How do I amend my booking?

Any alteration to this booking must be made to the office and then confirmed in writing.  If acceptable it will be actioned once written confirmation has been received providing a suitable alternative course is available.

sailing conditions

In the interest of safety, The Skipper Academy  Instructors have complete discretion over sailing activities taking into consideration weather conditions and their assessment of the students’ abilities.  The student accepts the instructors decision as final. All sailing and cruising facilities are subject to availability.  The Company cannot be held responsible for the loss of the use of a yacht due to adverse weather conditions.

All yachts used by The Skipper Academy are fully equipped and regularly inspected by the relevant National Authorities and are considered suitable for use as sail training vessels.

cancellations

In the event of any cancellation more than 28 days before the commencement date any monies except for the first deposit will be refunded.  A cancellation less than 28 days before the commencement of the Course will attract no refund.  The Skipper Academy Sailing School reserve the right to cancel a Course at any time.  If we do so we shall return all monies paid by you to us in respect of the provision of the Course. No variation in these Conditions or otherwise in the terms upon which an Instructional Course is booked and promised to refund money paid to the Company shall be valid unless in writing and signed by a Partner of The Skipper Academy Sailing School. All information given by The Skipper Academy Sailing School is provided in good faith but we reserve the right to provide alternative comparable arrangements if for any reason we decide alterations are necessary.  If we have to cancel a Course our students will have the option of accepting any alternative period on offer or having a full refund of all monies paid.  In that event our liability shall wholly cease upon the repayment of such monies.

complaints

Our aim is to provide you with an enjoyable trouble-free Course.  If you have a problem or complaint it is important and in your own interest to advise the Instructor and School Principal immediately so that steps can be taken to resolve the matter.  If the matter cannot be resolved during the Course please notify us in writing within 28 days of your return to the UK.  We will not consider any complaint unless notified to us at the time and in writing within 28 days. 

You are solely responsible for complying with all Laws, Regulations, Orders, Demands and Requirements of the country in which your Course will be provided.  We shall not be liable in any way whatsoever to you in connection with obtaining necessary documents or complying with such Laws, Regulations, Orders, Demands and Requirements or Instructions whether given orally or in writing or otherwise or for the consequences to you resulting from the failure to obtain such documents or  to comply with such Laws, Regulations, Orders, Demands, Requirements or Instructions.

If in our reasonable opinion you conduct yourself aboard one of our school vessels so as to endanger the vessel or any person or property on board or behave in a disorderly manner or in a manner to which other clients may reasonably object we may take such measures as we deem necessary to prevent continuation of such conduct including your removal from the vessel. You may be prosecuted for offences committed on board a vessel. You agree to abide by the orders of the Instructor in command of the School vessel at all times.

We hereby make you aware that sailing is potentially a dangerous activity and we cannot be held responsible for any injury or death during one of our Courses save for our responsibilities. The Skipper Academy Sailing School hold Public Liability Insurance up to a maximum of £3m.

Personal belongings should be covered by the individual’s personal/travel insurance.  The Skipper Academy  Sailing School do not accept any responsibility for  loss/damage to personal belongings whilst on board the School Yacht.

GENERAL SAFETY POLICY

The Principal is responsible for Safety Policy within Venture Sailing. To ensure that correct standards are adhered to periodic checks are undertaken to make certain that all craft and premises used for training comply with the standards set out in the MCA Code of Practice. Instructors/Skippers are responsible for the day-to-day safety of clients during Courses. Any defects with safety equipment must be rectified as a priority. The Principal should be informed if any defect cannot be rectified quickly.

You will be sailing with relatively inexperienced people who may not be able to make a sound assessment of the risks inherent in sailing. Instructors should not hesitate to require safety harnesses to be worn by crew members when the circumstances make it prudent to do so.

Instructors/Skippers will give a safety briefing at the start of every course and will ensure that safety routines are followed at all times during the courses. The main points to be covered are:-

• Use of lifejackets
• Use of harnesses
• Fire prevention
• Keeping warm/sun protection
• Care in the use of gas
• Precautions for smokers
• Watertight integrity
• Use of all safety equipment
• Location of first aid kits
• Engine checks
• Fire brief
• Action to be taken in an emergency
• Location of all safety equipment
• Location of sea cocks
• How to use the heads
• How to stop and start the engine
• Action to take in a MOB situation
• You have a recent forecast
• Safety Policy has been adhered to

Weather forecasts will need to be recorded on a daily basis and then taken into consideration along with the crew’s ability when planning the day’s instruction. Do not be over ambitious with novices and remain flexible if the weather turns foul unexpectedly.

