Refund Policy

Transparent and honest refund terms for your confidence

Introduction

We at OpenUtilityLane understand that plans may alter, and aim to offer equitable and clear refund arrangements. This document explains the situations where refunds for our yacht rental services are available.

Please review these guidelines thoroughly prior to making a reservation. By reserving a yacht with OpenUtilityLane, you are accepting and agreeing to the conditions of our refund policy.

Typical Cancellation and Refund Scheme

Above 72 Hours Prior to Charter

100% Refund

Qualifies for: A complete refund minus any handling charges

Refund Timeframe: 5-7 business days

Handling Charge: €50 for card payments

Requirements: Must be requested via written communication such as email or a call

Between 24 to 72 Hours Prior to Charter

50% Refund

Qualifies for: Half of the total charter fee

Refund Timeframe: 7-10 business days

Handling Charge: €25 deducted from the refund amount

Requirements: Valid justification needed; administrative expenses apply

Under 24 Hours Until Charter

No Refund

Qualifies for: No refunds accessible

Exception: Exceptional situations may be taken into account

Alternative Option: A charter voucher might be provided, subject to decision by management

Requirements: Emergency situations must be substantiated with documents

Refunds Due to Weather

Our Promise Regarding Weather

Your safety is our utmost priority. Should weather be deemed hazardous for sailing by our certified captain, we provide multiple alternatives:

  • Complete Refund: Offered if rescheduling isn't feasible
  • Reschedule at No Extra Cost: Transfer your booking to a future date
  • Charter Credit: Obtain a voucher valid for one year from the date of the initial booking

Weather Evaluation Procedure

Our meteorological review consists of:

  • An examination of wind forces and directions
  • Estimation of wave heights and sea state
  • Forecasts for visibility and precipitation
  • Notifications and precautions issued by the Coast Guard
  • A safety assessment by a professional skipper

Decision Timing: Cancellations concerned with weather are determined at the latest 4 hours prior to the planned departure.

Refunds for Medical Emergencies

Case of Emergencies

We are empathetic to the possibility of sudden medical emergencies. Situations that may be eligible for special consideration include:

  • An unexpected sickness or injury that necessitates hospital admission
  • A fatality within the immediate family
  • Call to duty or emergent recall for military personnel
  • A summons for jury duty or a legal obligation to appear in court
  • Calamities that influence your means of travel

Proof Requirements

To process a plea for an emergency refund, kindly supply:

  • Authentication from a medical establishment or related hospital records
  • A certificate of death (if it is adequate)
  • Formal military instructions
  • Legal notice for court appearance or jury service
  • Advisories or proclamations related to emergencies for travelers

Order Processing: Requests for refunds on emergency grounds will be managed between 3-5 business days following the submission of the necessary evidence.

Cancellations Due to Operations

Technical Problems

If the vessel allocated to you encounters technical issues which cannot be promptly remedied:

  • A Substitutive Option: We will endeavour to offer an equivalent substitute
  • Complete Refund: Provided if an alternate is not available
  • Partial Refund: Given if the replacement vessel presents different rates
  • Additional Compensation: May be considered for the inconvenience endured

Unavailable Crew

In the exceptional event that our certified crew is not available:

  • A substitution crew will be arranged where possible
  • Complete refund if the charter can't go forth
  • Reschedule without any surcharges

Procedures for Refund Handling

Means of Reimbursement

Refunds are facilitated through the same method that was employed during booking:

  • Credit Cards: Processed within 5-7 business days
  • Bank Transfers: Take 7-10 business days to process
  • Transactions in Cash or Cheque: Handled in 3-5 business days

Deductions for Handling

Credit Card Handling

A €50 charge applies to cancellations made more than 72 hours before the charter

Bank Transfer Handling

A €25 charge applies to all reimbursements processed as bank transfers

International Handling

Surcharge may apply for international bank transactions

Vouchers in Place of Refunds

Contexts for Voucher Issuance

Credits may be granted as an alternative to monetary refunds under certain conditions:

  • For cancellations communicated less than 24 hours before the slated time
  • For cancellations due to weather conditions
  • At the behest of clients looking to reschedule
  • When operational challenges occur

Voucher Specifications

  • Validity: Remains valid for a period of 12 months following issuance
  • Non-transferability: Cannot be exchanged with others
  • Monetary worth: Covers the full value of the charter without deductions for handling fees
  • Applicability: Can be utilized towards any available yacht charter
  • Lapses: Extensions beyond 12 months are not granted

Refunds for Partially Fulfilled Services

Interruptions in Service

If the service of your yacht rental is disrupted or cut short due to factors we can control:

  • A proportional refund corresponding to the portion of the service not used
  • A credit matching the same value for a subsequent charter
  • Complimentary amenities or service upgrades

Disturbances Due to Client Actions

Should the rental terminate prematurely due to the behaviour of the guests or violations of safety protocols:

  • No reimbursements are offered for the portion not utilized
  • The entirety of the payment is retained as due
  • Potential further charges could be imposed

Solving Refund Disagreements

Should you contest a refund decision made by us, you have the option to:

  • Seek a reassessment by our managerial team
  • Provide further evidence or supporting documents
  • Request intervention from consumer rights organizations
  • Engage in legal proceedings as per the prevailing laws

Process for Refund Requests

Step 1: Establish Communication

To initiate a refund, reach out to us through:

Step 2: Deliver Details

Your refund appeal should include the following details:

  • Confirmation code of the booking
  • The designated date and time of the charter
  • The basis for the cancellation
  • Any pertinent supporting documents (if suitable)
  • Your preference for the refund transfer method

Step 3: Evaluation and Execution

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within a day, review in accordance with these policy terms, deliver our decision in two days, and proceed with eligible refunds within the stated periods.

Supplementary Information

  • All applications for refunds need to be submitted in written form
  • Refunds are carried out in € irrespective of the currency used initially for payment
  • We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance
  • This document is liable to alterations, which will be announced 30 days prior to implementation
  • Reimbursements are inclusive of relevant taxes and regulations

Contacting Us

For inquiries related to refunds or to file a refund claim:

Refund Department
OpenUtilityLane Marine Services Ltd.
Yacht Haven Grande
Viareggio 55049
Italy

Phone: +39 0584 389731
Email: [email protected]
Operational Hours: Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Date of Last Revision: August 21, 2025

Our aim is absolute fairness and openness with this refund policy. We encourage you to become acquainted with these conditions prior to making your reservation and to reach out with any questions.