of these Terms.

'Open Oceans Grant' means a fully funded or part-funded place on a Trip awarded at Wavysail's discretion as described in Part D of these Terms.

'Reasonable Alternative' means an offer by Wavysail of: (a) a transfer of the booking to the same or similar itinerary within twelve months; or (b) a credit note of equivalent value redeemable against any future Wavysail trip within twenty-four months; or (c) a place on an alternative Wavysail trip of equivalent duration and comparable destination.

'Services' means the sailing trips, expeditions, voyages, events and experiences made available by Wavysail to Customers.

'Skipper' means the qualified sailing skipper appointed by Wavysail to lead a Trip.

'Terms' means these Booking Terms and Conditions as amended from time to time.

'Trip' means the sailing experience, expedition or voyage booked by the Customer.

'Wavysail' means Wavysail Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 12671177, whose registered office is at 9 Elm Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3HB, referred to as 'we', 'us' or 'our'.

1.2 Interpretation

1.2.1 References to a statute or statutory provision include all amendments, re-enactments and subordinate legislation made under it.

1.2.2 References to writing include email.

1.2.3 Words following 'including', 'include', 'in particular', 'for example' or similar are illustrative and do not limit the sense of the words preceding them.

2. CONTRACT FOR SERVICES

2.1 A booking constitutes an offer by the Customer to purchase Services in accordance with these Terms.

2.2 These Terms apply to all bookings made with Wavysail and supersede any other terms the Customer seeks to introduce.

2.3 A binding contract is formed only when Wavysail issues a Booking Confirmation. The date of the Booking Confirmation is the date the contract comes into existence.

2.4 Where our website is operated via a third-party platform provider (currently Easol Travel Limited), that provider acts as payment agent only. No contractual relationship exists between the Customer and the platform provider. All questions, cancellations, and complaints should be directed to Wavysail.

2.6 Where a Trip is identified as operated in partnership with another operator (see Part F), the provisions of Part F apply instead of this Clause 2, and may modify other provisions of these Terms, in respect of that Trip.

2.5 Nothing in these Terms affects the Customer's statutory rights as a consumer.

3. CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS

3.1 The Customer shall:

• ensure all information provided to Wavysail is accurate and complete;
• co-operate with Wavysail in all matters relating to the Services;
• provide any information reasonably required by Wavysail, including medical information, dietary requirements, and experience levels;
• ensure they hold valid travel documents, visas, and vaccinations required for the Trip;
• take out appropriate travel insurance before the Trip, covering trip cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses, and repatriation — see Clause 7.
• 
  

3.2 Bookings may only be made by individuals aged 18 or over. The Customer making the booking is responsible for all payments due.

3.3 Customers must satisfy themselves that the Trip is suitable for their needs before booking. Wavysail accepts no liability for any incorrect information provided by the Customer.

3.4 Customers must take responsibility for the safeguarding of their personal belongings throughout the Trip. Wavysail accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.

4. SKIPPER'S AUTHORITY AND SAFETY

4.1 The Skipper has absolute authority over all decisions relating to the safety of the vessel, crew, and passengers at all times. This authority cannot be overridden by any Customer, regardless of their sailing experience or qualifications.

4.2 The Skipper may, at any time and at their sole professional discretion:

• deviate from any planned or published itinerary;
• change the departure time, routing, anchorage, or destination;
• return to port or seek safe haven;
• alter the speed or course of the vessel;
• take any other action deemed necessary for the safety of the vessel or those on board.

4.3 No refund, compensation, or credit shall be payable as a result of any deviation made by the Skipper in the exercise of their safety judgment under Clause 4.2.

4.4 All passengers are required to follow instructions given by the Skipper and First Mate at all times. Failure to comply with safety instructions may put the Customer, other passengers, and the vessel at risk and will not be tolerated.

4.5 The Skipper, acting on behalf of Wavysail, has the authority to require any passenger to disembark at the nearest safe port if they:

• fail to follow safety instructions;
• behave in a manner that poses a risk to themselves, other passengers, or the vessel;
• are deemed unfit to continue the voyage for safety or medical reasons.

4.6 In the circumstances described in Clause 4.5, no refund shall be payable for any unused portion of the Trip, and Wavysail shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the Customer as a result of disembarkation.

