The Operator represents that the yacht is fully insured against fire, accidents, and other risks, and maintains standard liability insurance. However, by booking this charter, the Charterer (you) agrees to indemnify and hold the Operator harmless against any and all liabilities, losses, or damages to the Charterer, their guests, or third parties caused by the negligence or intentional acts of the Charterer's party. For the avoidance of doubt, the Charterer agrees that the Operator shall have no liability whatsoever to the Charterer or their guests for any reason—including the Operator’s own negligence—up to and including death. To ensure safety and proper operation, the Operator or its representatives will remain on the yacht at all times during the charter. The Charterer acknowledges that the use, transport, or possession of illegal drugs, narcotics, or any other contraband, as well as participation in any unlawful activity, is strictly prohibited. No firearms are permitted onboard at any time. Any violation of these rules by the Charterer or their guests constitutes a breach of this agreement and is grounds for immediate termination of the charter without a refund. In such cases, the Charterer will be held financially responsible for all resulting loss or damage to the yacht. Additionally, the Charterer assumes full responsibility for any damage to the yacht’s furnishings or equipment caused by the negligence or intentional acts of their party. The yacht is to be used solely for recreational pleasure and may not be used to transport merchandise or engage in any form of trade. Furthermore, the yacht shall not be used in any manner that violates the laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction in which the vessel may be located. All guests will be required to sign the waiver of liability prior to boarding the vessel.
 

 All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email by the original charterer to be considered. For cancellations made 30 days or more before the scheduled departure, a full refund of the deposit will be issued, typically less a non-refundable service or transaction fee of approximately 5% to 8% plus credit card service charges. Cancellations made between 14 and 29 days prior to the charter are generally eligible for a 50% to 75% refund. Reservations canceled with less than 14 days' notice are strictly non-refundable and will result in the forfeiture of the full charter fee, as the vessel has been private-blocked for your exclusive use. No-shows or late arrivals exceeding 30 minutes will be considered a forfeited rental without the possibility of a refund or reschedule. In the event that the Captain deems Lake Michigan conditions unsafe due to severe weather—such as gale warnings—the charterer will be offered a rescheduling credit valid for one year or a full refund, excluding transaction fees. Please note that charters proceed "rain or shine," and rain or cloudy skies do not constitute grounds for a refund or weather-related cancellation.
 

  A refundable security deposit of $1,000  is required for all charters and must be secured via a credit card authorization or electronic payment (such as Zelle) prior to departure. This deposit serves as a guarantee against incidental damages, missing equipment, or excessive cleaning requirements. The Charterer assumes 100% responsibility for the vessel and all equipment; if damages exceed the deposit amount, the Charterer agrees to be liable for the full cost of repairs, including parts, labor (often billed at a standard rate of approximately $250 per hour), and any lost revenue incurred while the vessel is unrentable. Additionally, specific fines may be deducted for violations of boat policy, such as unauthorized smoking ($500+), illegal docking ($1000+), or reckless operation ($5000+). Provided the vessel is returned on time, in its original condition, and free of prohibited items or debris, the security hold will be released within 48 hours to 7 business days following the conclusion of the charter.