Refund Policy

Unambiguous and equitable refund terms for your confidence

Overview

At CommonsBeacon, we recognize that situations can change, and we are dedicated to offering a clear and straightforward refund policy. This document details the criteria under which refunds may be provided for services related to yacht charters.

It is important to familiarize yourself with this policy prior to reserving your charter. Confirming a reservation with CommonsBeacon signifies your acceptance of these refund conditions.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Before Charter

100% Refund

Entitlement: Complete refund excluding processing fees

Timeframe for Processing: 5-7 business days

Administrative Fee: €50 for credit card payments

Requirements: Must be lodged via email or phone in written form

24-72 Hours Before Charter

50% Refund

Entitlement: Half of the total cost of the charter

Timeframe for Processing: 7-10 business days

Administrative Fee: €25 deducted from the refund amount

Requirements: Acceptable reason needed; subject to administrative expenses

Less than 24 Hours Before Charter

No Refund

Entitlement: Refund is not accessible

Exception: Consideration given under emergency conditions

Alternative: Possible credit for future charters, subject to management decisions

Requirements: Emergency situations require evidence for consideration

Weather-Related Cancellations

Our Weather Guarantee

Your safety is our priority. Should weather conditions not permit charter operations as determined by our qualified captain, we offer several alternatives:

  • Full Refund: Offered if rescheduling isn’t feasible
  • Reschedule: Change your charter date to an available slot without additional costs
  • Charter Credit: Issuance of a credit valid for one year from your initial charter date

Weather Assessment Process

The assessment of weather conditions includes:

  • Evaluation of wind velocity and bearings
  • Sea condition analysis regarding swell height
  • Predicted visibility and precipitation
  • Notices and bulletins from the Coast Guard
  • Safety judgment from our professional captain

Timeline for Decision: Determinations regarding weather cancellations occur at most 4 hours before the set sail time.

Medical Emergency Refunds

Emergency Situations

We sympathize with unforeseen medical emergencies. Certain conditions may be eligible for special refund considerations:

  • Sudden medical conditions or injuries that need hospital treatment
  • Immediate family member's passing
  • Unexpected military conscription or orders
  • Mandatory court appearances or jury obligations
  • Natural disasters impacting travel

Proof Required

To process requests for emergency refunds, the following proofs should be provided:

  • Healthcare certification or hospital paperwork
  • Official documents concerning death (where applicable)
  • Verified military directives
  • Legal summons or notices for jury duty
  • Official travel warnings or emergency pronouncements

Processing: Emergency refunds are managed within 3-5 business days after the correct documents are received.

Operational Cancellations

Vessel Dysfunction

If the yacht assigned to you is afflicted with mechanical issues that are unresolved:

  • Alternative Vessel: An effort will be made to arrange a similar yacht
  • Full Refund: Provided when no equivalent alternative is ascertainable
  • Partial Refund: If the substitute yacht presents different pricing terms
  • Compensation: We may provide additional reimbursements for the trouble caused

Crew Unavailability

On rare occasions when a certified crew is not available:

  • An alternative crew will be organized if possible
  • A complete refund is given if the charter cannot be conducted
  • Option to reschedule with no extra fee

Refund Processing

Refund Method

Refunds are managed through the same payment channel used for the booking:

  • Credit Cards: Processed within 5-7 business days
  • Bank Transfers: Processed within 7-10 business days
  • Cash/Cheque: Processed within 3-5 business days

Administrative Fees

Credit Card Transactions

€50 charged for cancellations made with over 72 hours notice

Bank Transfer Reversals

€25 charged for all refunds via bank transfer

International Operations

Extra fees may be applicable for international transactions

Charter Credits

Instances for Credit Issuance

In some situations, credit for charters may be proposed instead of refunds:

  • Cancellations occurring within less than 24 hours
  • Cancellations due to weather
  • Client requests for moving a booking to a different date
  • Interruptions due to operational reasons

Terms for Credits

  • Validity Period: Credits remain valid for 12 months from their issue date
  • Ability to Transfer: Credits are unable to be transferred to others
  • Face Value: Equivalent to the full value of the charter without subtraction for processing charges
  • How to Use: Applicable towards any available future charters
  • Expiration: No prolongations past the 12-month limit

Reimbursements for Partial Services

Interruptions of Services

Should your charter be halted or shortened due to internal operational factors:

  • A refund proportionate to the unused duration of the service
  • Credit towards a future charter of equal value
  • Extras offered gratuitously or enhancements

Disruptions Caused by Guests

If a charter is concluded earlier than planned due to actions or disregard of safety rules by guests:

  • No reimbursement is given for time not used
  • Payment in full is still expected
  • Additional fees may be applied

Dispute Resolution

In case of disagreement with the outcome of a refund request, the following steps may be taken:

  • Application for a revaluation by our management
  • Submission of supplementary proof or validation
  • Contacting consumer support organizations
  • Pursuing any legal options as per the governing laws

Procedures to Initiate a Refund

Step 1: Making Contact

Returns should be requested via:

Step 2: Providing Necessary Details

Your refund request should include:

  • Confirmation number of your booking
  • The scheduled date and hour of the charter
  • The rationale for cancelling
  • Any required support documents (when applicable)
  • Your choice of reimbursement method

Step 3: The Assessment and Refund Process

After receipt, our staff will acknowledge your request in one day, evaluate it relative to this policy, deliver a verdict in two days, and proceed with any endorsed refunds within the indicated times.

Essential Remarks

  • All petitions for refunds have to be submitted in written form
  • Reimbursements are carried out in €, independent of the currency used for the initial payment
  • We highly recommend taking out travel insurance
  • This document can be modified with a notice period of 30 days
  • Refunds comply with prevailing taxes and laws

Contact Data

For questions concerning refunds or to file a refund application:

Department of Refunds
CommonsBeacon Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20457
Germany

Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Last Updated: July 17, 2025

This policy on refunds is intended to be equitable and transparent. Please assess these conditions thoroughly before making your reservation, and do not hesitate to reach out to us for any inquiries.