4.7 Any passenger who raises a safety concern is encouraged to do so through direct communication with the Skipper. All safety concerns will be taken seriously. Where a passenger believes a concern has not been adequately addressed, they may contact Wavysail directly at info@wavysail.com.

5. CHARGES AND PAYMENT

5.1 The price of the Services will be as quoted at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change before a Booking Confirmation is issued.

5.2 Where a deposit is required, this will be stated on the booking page. The balance of all fees is due by the date specified in the Booking Confirmation. Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in cancellation of the booking and forfeiture of the deposit.

5.3 Prices do not include, unless expressly stated: flights, travel to and from embarkation or disembarkation points, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations, personal spending money, gratuities, alcohol, or any costs incurred on shore.

5.4 If payment is not received by the due date, Wavysail reserves the right to charge interest at 2% above the Bank of England base rate, accruing daily from the due date.

5.5 Any bank, processing, or transaction fees incurred in connection with a payment or refund may be deducted from any amount returned to the Customer

6. VESSEL AND CHARTER CONDITIONS

6.1 Wavysail operates Trips using vessels that they charter. Where a Charter Vessel is used, Wavysail takes reasonable steps to ensure the vessel is fit for purpose prior to departure.

6.2 Wavysail accepts no liability for latent defects, mechanical failures, or vessel conditions that could not reasonably have been identified through standard pre-charter inspection. A latent defect is a structural or mechanical fault that is not discoverable by reasonable visual or physical inspection.

6.3 Where a Charter Vessel becomes unavailable or is deemed unfit for the planned passage — whether before or during the Trip — Wavysail reserves the right to:

• substitute an alternative vessel of equivalent or greater specification;
• adjust the itinerary, departure point, or route;
• reschedule the departure;
• suspend or terminate the Trip where no safe alternative exists.

6.4 Where a vessel substitution or itinerary adjustment is made, Wavysail will offer a Reasonable Alternative. No refund shall be payable where a Reasonable Alternative is offered. A goodwill gesture may be made at Wavysail's sole discretion and shall not constitute an admission of liability or create any precedent.

6.5 Primary liability for latent defects in a Charter Vessel rests with the vessel owner. Wavysail will take reasonable steps to seek recovery from vessel owners where appropriate, but cannot guarantee the outcome of such action.

6.6 Customers are advised to ensure their travel insurance covers mechanical breakdown or vessel failure causing trip disruption, as Wavysail's liability in such circumstances is limited as set out in Clause 13.

7. TRAVEL INSURANCE

7.1 All Customers are required to hold comprehensive travel insurance before joining any Wavysail Trip. This is a condition of participation, not a recommendation.

7.2 At minimum, travel insurance must cover:

• trip cancellation and curtailment;
• medical expenses and emergency repatriation;
• personal accident;
• baggage and personal effects loss.

7.3 For ocean and offshore passages, insurance must specifically cover sailing outside territorial waters. Customers should verify that their policy is valid for the specific geography of the Trip.

7.4 Customers sailing in regions subject to government travel advisories (such as UK FCDO or US State Department advisories) should verify that their insurance remains valid in those regions. Wavysail strongly advises against travel to any area designated as 'do not travel' by relevant government authorities, and will take such advisories into account when planning itineraries.

7.5 Wavysail can provide guidance on the type of insurance required and connect Customers with specialist providers, but the selection of insurer and verification of coverage is the Customer's responsibility.

7.6 Wavysail accepts no liability for any losses that would have been covered by appropriate travel insurance had the Customer obtained it.

8. CANCELLATION BY THE CUSTOMER

8.1 Requests to cancel a booking must be submitted to Wavysail in writing as soon as possible. Subject to the Customer's statutory rights, cancellation charges apply as set out below.

8.2 Standard Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation received	Refund entitlement
More than 8 weeks before departure	Full refund of Berth Fee
Between 6 and 8 weeks before departure	Refund of Berth Fee less deposit
Less than 6 weeks before departure	No refund — full Berth Fee payable

8.3 Wavysail may offer alternative travel dates or a credit note in lieu of a cash refund, subject to agreement with the Customer.

8.4 Wavysail may, at its discretion, agree to transfer a booking to a different person. The replacement Customer must meet all eligibility requirements, including holding appropriate insurance. If the replacement Customer does not meet these requirements, no refund shall be payable and the full Berth Fee remains due.

