Terms and Conditions
Skippered Charters
Bareboat Charters
SKIPPERED CHARTER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Bowman Yacht Charters Ltd – Central Charter Agent
1. Status of Parties
Bowman Yacht Charters Ltd (“BYC”) acts as Central Charter Agent arranging skippered charters on behalf of:
- The Owner of the Yacht, and
- A self-employed, qualified Skipper
The Skipper is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, or representative of BYC.
The charter contract is between the Charterer, the Owner, and the Skipper (as applicable). BYC acts as disclosed agent only.
2. Bookings and Payments
Bookings may be made in writing or via the website. A booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received and cleared.
- A deposit is payable on booking
- The balance is payable not less than 28 days before the charter
BYC holds funds as agent on behalf of the Owner and/or Skipper.
BYC reserves the right to substitute a comparable yacht where reasonably necessary.
3. Cancellation by the Charterer
Upon confirmation, the Charterer is liable for the full charter fee.
If the Charterer cancels:
- Payments are non-refundable
- BYC will use reasonable endeavours to re-let the charter
- If re-let, a discretionary refund (less costs) may be made
4. Cancellation by Owner, Skipper or Force Majeure
If the charter is cancelled due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (including weather, mechanical failure, or skipper illness):
- An alternative charter date will be offered where possible; or
- A refund of sums paid will be made
Liability is strictly limited to the charter fee paid.
No liability is accepted for consequential losses (including travel or accommodation costs).
5. Amendments and Itinerary
The Owner and/or Skipper may make reasonable amendments to:
- Itinerary
- Departure or arrival locations
- Timing
All decisions relating to safety, weather, and navigation are at the sole discretion of the Skipper.
No refunds shall be due for such changes.
Changes requested by the Charterer:
- Subject to availability
- £50 amendment fee
- Not permitted within 8 weeks of departure (treated as cancellation)
6. Safety and Authority of the Skipper
The Skipper has full authority over the vessel at all times, including:
- Navigation and route
- Safety decisions
- Crew conduct
The Charterer agrees to comply with all lawful instructions of the Skipper.
The Owner is responsible for providing the Yacht in a seaworthy condition.
BYC may assist with arrangements but does not operate or control the vessel.
7. What is Included
- Berth on board
- Use of standard safety equipment (lifejackets and harnesses)
8. What is Not Included
- Meals ashore
- Tours or excursions
- Alcohol
- Travel to and from the vessel
- Personal travel insurance
- Mooring and fuel costs (unless stated otherwise)
- Hire of oilskins and boots
9. Responsibility for Damage
No security deposit is normally required for skippered charters.
However, the Charterer remains responsible for:
- Any damage caused by negligence or misconduct
- Loss of equipment
- Costs not recoverable under the Owner’s insurance
10. Insurance, Agency Status and Liability
The Yacht is insured by or on behalf of the Owner, subject to policy terms and excess.
The Skipper is a self-employed professional responsible for holding appropriate qualifications and (where applicable) their own insurance.
The Charterer is responsible for any loss or damage caused by their actions or those of their guests.
Bowman Yacht Charters Ltd maintains business insurance, including public liability, solely in respect of its activities as charter agent.
BYC:
- Does not own, operate, or control the Yacht
- Does not employ the Skipper
- Does not provide insurance cover for the charter
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- BYC shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage, delay, or expense arising from the charter
- BYC shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of the Owner or Skipper
- BYC shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses (including travel or accommodation costs)
BYC’s total liability (if any) shall be limited to the commission earned on the booking.
11. Indemnity
The Charterer shall indemnify the Owner, the Skipper, and BYC against any loss, damage, or liability arising from:
- The Charterer’s actions
- The actions of their guests or crew
12. Compliance with Regulations
The Charterer shall comply with all applicable laws, harbour regulations, and reasonable instructions of the Skipper.
13. Disputes
This Agreement is governed by English law.
Any dispute shall be referred to arbitration in London under the rules of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA), to a sole arbitrator.
14. Entire Agreement
These terms constitute the entire agreement and supersede any prior discussions or representations.
Bareboat Charters
BAREBOAT CHARTER TERMS AND CONDITIONS (AGENCY MODEL)
Bowman Yacht Charters Ltd (“BYC”) acting as Central Charter Agent
1. Role of Bowman Yacht Charters
Bowman Yacht Charters Ltd (“BYC”) acts as Central Charter Agent for the owner of the yacht (“Owner”).
BYC arranges bookings, payments, and operational support on behalf of the Owner but is not the owner, operator, or carrier of the yacht.
The Charter Agreement is therefore between:
- The Charterer, and
- The Owner of the Yacht
BYC acts as disclosed agent only and shall not be a party to the charter contract except as expressly stated.
