“When these difficult times return to normal, our family is interested in booking a yacht charter for late summer in Greece.
We’re worried if unforeseen coronna (sp) virus issues could arise we might be forced to cancel, and we don’t want to lose our deposits.
Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves?”
-Vanessa A, East Fallowfield, PA
“Hi, Vanessa. The short and simple answer is:
‘YES. There are things 1-800 Yacht Charters can do to protect you should you need to cancel your charter due to Covid-19 issues.’
There are insurance products available for trip cancellations, but they are not uniform in their coverage options. I have developed and implemented a 2-part strategy to protect our clients.
1. FREE Cancellation Policy (penalty-free Covid-19 refund policy)
2. Modified Charter Contracts with a Covid-19 protection addendum
You can stop reading here, and know we’ve got your back. Please read on, if you want a more in-depth explanation…”
–Jana L Sheeder, President, 1-800 Yacht Charters
As a general rule, yacht charter contracts are written to protect the yacht owner and his/her asset (the yacht). This is in the event of damages or cancellations. The rationale is simple. Specifically, the client may be paying thousands of dollars to enjoy a vacation on a yacht. However, the owner’s exposure is far greater. Moreover, many yachts are worth millions of dollars. Owners wisely use a well-crafted, legal charter agreement to protect themselves.
One example of how owners protect themselves is known as the “Force majeure provision.” This clause is inserted into most luxury yacht charter agreements. It gives the owner the right to cancel a charter due to “Acts of God.” These are acts/events that prohibit the yacht and crew from proceeding with the charter.
Understanding Force Majeure in Yacht Charter Agreements
This relates to the Covid-19 virus situation. Under the force majeure provision, a yacht owner has to return the charter money to the customer. This is if the yacht cannot perform due to marina closures, virus-infected crew members etc. That’s good news for the charter customer. However…
IF the charterer is the one who cancels, things work differently. Even due to Covid-19 issues (for instance, due to a quarantine or flight cancellation), the Owner has the right to claim ALL of the installments paid and due from the Charterer. In other words, the Charterer forfeits any and all monies paid to date for the charter! The owner is not obligated to reschedule or to give the funds back.
We believe that the force majure provision is the main reason potential charterers withdrew their inquiries for spring and early summer. Some clients willingly canceled their trips. They know they would lose their initial deposits. They wanted to stop the bleeding now. Stop it before second and third deposits were due as the charter dates draw closer.
1-800 Yacht Charters now offers a penalty-free Covid-19 refund policy* on a large selection of luxury charter yachts. To insure the yacht owners comply, we prepare an addendum to the standard charter agreement. This addendum clearly states the owner of the yacht agrees to a full refund. This is if the charterer is forced to cancel due to Covid-19 issues.
Now charterers can protect their deposits in 2 ways. They can either reschedule their trip(s) to a future date or receive a complete refund.
Would you like to review the Covid-19 charter addendum? Send an email request to info@1800yachtcharters.com today. Please include your full name and phone number in your email. In conclusion, we have your back. Our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters values your business and vacations. We protect you.
*This new policy does not apply to all yachts. It also may depend upon the charter destination and charter dates. Certain restrictions apply. Please check with your yacht charter consultant before proceeding with your reservation. More importantly, clarify this before making any deposits or payments.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged strategy, client protection, yacht charter refunds, contract addendum, trip cancellation, Force Majeure, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, how am i protected for yacht charter booking?, contract clauses, trip cancellation insurance, What if I cancel my yacht charter?, luxury yacht charter agreements, Jana L. Sheeder, 1-800 Yacht Charters opinion, owners rights, Covid-19, How does Force Majeure Provision work?, client rights, yacht charter client rights, yacht charter owner rights, Acts of God
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Your hometown lockdown is lifted. Your arm hurts like heck where they stuck you with the Pfizer-BioNTech.
Things are getting back to normal. You are vaccinated, and oh-so-ready to reschedule that summer 2020 yachting escape.
Don’t worry. France, Italy, and Spain are right where you left them. So, what to do after Covid?