9. CANCELLATION BY WAVYSAIL

9.1 Wavysail reserves the right to cancel a Trip in exceptional circumstances. Where Wavysail cancels a Trip before departure and no Reasonable Alternative is offered, a full refund of the Berth Fee will be provided.

9.2 Where Wavysail offers a Reasonable Alternative and the Customer declines it, Wavysail's liability is limited to a refund of the Berth Fee. No refund shall be payable for any consequential losses.

9.3 Any refunds made under this Clause will be less any bank, processing, or transaction fees incurred.

10. CHANGES TO ITINERARY AND SERVICES

10.1 Due to the nature of ocean sailing, Wavysail may need to make changes to the Services at any time, including during a Trip. Safety is the primary consideration in all such decisions. Changes may include, but are not limited to, altered departure dates or times, changes to the point of embarkation or disembarkation, changes to the route, and changes to the vessel.

10.2 Minor changes (which do not materially alter the overall nature of the Trip) will be notified to the Customer but do not give rise to any right to cancel or claim a refund.

10.3 Significant changes are those which materially alter the overall nature of the Trip, including a change of departure point, final destination, or dates of more than 48 hours. Where a significant change is made before departure, Wavysail will:

• notify the Customer as soon as reasonably practicable; and
• offer a Reasonable Alternative.

10.4 Where a Reasonable Alternative is offered under Clause 10.3, no refund shall be payable. The Customer may accept the Reasonable Alternative or, if they can demonstrate that none of the alternatives offered are practicable in their specific circumstances, request a refund of the Berth Fee at Wavysail's discretion.

10.5 Changes made during a Trip by the Skipper in the exercise of their safety judgment under Clause 4 do not constitute a significant change for the purposes of this Clause and do not give rise to any right to cancel or claim a refund.

10.6 Any goodwill payments, credits, or refunds made by Wavysail in excess of its obligations under these Terms are made at Wavysail's sole discretion, do not constitute an admission of liability, and do not create any obligation or precedent for future claims.

10.7 Customers should ensure they allow flexibility in their travel arrangements to account for changes in departure or arrival dates. Wavysail shall not be liable for any costs arising from changes to arrival or departure dates, including flight or accommodation costs.

11. CONSEQUENTIAL LOSSES

11.1 Wavysail shall not be liable for any consequential losses incurred by the Customer arising from any change, cancellation, disruption, or delay to the Services. Consequential losses include, but are not limited to:

• the cost of flights to or from the embarkation or disembarkation point;
• hotel or accommodation costs;
• travel insurance excess or premiums;
• visa or vaccination fees;
• loss of earnings or employment costs;
• any other costs incurred in connection with travel to or from the Trip.

11.2 Customers are strongly advised to hold comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, curtailment, and disruption — see Clause 7. Wavysail accepts no liability for losses that would have been covered by appropriate insurance.

11.3 Where Wavysail makes a goodwill contribution toward a Customer's consequential losses, this is made at Wavysail's sole discretion, does not constitute an admission of liability, and does not create any obligation to make such payments in future circumstances.

12. UNAVOIDABLE AND EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES

12.1 Wavysail shall have no liability to the Customer if it is prevented from or delayed in performing its obligations under these Terms due to an Unavoidable or Extraordinary Circumstance.

12.2 'Unavoidable or Extraordinary Circumstance' means any event beyond Wavysail's reasonable control, including:

• strikes, lock-outs, or other industrial disputes;
• failure of utility, transport, or telecommunications networks;
• Acts of God, including storm, flood, or extreme weather;
• war, riot, civil commotion, terrorism, or threat thereof;
• epidemic, pandemic, or public health emergency;
• compliance with any law, governmental order, rule, regulation, or direction;
• mechanical failure or structural defect of a chartered vessel that could not reasonably have been identified prior to departure;
• collision or damage caused by a third-party vessel;
• adverse weather or sea conditions rendering the planned passage unsafe in the Skipper's professional judgment;
• port authority restrictions, maritime authority requirements, or denial of entry to a port or country;
• default of third-party suppliers or subcontractors.

12.3 Customers are advised to ensure they hold appropriate travel insurance covering Unavoidable or Extraordinary Circumstances.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

THE CUSTOMER'S ATTENTION IS PARTICULARLY DRAWN TO THIS CLAUSE.

13.1 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits Wavysail's liability where it is not lawful to do so. The Customer's statutory rights as a consumer are unaffected.

