CHARTERS

GENERAL  INFORMATION

Welcome to our charter services.  For your convenience and proper operation of our yachts you should be aware of a number of rules governing your permanence aboard our vessels.

   We operate two different types of charters:

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RESERVATIONS

Are highly recommended, as the MIAMI SAILING CLUB's yachts are not a standard, passenger-carrying service, there is a limited number of spaces on some scheduled charter trips, and a limited amount of yachts for private charters.

If nothing else, the significant price break in the scheduled charters should motivate our guests to secure an early reservation.  A guaranteed date for private charters.

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IDENTIFICATION

As valued guest of the MIAMI SAILING CLUB, there are few requisites to meet.  As a first-time charterer please fill out in full the corresponding form.  No spaces should be left out.  You wish to know all there is about us, but we also wish to know you well.  If unrelated, please put N/A (not applicable).  For foreign visitors it is necessary to present your passport, but your legal stay conditions are not of our concern.  This is purely for your identification.

Guests are required, in accordance with the U.S.Laws and the insurance policy, to sign an individual responsibility waiver.  Unless they agree with the conditions within, unfortunately they may not charter with us.

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PERSONAL  SAFETY

Too much has been said about Miami in this regard.  Most of the stories are unfounded, sensations invented by local TV station when nothing else is happening.  Miami is like any other large metropolis in the world.  For an experienced traveler this means s/he should obtain information with regard of parts of the city not appropriate for an unaccompanied visit.

Arrangements may be made with the MIAMI SAILING CLUB from the pick up at the International Airport to delivering you back, to stay within our area of activity and dependable people.  None of our normal personnel is unknown or unidentified.

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TRANSPORTATION

On request we may arrange for our van to offer you a limited transportation service to the airport or the place of your temporary stay, should you decide not to rent a vehicle and should you be worried to take a cab.  This may be particularly attractive to people concerned with their personal safety.  The charge for one-way trip within the Greater Miami Area is $ 70.00.  The capacity is up to six passengers.  This service is free of charge for guests down here for private charter of one week or more.

Limo service may be requested in advance.

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PAYMENTS

A significant discount is awarded to charterers in the scheduled events for prepaid reservations, clearly indicated in the price list.  We regret but no changes in this policy may be made.  All private charters must be prepaid well in advance.  In case of payment with a check, the check must clear in time before departure.  Returned checks (for any reason) carry a fine of $ 50.00 plus a surcharge of 5% of the amount or $ 35.00 per each check, whichever is greater.

All payments are in U.S.Dollars.  Local checks only when paid only two weeks prior to the charter.  Accepted forms of payment are :

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PAYMENTS  CONDITIONS  &  PROCEDURES

All trips, scheduled or private charters, require prepaid reservations.  This is especially true about catered cruises and charters.  Only certain scheduled club activities, such as Sunday Sailing, Full Moon Cruises, etc., are exempt, however, space is not guaranteed.  While last minute appearance is possible and in many cases successful, as we are not a mass moving organization, space is usually limited.  Maximum amount of people aboard are subject to the captain's approval and standard regulations.

A guarantee of a security deposit is required on some rental, bareboat and private charter operations.  It is mutually agreed that all amounts left as "security deposits" may not be withdrawn, placed under "stop payment" or otherwise disposed of without our express approval, and only after the completion of a corresponding check.  In such case cash, checks or filled out credit card slips will be returned.

Prepaid reservations on scheduled charters/cruises have the advantage of a substantial discount, as long as all conditions are met. Otherwise regular prices will apply in all cases.  Special orders, such as purchasing provisions, limo service, etc. shall be paid in cash only.

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RESERVATIONS,  DEPOSITS  &  SECURITY  DEPOSITS

May be paid in any form mentioned in the PAYMENTS chapter.

For short charter trips, a deposit may be paid at your travel agency or request a voucher at your hotel that has to be presented and paid before boarding.

For long trips and private charter prepaid reservations are required and may be paid at your travel agency which reserved your charter or at the MIAMI SAILING CLUB's office.

All confirmed reservations are nonrefundable.

FLORIDA  SALES  TAX

Shall be added to all amounts, excepting those already including the tax, such as purchasing provisions.  Current charge is 7%, but subject to changes in the future.

