The sea calls it.
In Saint-Barthélemy, weather is part of the voyage. Here is — plainly, without fine print — what happens when it keeps us ashore.
- 01
Safety decides, not the calendar
The sea around Saint-Barthélemy can change quickly: winter north swell, sustained wind, tropical squalls. The decision to sail, to alter the itinerary or to cancel rests solely with the captain. It is based on official Météo-France forecasts, active weather advisories and his own assessment of actual conditions on the water.
No charter goes ahead when conditions compromise the safety or comfort of our guests — even if the weather looks fine from the dock.
- 02
Weather cancellation by MIP Yachts
If the captain cancels the charter for weather reasons (sea state, wind, visibility, official advisories), you may choose between two options: free rescheduling to another date, subject to availability, or a full refund of all sums paid.
A full refund is the extent of our commitment: a weather cancellation does not give rise to any further compensation (travel, accommodation, restaurant or any other costs incurred separately).
We monitor the forecast from the day before your charter and let you know as early as possible — typically by 6pm the previous evening when a cancellation is foreseeable, or on the morning itself if conditions deteriorate overnight.
- 03
Altered itinerary or shortened charter
Some conditions allow us to sail with an adapted plan: sheltered leeward anchorages instead of a crossing, shifted hours to avoid a squall. An itinerary adapted for weather does not constitute a cancellation and does not give rise to a refund.
If the captain has to cut the charter short at sea for safety reasons, we offer a credit pro-rated to the unused charter time, valid for twelve months.
Crossings to Saint-Martin or Anguilla: if the crossing is compromised but conditions remain good around Saint-Barthélemy, we offer to convert your charter into a local full or half day, with the rate adjusted downward accordingly.
- 04
Cancellation by the client
You may cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the charter date. Between 7 days and 72 hours, 50% of the rate remains due. Within 72 hours, the full rate is due — unless the captain himself cancels for weather, in which case the conditions above apply.
Passing clouds or a brief shower do not constitute a weather event: only the captain's decision qualifies as a weather cancellation.
- 05
Hurricane season
From June to November, in the event of an official hurricane alert (orange-level advisory or higher issued by the préfecture or Météo-France), all affected charters are cancelled and fully refunded, or rescheduled free of charge at your preference.
A question about a specific date? Write to us — we will tell you frankly what the forecast says. Contact us →