13.2 Subject to Clause 13.1, Wavysail accepts no liability for any claims, losses, expenses, or damages arising from the Services, except in cases of Wavysail's own fraud, negligence causing death or personal injury, or wilful misconduct.

13.3 Wavysail's total liability to the Customer in respect of any claim shall not exceed the Berth Fee paid by that Customer for the Trip to which the claim relates.

13.4 Wavysail accepts no liability for:

• consequential, indirect, or special losses of any kind;
• loss of enjoyment, disappointment, or distress;
• losses arising from vessel defects that could not reasonably have been identified prior to departure;
• losses caused by the act or omission of a third party, including vessel owners, port authorities, or other passengers;
• losses arising from changes made by the Skipper in the exercise of their safety judgment.

13.5 Any claim must be raised in writing with Wavysail within 30 days of the end of the Trip (or, in the case of a Trip that did not commence, within 30 days of the original departure date). Claims received after this period may not be considered.

14. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND ROUTING

14.1 Wavysail monitors relevant government travel advisories (including those issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the US State Department) when planning Trip itineraries.

14.2 Government travel advisories are one of several factors considered when planning routing and itineraries. The Skipper's professional judgment — which takes into account weather, sea conditions, vessel capability, crew experience, and safety — is the primary basis for all routing decisions.

14.3 Where a government advisory advises against travel to a specific region, Wavysail will take all reasonable steps to avoid that region. However, government advisories do not automatically override the Skipper's professional safety assessment, particularly where alternative routing creates greater risk to the vessel or crew.

14.4 Customers who have concerns about the routing of a planned Trip are encouraged to raise these with Wavysail before booking. Once a Trip has commenced, routing concerns should be raised directly with the Skipper.

15. COMPLAINTS

15.1 If you have a complaint during a Trip, please raise it with the Skipper in the first instance.

15.2 If the matter is not resolved on board, you must raise it with Wavysail in writing within 30 days of the end of the Trip. Written complaints should be sent to info@wavysail.com.

15.3 Wavysail will acknowledge complaints within 5 Business Days and aim to provide a substantive response within 28 days.

16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND MEDIA

16.1 All intellectual property rights in Wavysail's literature, website, and materials remain vested in Wavysail. Customers may use materials only as expressly authorised.

16.2 Photography or media taken during a Trip — whether by Wavysail or by Customers — may be used by Wavysail for marketing purposes without licence, royalty, or further permission, worldwide and without restriction. If a Customer does not wish their image to be used, they should notify Wavysail in writing before the Trip commences.

17. GENERAL

17.1 Wavysail may transfer its rights and obligations under any contract to another organisation without the Customer's consent.

17.2 Wavysail may amend these Terms at any time. The Terms in force at the time of booking apply to that booking.

17.3 If any part of these Terms is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

17.4 These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

17.5 Failure by Wavysail to enforce any right or remedy under these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or remedy.

PART B — PRACTICAL SAILING AND ADVENTURE TRIPS

18. SCOPE AND NATURE OF WAVYSAIL TRIPS

18.1 This Part B applies to all practical sailing and adventure trips offered by Wavysail.

18.2 All general terms in Part A apply to trips governed by this Part B.

18.3 Wavysail is an adventure sailing operator. Our Trips are designed to deliver exceptional ocean sailing experiences led by world-class skippers. Wavysail Trips are not offered, advertised, or intended as RYA-approved training courses, qualifying passages, or certification programmes of any kind. No Trip offered by Wavysail constitutes an RYA or other formally accredited sailing qualification, and Wavysail makes no representation to that effect.

19. MILEAGE BUILDING AND PERSONAL SAILING DEVELOPMENT

19.1 Wavysail welcomes Customers who wish to use a Trip to develop their sailing skills or build ocean mileage for personal purposes. This is part of the spirit of our adventures.

19.2 However, Wavysail makes no representation that any Trip qualifies for, contributes to, or is recognised by the RYA or any other certifying body. Any mileage logged on a Wavysail Trip is logged by the Customer for their own personal records. Wavysail accepts no responsibility for whether such mileage is accepted by any certifying body.

19.3 Where a Skipper holds RYA instructor or examiner credentials, they act in their capacity as Skipper of the vessel at all times. They are not engaged by Wavysail in a formal RYA instruction or examination capacity unless a specific arrangement has been expressly agreed and confirmed in writing by Wavysail.