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CANCELLATIONS

Please read carefully the governing conditions about cancellations in general contained in our special information booklet, as no exceptions are allowed.  Reservations are nonrefundable.Back to top

NUMBER  OF  GUESTS

Each vessel has different capacity for different type of charter.  While increase in number of guests decreases expenses per capita, there are reasonable limits to "economy".  A relatively large number of guests is acceptable for a dinner party or a cocktail.  Sailing charters have completely different requirements.  Please consult with our office before making a reservation about how many people may board your charter.

The ultimate authority in this regard is the Master of the yacht, who may refuse to allow excessive numebr of guests aboard.

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BOARDING  ON  SCHEDULED  CHARTERS

Departure times are strictly observed on the short trips and the week-end scheduled cruises.  Guest desiring to catch a trip without reservations should appear no later than 30 minutes prior to the specified departure time.  Boarding is with the Master's approval only.

Private charters are entirely at the dispositions of the party.  No schedules are enforced.

Please follow the nautical customs and make sure you have soft white or clear soles only for boarding.  Follow the Master's instructions regarding your place and gear.

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SPECIAL  RESTRICTIONS

No type of chemical substances or drugs are allowed to be brought aboard, with the sole exception of medical prescriptions, properly documented and communicated to the captain before departure.  Unites States Laws seize any vessel, regardless of the circumstances, where such substances are found.  We are particularly concerned for our yachts.  You would be held fully liable for any situation developed.  Please make sure no errors occur in this sense. In case of such occurrence, the charterers are solely responsible for all losses and expenses.

Smoking aboard is restricted due to the fire hazard.  Please feel comfortable to consult the Master for the best area to smoke on deck, always relative to the wind direction.

HEALTH

Any special conditions or care required should be confided to the Master immediately upon boarding, if not before to our office.  This information shall be confidential but is necessary for proper attention.

VALUABLES

Personal valuables afloat may be entrusted to the yacht's Master for temporary safekeeping.  The MIAMI SAILING CLUB shall not be held responsible for any losses.

REFRESHMENTS

Please note not all scheduled trips include additional services.  Should you desire some special type of treat, please make sure you secure it yourself.  The description of each scheduled trip states clearly whether it contains provisions or not.

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PARKING

Free parking for your car as a guest of the MIAMI SAILING CLUB is available at the Dinner Key Marina parking lot.  Please request an appropriate parking decal and place it conspicuously on the dashboard to be clearly visible.  Decals are valid for dates of activities only.

CHARTER  PROVISIONS

According to the extent of the charter and the amount of people in your party you may wish to decide on one of the following alternatives :

1) SECURE THE PROVISIONS YOURSELF :  The least expensive manner in which to obtain exactly what you desire is to purchase it at a place of your preference.  For out-of-town visitors, there is a PUBLIX supermarket on 27th Avenue and 23rd Street S.W.  The store is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm and is about five minutes drive from the marina.  Other places, especially certain famous deli shops, may be recommended.

2) CLUB PROVISIONING :  Prepare a clear, detailed list, with quantities and brands desired, indicate if unavailable another brand should be purchased or article should be canceled.  We will not only buy the provisions for you, but we will also place them aboard for your inspection.  A surcharge of 10% of the total shopping list will be due upon delivery.  Payment in cash only.

3) CATERING SERVICE :  If you prefer full service, fill out the corresponding order sheet and everything will be taken care of for you. This service is prepaid in full and no cancellations shall be accepted.

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SHORT  TERM  CHARTER  ACTIVITIES

Musical entertainment.  Request live music at an additional charge.  It greatly enhances the special party you had in mind. We have currently five types of music available.

Professional video or photo services are available.

LONG  TERM  CHARTER  ACTIVITIES

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MEMORABILIA  ITEMS

Numerous interesting items and gear may be purchased at our office or directly from your yacht's Master.  Request the price list.

Charts covering the areas of the charter may be purchased from our main office, occasionally from the Master upon request.

Guests desiring the captain to make video tapes or photographs of action aboard may request it directly.  Appropriate equipment is on board.  Additional charge will apply for these services.

PURCHASE  OF  SPECIAL  ITEMS

Nautical gear, charts, film, swim suits, towels, sun lotion, etc. may be purchased at our office or sometimes directly from the Master of your yacht.Back to top

CATERING  SERVICES

With the exception of Level One and Two, our catering services are prepared by a specially chosen independent agent, where we know exactly what goes into our foods and how are they prepared.  We do not use for this service regular commercial catering providers.