2. Bookings and Payments
Bookings may be made in writing or via the website. A booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received and cleared.
- A deposit (typically 25% of the charter fee) is payable on booking
- The balance is payable not less than 28 days prior to charter
BYC holds funds as agent on behalf of the Owner.
BYC reserves the right, on behalf of the Owner, to substitute a comparable yacht where reasonably necessary.
3. Pricing Adjustments & Substitution
Where a substitute yacht is provided:
- If of lower value, a refund of the difference will be made
- If of higher value, no additional charge will be made unless agreed
Substitution shall not constitute a breach where the yacht is of similar type, size, and capability.
4. Cancellation by the Charterer
Upon confirmation, the Charterer is liable for the full charter fee.
If the Charterer cancels:
- Payments are non-refundable
- BYC will use reasonable endeavours to re-let the yacht
- If successfully re-let, a discretionary refund (less costs) may be made
5. Cancellation by Owner / Force Majeure
If the Owner cancels due to force majeure (including but not limited to weather, government restriction, or unforeseen events):
- An alternative charter date will be offered where possible
If the charter is cancelled for operational reasons (e.g. mechanical failure):
- A refund of sums paid or alternative charter will be offered
Liability is strictly limited to the charter fee paid.
No liability is accepted for consequential losses (travel, accommodation, etc.).
6. Security Deposit
A security deposit (typically £1,200 unless otherwise stated) is payable prior to charter.
The deposit may be used for:
- Damage to the yacht or equipment
- Loss of equipment
- Third-party damage not recoverable under insurance
- Additional cleaning or exceptional use
The balance will be returned within 14 days, subject to Owner confirmation.
7. Insurance, Agency Status & Limitation of Liability
Bowman Yacht Charters Ltd (“BYC”) acts solely as Central Charter Agent for the Owner of the Yacht and does not own, operate, manage, or crew the Yacht.
The Yacht is insured by or on behalf of the Owner, including third-party liability, subject to the terms, conditions, and excess of the relevant policy. The Charterer shall be liable for:
- The applicable insurance excess
- Any loss, damage, or liability not recoverable under the Owner’s insurance where caused by the Charterer or their crew
Bowman Yacht Charters Ltd maintains its own business insurance, including public liability, in respect of its activities as charter agent. Such insurance applies only to BYC’s own acts or omissions in that capacity and does not extend to:
- Loss of or damage to the Yacht or its equipment
- Acts or omissions of the Owner
- Acts or omissions of the Charterer or their crew
- Mechanical failure or breakdown of the Yacht
BYC gives no warranty or representation as to the adequacy, scope, or validity of the Owner’s insurance.
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- BYC shall have no liability for any loss, damage, delay, or expense arising from the charter of the Yacht
- BYC shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including (but not limited to) loss of enjoyment, travel costs, or accommodation expenses
- BYC shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of the Owner
In all circumstances, BYC’s total liability (if any) shall be strictly limited to the commission earned by BYC in respect of the relevant booking.
8. Charterer Responsibilities
The Charterer agrees to:
- Operate the yacht in a safe and seamanlike manner
- Comply with all laws, harbour regulations, and navigation limits
- Follow any reasonable instructions issued by BYC or the Owner
The Charterer is responsible for the conduct of all crew.
9. Condition and Seaworthiness
The Owner is responsible for providing the yacht in a seaworthy condition.
BYC may assist with handover but does not warrant the condition of the yacht beyond reasonable inspection.
Any defects must be reported immediately.
10. Duration and Overrun
The yacht must be returned on time.
Failure to do so may result in:
- Additional charter charges
- Liability for losses incurred by subsequent charters
- Administration fee (£50 minimum)
Minimum charge for unauthorised extension: £450 per day or part thereof.
11. Use Restrictions
The yacht may not be:
- Used for racing without prior written consent
- Sub-chartered
- Used for commercial purposes
No pets permitted.
12. Indemnity
The Charterer shall indemnify the Owner and BYC against:
- Loss, damage, or liability arising from the Charterer’s use of the yacht
- Claims arising from the actions of the Charterer or crew
13. Limitation of Liability
BYC acts as agent only and shall not be liable for:
- Loss, damage, delay, or injury arising from the charter
- Acts or omissions of the Owner
- Mechanical failure or equipment breakdown
BYC’s total liability shall not exceed the commission received in respect of the booking.
14. Dispute Resolution
This Agreement is governed by English law.
Any dispute shall be referred to arbitration in London under the rules of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA), to a sole arbitrator.
15. Entire Agreement
These terms form the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior discussions or representations.