Overview

At MiddleGroundHub, we recognize that plans may change, and we aim to provide straightforward and transparent refund policies. This document sets forth the conditions under which refunds can be granted for our yacht charter services.

Please examine these terms attentively prior to making a reservation. Booking a charter with MiddleGroundHub signifies your acceptance of, and agreement to, these refund conditions.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Before Charter

100% Refund

Eligible for: Full reimbursement minus processing charges

Processing Time: 5-7 working days

Processing Fee: €50 for credit card payments

Conditions: Request must be made in writing via electronic mail or telephone

24-72 Hours Before Charter

50% Refund

Eligible for: Half of the total cost of the charter

Processing Time: 7-10 working days

Processing Fee: €25 subtracted from the reimbursement

Conditions: A valid reason is necessary; administrative expenses will be incurred

Less than 24 Hours Before Charter

No Refund

Eligible for: No refund possibility

Exception: Cases of emergency might be taken into account

Alternative: Voucher for a charter might be granted at the discretion of the management

Conditions: Emergency cases must be substantiated with documentation

Weather-Related Cancellations

Our Weather Guarantee

Your safety is our highest priority. Should weather conditions be deemed dangerous for charter operations by our certified captain, we offer several options:

  • Full Refund: A complete refund if it's not viable to reschedule
  • Reschedule: Change your charter to a subsequent available slot without additional charges
  • Charter Credit: A credit valid for one year from the initial charter date

Weather Assessment Protocol

Weather evaluations involve:

  • Evaluating wind speeds and forecasted directions
  • Assessing sea conditions and wave heights
  • Visibility and expected precipitation levels
  • Advisories and alerts from the Coast Guard
  • Professional captain's safety assessment

Decision Timing: The call on weather-related cancellations is made no later than 4 hours before the planned departure.

Medical Emergency Refunds

Emergency Scenarios

We acknowledge unexpected medical crises might occur. The following circumstances could be considered for special refunds:

  • Sudden hospital-requiring illnesses or injuries
  • A member of the immediate family passing away
  • Unexpected military assignments or recalls
  • Jury service or legal mandates
  • Natural events disrupting travel plans

Required Proof

For medical emergency refunds, the following evidence is requested:

  • Medical certification or documentation from the hospital
  • Certificate of death (if relevant)
  • Official orders from the military
  • Legal summons or printed notice of jury duty
  • Travel cautions or declarations of emergencies

Procedure: Refunds for emergencies are processed within 3-5 working days after the receipt of valid proofs.

Operational Cancellations

Technical Failures

In the event that technical difficulties with the designated vessel cannot be resolved:

  • Substitute Vessel: An effort will be made to provide an equivalent substitute
  • Full Refund: A complete refund if an equivalent substitute is unavailable
  • Partial Refund: A partial reimbursement if the replacement vessel has different cost implications
  • Compensation: Additional remuneration may be considered due to the inconvenience

Unavailability of Crew

On the rare occasion that the certified crew cannot be present:

  • Efforts will be made to arrange for alternative crew members
  • Refund in full if the charter cannot go ahead
  • Opportunity to reschedule without any added fees

Refund Processing

Payment Means

Reimbursements are returned using the original payment method from the booking:

  • Credit Cards: 5-7 working days
  • Bank Transfers: 7-10 working days
  • Cash/Cheque: 3-5 working days

Processing Charges

Credit Card Handling

€50 charge for cancellations done over 72 hours beforehand

Bank Transfer Handling

€25 charge for all refunds via bank transfer

Overseas Handling

Extra fees may be applicable for foreign transactions

Charter Credits

Occasions for Credits

Charter credits could be presented instead of refunds in certain cases:

  • Late cancellation notices (under 24 hours)
  • Cancellations due to bad weather
  • Voluntary changes requested by the client
  • Service disruptions for operational reasons

Credit Details

  • Duration: Valid for 12 months from the date of issue
  • Transferability: Cannot be transferred to others
  • Amount: Equates to the full value of the charter (exempt from handling fees)
  • Application: Applicable to any future charters based on availability
  • Expiry: No extensions past the 12-month period

Partial Service Refunds

Service Disruptions

If the charter is interrupted or cut short owing to circumstances we can control:

  • A proportional refund reflective of the unused segment of time
  • A credit towards a future charter of equivalent price
  • Complimentary services or possible upgrades

Interruptions Caused by Guests

If a charter concludes early due to a guest's behavior or violations of safety protocols:

  • No refund for the portion of the service that went unutilized
  • The full cost of the booking remains payable
  • Guest may incur further charges

Dispute Settlement

In the event you contest a refund judgement, you have the option to:

  • Request reevaluation by our administrative team
  • Present further proof or evidence
  • Seek conciliation through consumer rights organizations
  • Utilize legal avenues subject to the relevant jurisdictional laws

Refund Requests

Step 1: Reach Out

To file a refund request, please use:

Step 2: Supply Details

Your refund application should include:

  • Confirmation code for your booking
  • Date and time of your charter
  • Cancellation reason
  • Applicable supporting documents (if necessary)
  • Your preferred mode for the refund

Step 3: Evaluation and Completion

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within 24 hours, consider it in accordance with these terms, give a verdict within 48 hours, and proceed with accepted reimbursements within the specified periods.

Key Points

  • All requests for refunds must be lodged in writing
  • Reimbursements are executed in € regardless of the currency used for the original payment
  • It is highly suggested to procure travel insurance
  • This policy can be modified given a notice of 30 days
  • Refunds are subject to the prevailing tax regulations

Get in Touch

For inquiries regarding refunds or to submit a refund application:

Refunds Department
MiddleGroundHub Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Cascais 2750-800
Portugal

Phone: +351 21 000 0000
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM