FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Do we need any boating experience to charter a boat?

No experience is needed if you book a charter with our All-Inclusive Plan because these teaching charters come with a professional Captain. Experience is needed if you book a charter with our Bareboat Plan.

2. Are there any taxes that apply to a yacht charter?

Yes, cruise/charter rates are subject to 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax). Qualified foreign guests may be eligible for a refund on a portion of the tax. There is no tax levied in the Caribbean teaching cruises given International waters.

3. Is there a fee charged for insurance?

There are no insurance premiums charged for our crewed All-Inclusive teaching charters. If you book a charter on our Bareboat Plan, you will have to make a $15,000 security deposit using a credit card. We do not process the credit card payment. The signed credit card slip will be returned to you after the charter has finished with the confirmation of no loss or damage to the vessel or its equipment.

4. If we book a teaching cruise with a Captain on board, how much hands-on sailing and boat handling can we do?

Guests are involved in sailing and boat handling as much as they can and like. In fact, COSMOS encourages active participation in every aspect of chartering and operating a yacht. To pass the course and receive certification, active participation is required.

 5. Can we to learn how to sail while on a COSMOS charter?

Yes, sailing and navigation instruction is included in the charter fees for the crewed All-Inclusive teaching charters. This allows guests/students to obtain a basic, intermediate or advanced level of skill and theory in keelboat sailing while also enjoying a week-long cruise aboard a luxury yacht.

6. What happens if we have to cancel a charter after we have paid the charter deposit?

Cancellations made up to 60 days or more prior to departure = deposit refunded less a $300.00 administration fee.

Cancellations made 60-45 days prior to departure = 25% of charter fee (if re-booked, deposit refunded less $300.00 administration fee).

7. What happens if we have to cancel a charter after we have paid the entire charter fee?

Cancellations made less than 45 days prior to departure = no refund (if re-booked, refund less 50% booking deposit.) Less than 45 days prior = no refund (if re-booked, refund provided less booking deposit).

8. What happens if we need to re-schedule a charter for which we have already paid the deposit or already paid the entire charter fee?

There is no fee charged only if the charter can be re-scheduled to a new time that is available during the same charter season of the initial booking. If the charter cannot be re-scheduled to your desired new date, your deposit or entire charter fee can be applied to a future charter within one year of the initial booking. An additional charge will apply if the charter is not taken in the same season it was initially booked.