Towards the end of the course Instructors should endeavour to be close to the homeport. If the weather is bad and the Instructor feels that returning to the homeport would compromise safety on board, the Principal should be contacted at the earliest opportunity so that arrangements can be made for crew change at an alternative location.

The instructor is responsible for the well being of the crew during the course. Specific things to be looking out for are hypothermia, sunburn and seasickness. These conditions are sometimes related. In the case of hypothermia/sunburn, prevention is better than cure. Ensure that all crew members are adequately dressed for the prevailing conditions. Sunburn can be a problem and can catch people out. Encourage the use of sun block.

Any minor incident regarding safety on board the vessel needs to be brought to the principal’s attention. A report will need to be filed for a serious incident. The Skipper Academy maintains a record of all incidents. The principal will pass on lessons learned during Instructor training or during Instructor/Skipper briefings.

The Principal focuses on Safety Policy within The Skipper Academy to ensure that correct standards are adhered to and periodic checks are made on the craft and premises used for training. Instructors and Skippers concentrate on the day-to-day safety of clients during courses adhering to the overall safety policies of the School.

A safety briefing will be given at the commencement of every course and students will be asked to follow safety procedures during the instructional periods. In summary, the main items for safety are: use of life jackets and harnesses, fire prevention, keeping warm, care in the use of gas, precautions for smokers, yacht watertight integrity and the location of first aid kits. Safety equipment is checked on a regular basis and any defects are rectified as a priority.

Skipper’s Role. The Skipper’s role during the course will be to ensure that weather forecasts are recorded on a daily basis and after doing so to take into account the crew’s ability when organising the day’s activities. The overall well-being of the crew is paramount and the Skipper should be alert for signs of tiredness, sea sickness and hypothermia/sunstroke. The Skipper will encourage and, if necessary, instruct the crew in dress, use of sun block and anti sea sickness measures.

In focussing on safety the Skipper will record all incidents whether major or minor and will inform the Sea School Principal as well as any other necessary agencies or bodies.

All students should be advised to bring to the notice of the Skipper any incidents that occur during the course. The Skipper Academyhas a policy of recording every incident reported and conducting a thorough review.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT: PROCEDURE FOR USE

Lifejackets will be worn:

a) in fog, in strong winds, in yacht tenders when the yacht
might have to be abandoned
b) by non-swimmers
c) when desired by the crew member
d) when instructed to do so by the Skipper

Safety Harnesses will be worn:

a) when sea state/weather will make MOB recovery difficult
b) when alone on deck
c) at night
d) when desired by the crew member
e) when instructed to do so by the Skipper.

SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT

1. Policy Statement
Skipper Academy Sailing School is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in our activities. We take all reasonable steps to ensure that everyone involved in our courses, events, and training sessions feels safe, respected, and protected from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
This policy applies to everyone involved with the academy, including staff, instructors, volunteers, students, and visitors, in line with RYA safeguarding standards.

2. Key Principles
• The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount.
• All participants, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to protection from harm.
• All allegations or concerns will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• All staff and volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns through the proper channels.

3. Definitions
• Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, disability, or illness.
• Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect.

4. Roles and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
Andy Kinnaird
Email: TRAINING@THESKIPPERGROUPC.CO.UK
Phone: 07894429453
Responsibilities:
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are in place and followed.
• Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Liaise with external agencies as necessary (e.g., social services, RYA Safeguarding team).
Staff and Instructors:
• Attend safeguarding training as required.
• Know how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect.
• Report any concerns to the DSO promptly.
Students and Parents/Guardians:
• Respect and follow academy guidelines.
• Report any concerns they may have to the DSO or a trusted member of staff.

5. Good Practice Guidelines
We expect all staff, instructors, and volunteers to:
• Be professional, respectful, and caring in all interactions.
• Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult whenever possible.
• Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
• Challenge any inappropriate conduct and report concerns.

6. Photography and Social Media
We do not publish images or videos of children or vulnerable adults without parental/guardian consent. Any use of media is in line with our Privacy and Media Policy and RYA guidance.

