Terms and Conditions for Windsquare Watersports Center
1. Scope of Services
Windsquare offers a comprehensive range of watersports services, including:
- Rentals, lessons, courses, clinics, and shuttles for windsurfing, kiteboarding, wingfoiling, stand-up paddling (SUP), dinghy, keelboat, and catamaran sailing, as well as charters and guided tours for sailing yachts.
- Rental of additional sports-related equipment and gear.
- Rental of storage space for private equipment.
- Rental of mooring buoys for small to medium-sized boats.
- Organization of group events, team-building activities, training sessions, and related recreational activities.
2. General Rules
- Guests (also referred to as "Clients") may use all on-site amenities respectfully and appropriately, including parking spaces, sunbeds, showers, toilets, changing rooms, and lockers.
- Windsquare assumes no liability for lost, stolen, or damaged property. Guests are advised to keep valuables secure and to lock storage areas after use.
- Clients are responsible for the safe use and storage of their rented or personal equipment. Negligent behavior that results in damage is the Client’s full responsibility.
- All water activities are conducted at the Client’s own risk. Clients must follow navigation rules and safety regulations, including the mandatory use of life jackets as required by Law No. 52, Article 14/21 (dated November 2, 1983) and Regional Law No. 20 (dated August 16, 1994).
- During adverse weather conditions, water activities are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
3. Health and Safety Requirements
- Clients confirm they are in good health, physically fit, and free from any condition that would prevent safe participation in watersports activities. A physician’s consultation is advised before participating.
- Clients confirm they are able to swim unassisted for at least 20 minutes in open water.
- If health issues arise during a session (e.g., rental or course), the Client must immediately inform the instructor or staff. Windsquare reserves the right to halt activities if health or safety concerns arise.
4. Equipment Rental Conditions
- By renting equipment, Clients release Windsquare from any liability associated with the use of rented equipment. The Client assumes responsibility for any damage caused to the equipment or harm caused to third parties.
- All equipment is assigned by Windsquare’s team, and the Client is required to inspect the condition upon receipt and report any defects immediately.
- Clients agree to return equipment in the condition it was received and are responsible for any repair or replacement costs if the equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen during the rental period.
- The rental period ends with the return and inspection of the equipment by Windsquare staff. If the agreed rental period is exceeded by more than 15 minutes, each additional hour will be charged in full.
- Clients must ensure they are physically fit and possess adequate knowledge of the sport, navigation rules, and local regulations before renting equipment.
- All rental items, including life jackets, are provided with the rental. A valid ID and deposit are required. All rental gear must be returned by 5:45 pm daily.
- Yacht charters require a separate charter contract that must be signed by both parties before starting the activity.
5. On-Water Assistance (Rescue and Towing Service)
Windsquare provides a rescue and towing service for customers who require assistance on the water. This service is available to both customers renting equipment and private individuals, subject to the following conditions:
- During participation in courses, the rescue service is included in the course fees and is always provided.
- Outside of courses, the service is available for a fee of €80 per 30 minutes. Availability is not guaranteed, as our team may be engaged in other duties.
- Windsquare accepts no liability for damage to equipment or materials that may occur during the rescue or towing process.
- We do not provide continuous monitoring of water activities or customer safety. This service is not a substitute for a lifeguard and does not relieve customers of their own responsibility.
We strongly recommend that all customers remain informed about weather conditions, follow safety measures, and assess their own abilities to minimize the risk of accidents or emergencies.
6. Mooring Buoy Rental Conditions
- Mooring buoys are available for rental for small to medium-sized boats. Clients must reserve in advance and specify the duration of use. Windsquare reserves the right to assign mooring locations based on availability and operational needs.
- Clients are responsible for securing their boats safely and are advised to regularly inspect both their vessel and the mooring line connection during the rental period.
- Windsquare assumes no responsibility for damages or losses incurred to vessels or personal property while using the mooring buoys. Clients are fully liable for any damage caused to the buoy or other property due to improper use or negligence.
- It is strongly recommended that Clients have adequate insurance coverage for their vessels, including coverage for mooring-related incidents, liability, and potential third-party damage.
- The mooring buoy may only be used for docking the specified vessel. Unauthorized vessels or activities, including sub-leasing the mooring space or using it for purposes other than docking, are prohibited.
7. Pricing and Payment Conditions
- A 40% deposit is required to secure any booking, with the remaining 60% due before the service begins. For specially designated offers, different deposit, cancellation, and rebooking policies apply as specified in the offer or invoice.
- Accepted payment methods include credit card, debit card, bank transfer, PayPal, and cash.
- All prices are per person and are subject to change without prior notice.
- Discounts are non-cumulative and cannot be combined with other offers.
8. Cancellation Policy
For regular rentals, lessons, and services, the following refund policy applies upon cancellation:
- Cancellations more than 60 days before the start date: Full refund of the deposit.
- Cancellations between 30 and 59 days before the start date: 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
- Cancellations between 15 and 29 days before the start date: 25% of the deposit will be refunded.
- Cancellations 14 days or less before the start date: No refund of the deposit.
For Yacht Charters: Given the specific arrangements required, yacht charters are subject to a stricter cancellation policy:
- Cancellations more than 90 days before the start date: Full refund of the deposit.
- Cancellations between 45 and 89 days before the start date: 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
- Cancellations 44 days or less before the start date: No refund of the deposit.
For all services free rebooking is available upon availability up to 14 days before the start date.
9. Insurance and Liability
- Windsquare's liability insurance covers participants during lessons. However, for rentals and other activities, Clients are responsible for their own accident, health, and liability insurance. Reviewing existing insurance coverage for adequate protection is advised.
- In cases of intentional or grossly negligent damage to training equipment, the Client is responsible for covering the full cost of repairs or replacement.
- Optional equipment insurance is available and recommended at our office, providing partial coverage for damage to rented items, excluding loss, misuse, or violation of right-of-way rules.
- The Client participates in all watersports activities at their own risk. By agreeing to these terms, the Client releases Windsquare, its staff, and affiliated entities from liability for personal injury, property damage, or loss arising from participation.
10. Participation Requirements
- Participation in all sports activities requires good physical and mental health. A physician’s consultation is recommended, particularly for high-intensity activities.
- Participants must follow all instructions from instructors and staff. Failure to comply may result in exclusion from activities without a refund.
11. Use of Personal Data
All personal data collected during the booking process is handled in compliance with GDPR and Italian data protection laws. Customer data is used solely for booking management and service improvement. Customers may opt-out of marketing communications at any time.
12. Changes to Services and Pricing
- Windsquare reserves the right to adjust or cancel lessons due to weather or safety considerations. Clients may reschedule without additional fees or receive a credit valid for up to two years.
- Windsquare will notify clients promptly if significant pricing or service adjustments are required. Refunds will be offered if changes significantly impact the contracted service.
13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms are governed by Italian law. Disputes arising from these terms or the use of Windsquare’s services will be settled in the local jurisdiction where Windsquare operates. Amendments to these terms are only valid if confirmed in writing by both parties.
14. Updates and Modifications
These terms are subject to periodic review. Updates will be posted on the Windsquare website, and customers are advised to review these terms regularly.