Our services contemplate FIVE different levels of catering.  With the exception of Level One and Two, all others provide catering services of unlimited amounts of provisions.  All services should be requested in writing.  A sample quotation (from a similar previous charter) shall be forwarded to you by fax or mail.  You may change, correct, or make any types of requests directly on those sheets and send or fax them back for re-writing.  An updated quote for services requested shall be forwarded to you in return.  You may further change this in any way, till you are completely satisfied.

LEVEL ONE :  Refers to self-catering.  This is the economical alternative for your standard charter.  You may purchase any type and quantity of provisions you desire anywhere in the city, bring it aboard and stow it in accordance to the captain’s indications. When using this level, please remember you and your guests will have to take care of all work aboard, including stowing, cooking, cleaning, washing, etc. for everybody aboard.  As an alternative you may request a steward at an additional cost.

LEVEL TWO :  ECONOMY PACKAGE.  Provisions may consist of any type of foods and beverages, from any source you care to indicate.  At this level, quantities are clearly described and only the specified provisions are available aboard.  Self-service, including cleaning, trash removal and all onboard chores, unless a steward (per every 10 guests) is requested.

LEVEL THREE :  STANDARD PACKAGE.  Unlimited provisions are provided as per catering instructions.  This is a good average provisioning for any type of charter.  Self-service unless a steward is requested at an additional price.

LEVEL FOUR :  SPECIAL PACKAGE.  Unlimited provisions are included in this service for the stipulated number of guests. This is an above average food and beverages selection, suitable for any level of party.  Provision of a steward per each maximum ten people is strongly suggested, to provide the corresponding leisure for the guests.

LEVEL FIVE :  DELUXE PACKAGE.  Unlimited provisions ordered for this level of catering include exquisite foods and selected fine beverages.  Usually freshly prepared onboard foods are requested at this level, and a chef and a number of stewards is required for the appropriate luxury service.  Special menus and wine lists are forwarded to the charterer with our suggestions from other previous charters.  This level is the highest quality of catering available.Back to top

LEVEL THREE :  STANDARD PACKAGE.  Unlimited provisions are provided as per catering instructions.  This is a good average provisioning for any type of charter.  Self-service unless a steward is requested at an additional price.

3.0. TIER  THREE  STANDARD  PACKAGE :

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3.1. STANDARD  RECEPTION  HORS  D'OEUVRE

3.2. STANDARD  RECEPTION  ENTREES

3.3. CHOICE  OF  DELICIOUS  DESSERTS

3.4. STANDARD  BEVERAGES  SELECTION

            Soft drinks

            Domestic beers BUDWEISER - BUD-LIGHT

            California wines, red and white

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3.5. CATERING  PERSONNEL  OPTION

Yacht's steward / stewardess is available at $ 20.00 per hour, with a maximum of 7 hours for a half-day cruise, 12 hours for a full day charter..  One steward / stewardess per each 10 guests maximum is recommended.

            1 Steward / stewardess option

            The total hour charge includes prior preparations, serving, time afloat and clean-up.

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LEVEL FIVE :  DELUXE PACKAGE.  Unlimited provisions ordered for this level of catering include exquisite foods and selected fine beverages.  Usually freshly prepared onboard foods are requested at this level, and a chef and a number of stewards is required for the appropriate luxury service.  Special menus and wine lists are forwarded to the charterer with our suggestions.

Costs stipulated below are per person and initially indicated number of guests.  Should a possibility of unforeseen additional last-minute guests arise, we suggest extra provisions be ordered to avoid an embarrassing situation.  Cost are calculated with provisions for the captain and the crew.  Catering personnel is subject to your approval.  Crew gratuities are not included.

5.0. TIER  FIVE  DELUXE  PACKAGE :

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5.1. PARTY  DELUXE  HORS  D'OEUVRE

5.2. PARTY  DELUXE  HOT  AND  COLD  BUFFET

5.3. CHEF'S  DELICIOUS  DESSERTS

5.4. FIVE  O'CLOCK  TEA

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5.5. SELECTION  OF  FINE  BEVERAGES

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5.6. PREMIUM  BAR

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5.7. CATERING  PERSONNEL

Yacht's steward / stewardess is available at $ 20.00 per hour, with 7 hours maximum per half-day charter, 12 hours for all day cruise. One steward / stewardess is recommended for each six guests under the circumstances.

           The total hour charge includes preparations, serving, time afloat and clean-up.

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REFERENCES

A confidential list of private and corporate references is available upon request for inspection prior to signing a charter contract with the MIAMI SAILING CLUB.

This page was updated 03/03/03