Comprehensive Terms and Conditions of Crew Agreement for Tapio Lehtinen Sailing Oy


1. Agreement Formation

  • By booking a passage or race with Tapio Lehtinen Sailing (“TLS”), you enter a binding agreement for participation as a crew member aboard S&S Swan 55 yawl Galiana.

  • The agreement applies to all named participants. The person making the booking must inform all participants of the terms and risks.

  • Each participant must be at least 18 years old (minors only with parent/guardian and prior written approval).

2. Acknowledgment of Risks & Assumption of Responsibility

  • You acknowledge that offshore sailing and racing are inherently dangerous activities with risks including, but not limited to, injury, illness, property loss, and death.

  • You agree to participate at your own risk, fully aware of hazards such as severe weather, equipment failure, accidents, limited medical facilities, and remote locations.

  • You accept personal responsibility for your safety, physical fitness, and ability to swim at least 15 minutes in deep water while clothed.

3. Release, Waiver, and Indemnity

  • You, your heirs, and representatives waive all claims against TLS, Tapio Lehtinen, vessel owners, agents, employees, and affiliates for injury, death, property loss, or damages arising from participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  • You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TLS and associated parties from all claims, demands, costs, and liabilities (including legal fees) arising from your actions or breach of this agreement.

4. Payment, Cancellation, and Refunds

  • A non-refundable deposit (amount specified per passage/race) is required to secure your place. The balance is due no later than 60 days before departure.

  • If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, you forfeit the deposit but are not liable for the balance. Cancellations within 60 days require full payment unless a replacement is found; if so, your payment (minus admin fee) may be credited to a future trip or refunded.

  • TLS reserves the right to cancel or alter trips due to force majeure, vessel damage, or insufficient crew. In such cases, all payments will be refunded; no further compensation is due.

5. Crew Obligations & Conduct

  • You must follow all lawful orders and instructions of the skipper and crew at all times for safety and operational reasons.

  • You must disclose any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or limitations before the trip.

  • The use of illegal substances or intoxication onboard is strictly prohibited.

  • You are responsible for obtaining and carrying valid passports, visas, and vaccinations as required for all destinations.

6. Insurance

  • TLS maintains vessel and liability insurance as required by law. However, you are responsible for your own travel, medical, accident, and cancellation insurance, including coverage for offshore sailing and racing.

  • TLS is not liable for loss or theft of personal property. You are advised to insure valuables and luggage.

7. Services & Inclusions

  • The fee includes a berth, use of vessel facilities, and all vessel operating costs (fuel, port fees, etc.) unless otherwise specified. Food expenses and beverages are covered by a shared boat fund.

  • Travel to/from the vessel, personal expenses ashore, and additional services are not included.

  • The payment includes safety equipment (life jackets with safety harnesses, MOB alarms, three hooked tether lines).

  • Possibility to order Team Galiana sailing gear and apparel.

8. Race Participation

  • Participation in races is subject to the rules and decisions of the organizing authorities and the skipper. You acknowledge that the decision to participate racing is at your own risk

  • You release TLS and race organizers from claims arising in connection with race participation.

9. Liability for Damage

  • You are liable for damages to the vessel, equipment, or third parties caused by your gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  • Any compensation procedures will be agreed upon after the trip.

10. Jurisdiction & Governing Law

  • This agreement is governed by Finnish law, with Helsinki as the exclusive place of jurisdiction. For races or passages governed by other jurisdictions, applicable local law may apply as required.

11. Data Protection

  • You consent to the storage and processing of your personal data for the purposes of voyage administration and customer service, in accordance with Finnish data protection laws. 

  • Check the privacy policy

12. Severability

  • If any provision is found invalid, the remainder of the agreement remains in effect.

13. Acknowledgment

By electronically agreeing, you confirm that you have read, understood, and voluntarily accept all terms and conditions, and that you have had the opportunity to seek independent advice before signing.