Close your eyes. Do you see the beaches? The dockside cafes? Imagine laying poolside – on the sundeck of superyacht ALFA NERO…
Unfortunately, even with much of Covid in the rearview mirror, the drudgery of getting to the Mediterranean sinks in.
Without question, it’s a LONG flight to the Med. Getting directly onboard a superyacht after hours in the air is not appealing. Understandably, no one wants to waste their first day on the sea, feeling dog-tired and irritable.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to reducing jet lag and stress before your yacht charter begins. What is the solution? Check into a boutique property and decompress for a day!
A pre-charter layover is a great way to unwind after traveling. Let your yacht crew scramble with last-minute preparations. You will be relaxing in a calming, resort environment.
You can lay by the pool, or catch up on some needed sleep. Certainly, a stroll around town and a late-night espresso in a nearby café will have you in the right frame of mind.
Then, the next day, your crew picks you up from the resort and whisks you away to your awaiting superyacht.
Here are three, can’t-miss layover hospitality venues to help you get your groove back before you board your luxury charter yacht.
First, this new resort is scheduled to open in July, 2021. It is located in a quiet, almost-hidden cove in Xarraca Bay. Four-com magazine describes the resort as, “This magical cove with unobstructed sunset views and special energy is where the golden hour lasts until the Cinderella hour. Sundowner, guitar, or loved one in hand, anything feels possible. Live layers of programming and experiences will constantly evolve to celebrate music, art, sustainable fashion, spirituality, pioneering wellness, culinary exploration and culture, all synonymous with the island.” How’s that for a glowing endorsement?
We’re big fans of resorts with access to a beach and a deep-water bay. In fact, after a day of unwinding, your yacht’s crew can bring the ship’s tender right up to the beach. You and your companions can enjoy a short tender ride to your awaiting yacht. And let’s be honest – is there anything cooler than seeing your yacht at anchor, knowing everyone is watching you as you tender over and board on the aft swim platform???
The Gritti Palace, Venice
Second, this noble former palace and now hotel dates back over 500 years. It overlooks the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. In fact, each of the hotel’s 82 guest rooms and suites offers unobstructed canal views. This is an intimate private residence masquerading as a hotel. Enjoy delicious Venetian cuisine at the Club del Doge restaurant. Too tired for dinner after a long flight? No problem. Just grab a table for cocktails on the terrace at the Riva Lounge. The next day, your yacht’s tender can pick you up at the property’s own dock. This is reminiscent of the Venice Biennale and the Venice Film Festival!
No, it’s not a typo. The question marks have been inserted for a reason. Indeed, we did promise you the name of three hospitality venues for the perfect pre-charter layover.
So why the secrecy, you might wonder? The reason is simple. It’s our passion at 1-800 Yacht Charters, to Deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to you. Part of that experience is the creation of a bespoke luxury yacht charter vacation for you and your travel companions. Anyone can write a blog with a list of beautiful hotels and resorts. We prefer to listen to you; to hear about your style preferences. Basically, we want to understand your motivations and expectations when you travel.
By listening to you, we can create the experience you desire – the one that will enrich your life…
Let’s do this. Contact us and tell us where you want to go yachting. We’ll ask you some questions and we’ll come up with several yachts for your consideration. Of course, we’ll also suggest a great hospitality property or boutique resort where you can chill before your charter! After Covid, it’s time to get back to normal!
Please call us at 305-720-7245 or fill out our convenient online yacht charter inquiry form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ .
This entry was posted in Reviews Educational Yacht Charter Destinations News Frequently Asked Questions and tagged vacation plans, golden hour, Covid-19, getting to Mediterranean, Venice Film Festival, strategy, Alfa Nero, Ibiza yacht charter, Superyacht Alfa Nero, wellness, Covid, layover, Venice Biennale, Six Senses, Venice, Xarraca Bay, yacht charter vacation, spa endorsement, The Gritti Palace, Ibiza, Venice yacht charter, After Covid, boutique resort
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