19.4 Wavysail accepts no liability if a Trip is disrupted, rerouted, or curtailed in a manner that affects the Customer's ability to log mileage or complete any personal sailing development objective.

PART C — EXPEDITION CLUB MEMBERSHIP

20. MEMBERSHIP

20.1 Expedition Club membership is available at four tiers as described on the Wavysail website. Membership is granted on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited at each tier.

20.2 The membership fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. Wavysail will make every effort to deliver the benefits described at the time of membership purchase, but reserves the right to substitute any benefit for an alternative of comparable value at its sole discretion.

20.3 No cash alternative will be offered in lieu of any membership benefit.

20.4 Membership benefits, including trip discounts, are personal to the member and are not transferable to any other person, except where a friend or family member is accompanying the member on a trip booked by the member.

21. DISCOUNTS AND FREE TRIPS

21.1 Discounted trips are available to members as a benefit of membership. There is no limit to the number of discounted trips a member may book, subject to availability and the membership discount expiry date.

21.2 Membership discounts are valid for three years from the date of membership purchase. The discount expiry date will be stated in the membership confirmation issued to the member.

21.3 Introductory or free trips are subject to availability and are valid for Founder, Adventurer, and Expedition Crew tiers only. Supporter membership is not eligible for free trips.

21.4 Free trips are accessed via a unique discount code issued to eligible members. Only members who meet the eligibility criteria may use the code.

21.5 Where a free or discounted trip is disrupted, cancelled, or rerouted, the provisions of Part A (and Part B as applicable) apply. Where a Reasonable Alternative is offered, the member's entitlement is to an equivalent free or discounted trip at the alternative dates or destination offered.

22. EXPEDITION CLUB — LOYALTY SCHEME

22.1 The Expedition Club is a loyalty scheme designed to reward members with access to exclusive benefits, discounts, and sailing opportunities. It is not associated with any specific yacht build programme or expedition project.

22.2 Membership benefits are as described on the Wavysail website at the time of purchase. Wavysail reserves the right to substitute any benefit for an alternative of comparable value at its sole discretion, and to update or enhance the benefit offering from time to time.

22.3 No cash alternative will be offered in lieu of any membership benefit.

22.4 Where a free trip benefit is included in a membership tier, this entitles the member to one place on one qualifying Wavysail Trip as specified for that tier, subject to availability and these Terms. The free trip must be used within the three-year membership period.

PART D — OPEN OCEANS GRANT

23. OPEN OCEANS GRANT

23.1 The Open Oceans Grant provides fully or partly funded places on Wavysail Trips to individuals who might not otherwise have access to such experiences. Grants are awarded at Wavysail's sole discretion.

23.2 The grant covers the Berth Fee and, where specified, on-board accommodation and meals during the Trip. It does not cover travel to or from the embarkation point, personal spending money, travel insurance, visas, or any other expenses unless expressly stated in the grant offer.

23.3 Grant recipients are required to hold appropriate travel insurance before joining the Trip — see Clause 7.

23.4 Where a Trip granted under the Open Oceans scheme is cancelled, significantly changed, or disrupted, Wavysail will use reasonable endeavours to offer the grant recipient a Reasonable Alternative. No cash payment shall be made to grant recipients in lieu of the grant.

23.5 Grant recipients are subject to all provisions of Part A and Part B applicable to their Trip.

PART E — DATA PROTECTION AND SUPPLIER DETAILS

24. DATA PROTECTION

24.1 Wavysail processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

24.2 Personal data collected includes names, contact details, medical information, dietary requirements, and emergency contact details. This data is used to manage bookings, ensure safety on board, and communicate with Customers.

24.3 Wavysail will not share personal data with third parties except where necessary to deliver the Services (for example, with vessel owners, port authorities, or medical services) or where required by law.

24.4 Customers have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of their personal data. Requests should be directed to info@wavysail.com.

25. SUPPLIER DETAILS

Supplier Name: Wavysail Ltd

Company Number: 12671177

Registered Office: 9 Elm Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3HB

Email: info@wavysail.com

Telephone: +44 (0)7570 702256

Website booking platform: Easol Travel Limited (payment agent only — no contractual relationship with Customers)

PART F — TRIPS OPERATED UNDER A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH OCEAN EXPEDITIONS

IMPORTANT: This Part F applies to any Trip operated in partnership with Ocean Expeditions Ltd, including the Northwest Passage expedition aboard SV Quest. For these Trips, Wavysail acts as booking agent and shore operations partner only — Wavysail is not the trip operator, and your contract for the Trip itself is with Ocean Expeditions Ltd, not with Wavysail. Where this Part F conflicts with any other provision of these Terms, this Part F applies in respect of that Trip.

