Travellers Code of Conduct
Devon Sailing Experiences offers bespoke sailing packages tailored you your own personal requirements and interests. To get the most out of your holiday, please visit www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk to find a package that suits you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you cannot find what you are specifically looking for – we are flexible.
When sailing with us, in addition to personal belongings, guests will need to bring:
- – Suitable clothing for an outdoor pursuit – bring warm and waterproof clothing, even during the summer
- – Non-marking footwear
- – Sun glasses
- – Sun cream
In the unlikely event that we are forced to cancel due unusual and unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, (Force Majeure), we will endeavour to offer an alternative voyage at a mutually agreeable date.
Your safety is our primary concern. Devon Sailing Experiences is equipped with safety gear in excess of that required by law, and is run by highly experienced management team. You will receive a full safety briefing at the start of the booking. You must agree to abide fully with the instructions of the skipper and permanent crew.
Sailing is a hands-on experience and your participation is required to sail her to the best of her potential. A reasonable level of fitness is required to sail. If you or any of your party suffer from any medical conditions that might affect their health and safety during the experience, e.g. Heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes or if you are on any medication that may be adversely affected by seasickness you must disclose it to us at the time of booking. This information will be held in confidence by us. Failure to disclose a condition could result in the affected crew being put ashore for their own safety.
Tourism is increasingly a vital part of the income for residents of Devon and Cornwall, therefore we use local products and local services with the intention of helping to support local businesses, create employment and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the west-country. As a traveller, we believe that by choosing to purchase locally produced goods and services, your Devon and Cornwall experience can be greatly enhanced.
Marine toilets on-board our yachts are water efficient, as they flush using water from the sea. Travellers need to ensure that the holding tank is used when moored in marinas, on mooring buoys/pontoons or at anchor. Where possible, land based toilet facilities should be used.
Guests are encouraged to use eco-friendly soaps and washing up liquids whilst on-board our yachts.
Be part of the marine community. Information about how to report sightings of various marine life and to minimise damage to individual ecosystems can be obtained from each harbour (and are available in our Guest Information packs on each boat).
Environmental
All bookings are made online or via the telephone. Information will be sent electronically wherever possible, saving on printing and paper costs.
For those already living in the UK, staying in the UK for a holiday is beneficial to our environment, as it is unlikely that air travel will be involved.
Guests are encouraged to sail our yachts powered by the renewable and sustainable power of the wind as much as possible, rather than by engine.
Many of our sailing destinations are classified as AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) or eco-harbours. These locations provide information leaflets with advice on protecting the local environment. Such information is always shared with our guests via the skipper and within our Guest Information packs.
Glass, can, food and card recycling points are widely available when moored in marinas and at popular destination points. Our on-board policy is that all rubbish is brought ashore and, as with all sailors, we strongly encourage a positive recycling policy.
Use of eco-friendly soaps and washing-up liquids are encouraged.
Marine toilet facilities (such as those on our boats) are water efficient and use sea water. Guests are advised to use holding tank when using on-board toilet facilities.
Fresh water is available from marinas and town docks and is stored in water holding tanks on-board. Limited water storage facilities ensure that our guests are aware of their water usage, limiting wastage.
Economic
Devon Sailing Experiences is a small, family run business.
For those already living in the UK, staying in the UK is beneficial to the country’s economic situation.
Tourism plays a vital role in the income of residents in Devon and Cornwall. With in-depth knowledge of the local area, we are able to provide personal recommendations for local pubs, restaurants and shops, as well as areas of cultural interest and events based on the preferences of our guests.
Where optional meals are provided, a range of locally produced food and beverages are offered. Information about our suppliers is made available to our guests.
We work closely with other local businesses and always use local professionals for any element of boat maintenance that is required.
If our guests request something that we are not able to offer (for example, training for official RYA qualifications), we will not hesitate to put them in touch with a local company who will be able to help them.
Social
Tourism is increasingly a vital part of the income for residents of Devon and Cornwall, therefore we use local products and local services with the intention of helping to support local businesses, create employment and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the west-country. Current local suppliers of products and services (2015) include: Trafford Yachts, Dart Fire Protection, Dartside Quay, Veaseys, Sharpham Vineyard, Riverford Farm, Beacon Park.
Devon Sailing Experiences also provide comprehensive guest information packs on each boat which gives information about visits to local areas of interest and activities. We actively encourage our guests to visit locally important heritage sites, local shops and restaurants, sample local delicacies and participate in local cultural events through our comprehensive guest information packs, as well as through discussions with our enthusiastic skippers and crew.
Operation
This policy has been distributed to all staff members, and is available to suppliers and travellers upon request.
A full set of Terms and Conditions of booking are available on http://www.devonsailingexperiences.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/
To ensure the maximum use of sustainable energy to power our yachts (wind), fuel usage is regularly monitored and recorded against sailing mileage.
