Welcome to Azores High Sailing.

Azores High Sailing is part of the São Jorge Dive & Sail Center.
 
By booking or participating in any sailing experience, charter, or training activity, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

1. Nature of the Experience

Our sailing experiences take place in an active marine environment and may include:

Recreational sailing
Hands-on sailing participation
Instructional sailing experiences
Overnight and multi-day charters
Swimming and water-based activities

All experiences are subject to weather, sea conditions, and operational considerations.

2. Booking & Payment

Bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of the agreed deposit or full payment.

The remaining balance must be paid according to the payment terms communicated during booking.

Prices may vary depending on:

Duration of the charter
Number of guests
Optional services (such as chef onboard)
Seasonal demand

We reserve the right to decline or cancel bookings at our discretion.

3. Cancellation Policy

Guest Cancellations

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

More than 30 days before departure: full refund minus administrative costs
14–30 days before departure: 50% refund
Less than 14 days before departure: non-refundable

Rescheduling may be offered subject to availability.

Weather & Safety Cancellations

Safety is always our priority.

Routes, schedules, or experiences may be modified, postponed, or cancelled due to:

Weather conditions
Sea state
Mechanical issues
Port restrictions
Safety concerns

If we cancel before departure due to unsafe conditions, guests may be offered:

Rescheduling
Credit toward a future experience
Refund, depending on circumstances

No refunds are provided for itinerary changes once an experience has begun.

4. Skipper Authority

The skipper has final authority regarding all operational and safety decisions onboard.

Guests agree to follow all safety instructions and onboard procedures.

The skipper reserves the right to:

Modify routes or itineraries
Refuse participation where safety may be compromised
End an experience without refund in cases of dangerous or disruptive behaviour
 
5. Participation in Sailing

Participation in sailing activities is optional unless otherwise stated.

Guests joining learning or skipper-training experiences may be invited to participate in:

Steering the vessel
Sail handling
Docking manoeuvres
Navigation and route planning
Anchoring procedures
Night sailing and watch systems

Participation always takes place under supervision and according to guest comfort level, experience, and sea conditions.

6. Itinerary Flexibility

Sailing depends on wind, weather, and sea conditions.

Routes, destinations, anchorages, schedules, and activities may change at the skipper’s discretion.

Guests acknowledge that flexibility is part of the sailing experience—particularly in the Azores.

7. Health & Fitness

Guests are responsible for ensuring they are physically fit to participate.

Please notify us before departure of any relevant:

Medical conditions
Mobility limitations
Severe allergies
Pregnancy
Conditions that may affect safety onboard

We reserve the right to refuse participation where safety may be compromised.

8. Alcohol & Substance Policy

Responsible alcohol consumption may be permitted.

Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited onboard.

The skipper reserves the right to limit alcohol consumption or terminate participation if safety is affected.

9. Personal Belongings

Guests bring personal belongings onboard at their own risk.

We are not responsible for:

Lost items
Water damage
Theft
Damage to electronics or valuables

10. Liability

Sailing involves inherent risks.

By participating, guests acknowledge risks including:

Vessel movement
Slippery surfaces
Weather and sea conditions
Seasickness
Water-related activities

Participation is voluntary.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, [Your Business Name] and crew are not liable for injuries or losses arising from ordinary maritime risks.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where exclusion is not permitted by Portuguese law.

11. Photography & Media

Photos or videos may occasionally be taken during experiences for promotional purposes.

Guests who prefer not to appear in media should notify us before departure.

12. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Portugal.

Any disputes shall be subject to Portuguese jurisdiction.

Contact

For questions regarding bookings or these Terms & Conditions:

Azores High Sailing
São Miguel, Portugal
Email: info@azoreshighsailing.com