26. SCOPE AND STATUS OF WAVYSAIL

26.1 This Part F applies to any Trip identified on the Wavysail website, in your Booking Confirmation, or in the relevant trip listing as operated in partnership with Ocean Expeditions Ltd (Company No. 133380, registered office at Västra Järnvägsgatan 35, 282 74 Hästveda, Sweden), including the Northwest Passage expedition aboard SV Quest, and any further expedition designated as such from time to time (each an 'Ocean Expeditions Trip'). Ocean Expeditions Ltd is referred to in this Part F as 'the Operator'. Full Operator details are also set out at Clause 35.

26.2 For an Ocean Expeditions Trip, Wavysail acts solely as booking agent and as shore operations and support partner for the Operator. Wavysail is not the organiser or operator of an Ocean Expeditions Trip, and does not act as principal in respect of it.

26.3 Where this Part F applies to a Trip, it takes precedence over any conflicting provision elsewhere in these Terms in respect of that Trip. Provisions of these Terms not expressly modified by this Part F continue to apply, including the data protection provisions at Part E.

27. YOUR CONTRACT

27.1 Your contract for an Ocean Expeditions Trip is with the Operator, not with Wavysail. This is different from Wavysail's own Trips, where (as set out in Clause 2) your contract is directly with Wavysail.

27.2 Wavysail's role is to take your booking and payment on the Operator's behalf, and to provide the onboarding and shore support services described in Clause 30. The Booking Confirmation issued by Wavysail confirms that your booking has been made; it is not, in itself, a contract between you and Wavysail for the supply of the Trip.

27.3 You will also be asked to read and accept the Operator's own Expedition Crew Member Terms & Agreement, which governs the conduct of the Trip itself. Where that document and these Terms differ on a matter that is the Operator's responsibility (see Clause 28), the Operator's Expedition Crew Member Terms & Agreement applies.

28. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRIP

28.1 The Skipper on an Ocean Expeditions Trip is appointed by, and acts on behalf of, the Operator — not Wavysail. The Skipper's authority over matters of safety, as described in Clause 4, applies in full; it is simply exercised on the Operator's behalf rather than Wavysail's.

28.2 The Operator is responsible for the vessel and its safety equipment and certification, for the qualifications and conduct of the Skipper and crew, for planning and running the voyage (including all decisions affected by ice, weather, and safety), and for compliance with all applicable maritime law and the requirements of the vessel's flag state.

28.3 Wavysail accepts no liability for the conduct, safety, seaworthiness, or delivery of an Ocean Expeditions Trip. Clause 6 (Vessel and Charter Conditions) does not apply to an Ocean Expeditions Trip, as the vessel is owned and operated directly by the Operator rather than chartered by Wavysail.

29. EXPEDITION CONDUCT, SAFETY, AND CAPTAIN'S AUTHORITY

29.1 In addition to the Operator's responsibilities at Clause 28, the Operator's own Expedition Crew Member Terms & Agreement sets out further obligations that apply directly between you and the Operator. The key points are summarised below; these obligations are owed to the Operator, not to Wavysail.

29.2 You join an Ocean Expeditions Trip as a working crew member, not as a passenger. No passenger services are provided, and you are expected to take an active part in running the vessel, including watchkeeping, sail handling, cooking, and cleaning, under the Captain's direction.

29.3 You must be in suitable health and physical condition for Arctic sailing, including the fitness to board by dinghy, climb ladders, and walk on uneven or icy terrain. The Operator may require medical clearance. By joining, you accept the inherent risks of remote Arctic expedition sailing, including delays, itinerary changes, injury, and limited medical facilities.

29.4 The Captain has sole and absolute authority over matters of safety, including the authority to alter, shorten, extend, or cancel any part of the voyage, and to require any Crew Member to disembark — whether at sea or ashore — on reasonable safety or conduct grounds. No refund or compensation is payable where this occurs as a result of your own conduct or fitness, consistent with Clause 4.