7. Reporting Concerns
Any concern about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult must be reported to the DSO immediately. If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call emergency services on 999. All concerns are treated seriously, confidentially, and in line with national and RYA safeguarding procedures.

8. Training and Awareness
All staff and instructors are required to complete relevant safeguarding training (such as the RYA Safe and Fun course) and participate in regular refresher sessions as appropriate.

9. Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident, change in legislation, or update in RYA guidance.

10. Contact for External Help
• RYA Safeguarding and Equality Manager
Tel: 023 8060 4104
Email: safeguarding@rya.org.uk
• NSPCC Helpline (UK): 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Local Authority Safeguarding Board: 

EQUALITY POLICY

1. Policy Statement
The Skipper Academy is committed to ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of its operations. As an RYA-recognised training centre, we uphold the values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
We aim to create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for our students, instructors, staff, and visitors, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

2. Purpose of the Policy
This policy is designed to:
• Ensure that all participants and staff are treated fairly and with respect.
• Prevent and address discrimination, harassment, or victimisation.
• Promote equality of opportunity and foster good relations among all.
• Encourage inclusive practices in sailing education and participation.

3. Scope
This policy applies to:
• All students, instructors, staff, and volunteers at The Skipper Academy.
• All activities and courses conducted under the RYA framework.
• All communications, marketing materials, and interactions within the academy.

4. Our Commitment
• Provide equal access to courses and facilities for all.
• Deliver training in a manner that is accessible and inclusive.
• Provide reasonable adjustments where possible to accommodate individual needs.
• Encourage reporting and effectively address any incidents of discrimination or inappropriate behaviour.
• Review and update this policy regularly to ensure it remains current and effective.

5. Responsibilities
Management
• Ensure this policy is implemented and communicated.
• Provide training to staff and instructors on inclusive practices.
Staff and Instructors
• Treat all individuals with respect.
• Promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Report any breaches of this policy to management.
Students
• Treat fellow students and staff with respect.
• Report any concerns regarding discrimination or exclusion.

6. Reporting and Complaints
Any individual who feels they have been treated unfairly or discriminated against is encouraged to raise the matter with the School Principal or Equality Officer. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled confidentially.

7. Monitoring and Review
We will monitor the effectiveness of this policy and make improvements where necessary. An annual review will be conducted to ensure compliance with RYA standards and evolving best practices in equality and inclusion.

8. Contact
For questions or to report an issue related to this policy, please contact:
Andy Kinniard
Email: akuk@mac.com
Phone: 07894429453

COMPLAINTS & GRIEVANCES

The Skipper Academy acknowledges that clients and employees have a right to raise concerns, and have them addressed promptly and appropriately. Complaints, grievances and appeals are handled in a fair and objective manner and with sensitivity.

A complaint, grievance or appeal is deemed to be dissatisfaction with the procedures, outcomes or quality of service provided by employees The Skipper Academy in relation to the following processes:

o Enrolment;
o Quality of training delivered;
o Training/competency assessment
o Issuing results, certificates
o Discrimination,
o Sexual harassment,
o Other Issues

A complaint, grievance or appeal is deemed to be formal when it is made in writing to the Director.

The Skipper Academy will ensure that:
1. Each complaint, grievance or appeal and its outcome be recorded in writing;
2. Each appeal is heard by an independent person
3. Each individual: has an opportunity to formally present his or her case;

Further, it is the policy of The Skipper Academy that receipts of complaints, grievance or appeal, whether received internally or externally, will be handled promptly and effectively and the complainant will receive a response within a reasonable timeline. Policy principles are:

All employees and clients are entitled to fair and consistent treatment, and prompt consideration and resolution of complaints, grievances and appeals;

No complainant will be discriminated against for lodging a compliant, grievance or appeal;

All complaint, grievance and appeal processes shall be enacted to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times;

All complaint, grievance and appeal processes shall be resolved as close to their source as practicable with the emphasis on conciliation;

The complainant has the right to withdraw the complaint, grievance or appeal at any time;

All parties are treated equally and fairly, an in accordance with the principles of natural justice;

If a complaint or appeal cannot be resolved internally, satisfactory to both parties, a mediator maybe recommended such as a solicitor.