On booking Golding Bros will issue a full contract and term to cover our agreement and payments which is available on request. This page covers the key areas such as cancellation and payment terms. We want you to have the best time with us and these conditions involve your safety as well as the business relationship between us.
Booking Terms & Conditions
Cancellation or Rescheduling
Obviously none of us ever wants to cancel a booking — but there are always circumstances where it is necessary because of such things as illness, weather conditions or even mechanical failure — whether that’s your car our our boat!
Cancellation by Golding Bros — In the event that Golding Bros have to cancel then of course a full refund will be given, or you are welcome to reschedule your day with us.
Cancellation due to weather or river conditions — we follow all guidance from the Environment Agency on adverse river conditions. You can read more about it on our CRUISES page. We monitor the recommendations regularly and will make every endeavour to warn you in advance of any issues. In the event that we are forces to cancel a sailing then we will work with you to reschedule your day with us.
Cancellation by you — if you need to cancel then please contact us as soon as possible by phone or email (enquiries@goldingbros.uk) You may cancel and receive a full refund at any time up until 7 days before the date of the booking. After that point we will retain your holding deposit (please see Payments below) and of course we are happy to work with you to reschedule your day with us.
Booking & Payments
We know that making these arrangements for a day out often involve going back and forth with a number of your family and guests — we’ve all been there! We are happy to hold a date for you on a provisional basis for a minimum of 3 days from your request and up to 5 days at your request if we have no other enquiries for the same date. If you wish to secure your date then we will require payment of a holding deposit.
Holding Deposit — once we have agreed a date for your cruise we will take payment of a holding deposit for £150, unless you are booking for a special river event, such as Henley Royal Regatta, where we require full payment on booking.
Full payment 7 days before sailing date — the full balance of your charter is due 7 days before the agreed sailing day. Failure to make payment will result in us retaining your Holding Deposit but of course we will work with you to reschedule your day with us.
Payment — we accept all major credit and debit cards and can provide details if you prefer to pay by bank transfer. We will confirm all payments back to you on receipt.
Your Safety and Ours
Your safety, and that of our crew and craft, are absolutely paramount. As with all boats, the Skipper is responsible for maintaining safety of everyone on board and we ask that you follow all instructions given by the Skipper and his crew quickly and diligently.
Buoyancy Aids — these are available for all passengers and can be requested on entering the boat. We request that infants wear buoyancy aids throughout the cruise and that younger children wear one whenever the boat is moving. Adults may request an aid at any time but are not required to wear one.
Safety certificates and insurance — you may request to see our up-to-date safety certificate at any time. We meet or exceed all the recommended standards for safety and liability insurance.
Your responsibilities — we request that you and all your guests take great care when moving around on the boat and especially when boarding or disembarking. The crew are there to help you and please follow any instructions given by the Skipper or his crew.
Drinking, Sailing and Safety — We are happy for you to bring alcohol on board and, indeed, we offer a glass of fizz or wine on your arrival. However we reserve the right to cancel the entire cruise or immediately disembark any passenger who becomes disruptive due to excess of alcohol — or for any other reason come to think of it.
The Skippers decision is final — our Skippers are highly experienced sailors and carry the legal responsibility of safety. Their decision is final.
Your Cruise — Your Day — Our Boat
We want you and your guests to have the best time with us. Which means we both have responsibilities to each other.
Variation of timing or cruise details — Of course we will do our best to make the day work as planned. However the Skipper may need to adapt the cruise to what’s happening on the river on the day. As well as changing river conditions, for example, on very busy days in the height of season, there can be long waits to transit a lock which may affect the ability to return to the boarding point in time. We cannot guarantee that our boats will complete any particular stretch of the river or return at a specified time.
Please clear up after yourselves — we are passionate about our boats and we make every effort to have the boat looking spectacular for your arrival. We ask you and your guests to do the same and to take care when on board. Please be careful with drinks and take all your rubbish and leftovers home with you. Please make sure you have all your belongings with you when you leave us.
You are responsible — you are responsible for any loss or damage to the boat and any of its fixtures and fitting which are caused by the negligence of you or your guests.