29.5 You are expected to treat all Crew Members and local communities with respect, to follow the Operator's rules on prohibited items and conduct (including restrictions on weapons, illegal drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption), and to follow wildlife protocols, particularly in polar bear territory. You may be liable to the Operator for damage, loss, or costs it suffers as a result of your breach of these obligations.

29.6 The full Expedition Crew Member Terms & Agreement, including Schedule A (Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk), Schedule B (Medical Declaration & Fitness to Travel), Schedule C (Travel & Insurance Acknowledgement), and Schedule D (Media & Photography Release), is available on request from Wavysail or directly from Ocean Expeditions.

30. ONBOARDING AND SHORE SUPPORT

30.1 Wavysail provides the following for each Ocean Expeditions Trip: collection of your medical, dietary, and emergency contact information; collection of the Operator's required documentation, including the liability waiver (Schedule A), medical declaration (Schedule B), travel and insurance acknowledgement (Schedule C), and media release (Schedule D); a dedicated Trip Manager as your point of contact before and during the Trip; and shore-based support throughout the voyage, including acting as a first point of contact in an emergency.

30.2 These services are provided by Wavysail as agent for, and at the direction of, the Operator. They do not make Wavysail responsible for the matters set out at Clause 28.2.

31. PAYMENT

31.1 For an Ocean Expeditions Trip, the Berth Fee is payable as follows: a deposit of 20% at the time of booking, with the remaining 80% due no later than 8 weeks before departure.

31.2 Wavysail collects these payments on the Operator's behalf and remits them to the Operator, less Wavysail's commission, under Wavysail's own commercial arrangement with the Operator. This arrangement does not affect your payment obligations, which are owed to Wavysail as the Operator's collecting agent.

32. CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

32.1 The Standard Cancellation Policy at Clause 8.2 does not apply to an Ocean Expeditions Trip. Instead, the following applies:

Cancellation timing	Refund entitlement
More than 8 weeks before departure	Deposit (20% of the Berth Fee) is non-refundable. If the balance has not yet been charged, it will not be collected.
8 weeks or less before departure	No refund is payable.

32.2 If the Operator cancels an Ocean Expeditions Trip before departure for any reason, you are entitled to a full refund of all sums paid. Wavysail will process your refund once the corresponding funds have been received from the Operator, and will do so without unreasonable delay.

32.3 If the Operator has to curtail a Trip after departure due to technical or mechanical failure and the voyage cannot safely continue, a pro-rata refund applies to the unused portion of the Trip, calculated by the Operator and paid to you by Wavysail once received from the Operator.

32.4 Wavysail's obligation in respect of any refund under this Clause 32 is to pass on funds received from the Operator. Save where Wavysail is itself at fault, Wavysail is not obliged to fund a refund from its own resources if the Operator does not provide the corresponding funds.

32.5 Clauses 9 to 11 (covering cancellation by Wavysail, itinerary changes, and consequential losses) continue to apply to an Ocean Expeditions Trip, save that references to action taken by 'Wavysail' in those Clauses should be read as references to the Operator where the action concerned (such as a cancellation, change, or curtailment) is the Operator's rather than Wavysail's.

33. INSURANCE

33.1 In addition to the travel insurance required under Clause 7, you must hold medical and emergency evacuation insurance, cancellation and interruption insurance, and personal accident and life insurance, in line with the Operator's requirements. Full details are provided during the Operator's application and interview process.

33.2 Wavysail accepts no liability for any cost or loss that would have been covered by insurance of the kind described in this Clause or in Clause 7.

34. LIABILITY

34.1 Wavysail's role in respect of an Ocean Expeditions Trip is limited to that of booking agent and shore operations and support partner. Without prejudice to Clause 13, Wavysail accepts no liability for the conduct, operation, safety, or delivery of an Ocean Expeditions Trip; responsibility for these matters rests with the Operator.

34.2 Nothing in this Part F limits Wavysail's liability for matters within its own control as agent, including the accurate handling of your payments and documentation, and the proper provision of the onboarding and shore support services described in Clause 30.

35. OPERATOR DETAILS

Operator Name: Ocean Expeditions Ltd

Company Number: 133380

Registered Office: Västra Järnvägsgatan 35, 282 74 Hästveda, Sweden

Vessel: SV Quest

These Terms and Conditions were last updated in July 2026 and supersede all previous versions. Wavysail Ltd reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. The version in force at the time of booking applies to that booking. Customers may request a copy of the Terms applicable to their booking at any time by contacting info@wavysail.com.