Terms and Conditions

1. Scope

These Terms and Conditions (“T&Cs”) apply exclusively to all services of Manatee Academy GmbH that are used by participants in our sailing trips.

2. Contracting Party

The contract is concluded with Manatee Academy GmbH, Theodor-Weber-Reihe 5, 22111 Hamburg, Germany.

3. Conclusion of Contract

3.1. The presentation of products in the online shop does not constitute a legally binding offer, but rather a non-binding invitation to submit an order.

3.2. By clicking the “Buy Now” button, you submit a binding order for the services listed on the order page. The purchase contract is concluded as soon as we accept your order by sending an order confirmation via e-mail or by commencing the provision of the service.

4. Withdrawal, Cancellation, Termination, and Rebooking

4.1. Pursuant to Section 312g (2) sentence 9 of the German Civil Code (BGB), there is no statutory right of withdrawal, as the services relate to leisure activities provided on a specific date. Participants are expressly informed of the absence of a right of withdrawal during the ordering process.

4.2. A participant's withdrawal or termination of the trip does not release them from their payment obligation. Participants are responsible for arriving at the agreed-upon meeting point on time. If they arrive late, they are not entitled to a later departure or pro-rata refund.

4.3. You may rebook or cancel the trip in accordance with our cancellation policy. The following fees will apply:

4.4. Tickets can be transferred to another person at no additional cost until the start of the trip. For trips that include an exam, the following also applies: Registration for the exam is only possible up to one week before the start of the trip. After this deadline, a participant change can only be considered if the exam organization accepts a re-registration. Any fees incurred shall be paid by the new participant.

5. Prices, location, date, and conditions of participation

5.1. The prices stated on the product pages include statutory value-added tax and all other price components.

5.2. Our services are tied to leisure activities and are provided exclusively at the dates, times, and locations specified during the ordering process.

5.3. Persons who have reached the age of 16 are eligible to participate. Those wishing to take the exam to obtain a recreational boat license must present a medical certificate indicating their vision, hearing, and color discrimination abilities, as well as a certificate of good conduct or a valid driver's license.

5.4. Our trips will only take place if at least three people sign up. If this minimum number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the trip no later than four weeks before its start date. In this case, all payments will be refunded in full. Alternatively, we can rebook you for a different date. No further claims will be accepted, particularly those related to reimbursement of travel, accommodation, rebooking, or other consequential costs.

6. Payment

6.1. Payment is made by credit card.

6.2. Alternatively, payment may be split into a deposit (at least 10% of the total amount) and payment of the remaining balance no later than at the start of the trip.

7. Skipper, Risks, and Damages

7.1. If the skipper is unable to lead the trip due to illness or other circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel it. In this case, we will refund the full price. No further claims will be accepted, particularly those related to reimbursement of travel, accommodation, rebooking, or other consequential costs.

7.2. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it cannot be carried out due to force majeure, such as weather conditions, natural disasters, official orders, or other unforeseeable events, or if the yacht is not operational due to technical or organizational reasons, such as a defect, accident, or failure due to previous damage. In this case, we will refund the full price. No further claims will be accepted, particularly those related to reimbursement of travel, accommodation, rebooking, or other consequential costs.

7.3. Before the start of the trip, the skipper will conduct a safety briefing, instruct participants on the specific features of the yacht, and document this in the logbook. The skipper’s maritime rights and obligations take precedence at all times, regardless of these T&Cs or our services.

7.4. Participants agree to promptly follow all instructions given by the skipper for the safe operation of the vessel and to immediately inform the skipper of any events that could endanger the safety of persons, property, or the vessel.

7.5. Manatee Academy GmbH reserves the right to exclude participants who repeatedly disregard the skipper's instructions or endanger safety. In this case, participants are not entitled to a refund.

7.6. Participation in our sailing trips, training, and related activities is at the participant’s own risk. Participants agree to comply with all safety requirements and to take appropriate safety precautions themselves, including but not limited to wearing lifebelts, life jackets, and other safety equipment. Manatee Academy GmbH accepts no liability for injuries or damages caused by the participant’s fault, negligence, or gross misconduct.

7.7. The skipper and participants mutually exclude any liability for property damage caused by ordinary negligence. Liability for personal injury, grossly negligent property damage, and its consequences remains unaffected. The skipper has skipper’s liability insurance.

7.8. The party who causes damage through intent or gross negligence shall be liable in full.

7.9. Our trips are primarily for training purposes. The skipper determines the route, maneuvers, and schedule, taking into account weather conditions, safety, and training objectives. The skipper's nautical decisions always take precedence. This is particularly true of safety-related changes to the route, schedule, or port planning due to weather conditions, the ship's technical condition, or other safety concerns. These changes may result in delays, altered routes, or missed appointments (e.g., exams or flights). These situations do not give rise to any claims for reimbursement. No further claims will be accepted, particularly those related to reimbursement of travel, accommodation, rebooking, or other consequential costs.

8. Data Protection

Personal data will be processed exclusively in accordance with applicable data protection laws. We collect and process, in particular, the following data: name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, and payment information, insofar as necessary for contract performance. Further details are provided in our Privacy Policy.

9. Severability Clause

Should individual provisions of these T&Cs be invalid or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected. The contracting parties undertake to agree on a provision that comes as close as possible to the purpose of the invalid provision.