Cancellations and changes
Plans change. A short, honest message usually sorts it out.
How this works
Plans can shift, and that's okay
Weather, work, family — sometimes a trip needs to move. The earlier you let the other side know, the easier it is to find something fair.
We don't process payments or hold funds
SailsSearch connects travelers and verified captains. Payment, refunds, and rescheduling are arranged directly between the two of you, the same way you'd arrange them with anyone you booked with personally.
We're here if a conversation gets stuck
If something feels unclear or communication becomes difficult, write to us. We can help clarify, suggest a reasonable path, and support both sides — even though we don't move money.
If a traveler needs to cancel
Tell the captain in chat as soon as you can
Open your booking chat and let the captain know what's changed. Early notice gives both of you the most room to find a good outcome — a different date, a fair refund, or a credit toward a future trip.
What happens next depends on what you agreed
Refund or rescheduling outcomes follow what you and the captain talked about when you booked, and how much notice you can give. If you didn't write the details down at the time, now's a good moment to confirm them in chat together.
If a captain needs to cancel
Reach out early and be straightforward
If you can't run a trip, message the traveler in chat as soon as you know. Most travelers handle a clear, early heads-up far better than a last-minute surprise.
Settle it the way you arranged it
If the traveler already paid you directly, any refund or rescheduling is arranged the same way — directly between you. We never moved the money, so we can't return it ourselves, but if the conversation stalls we're happy to help find a fair outcome.
If weather affects the trip
Safety comes first
Captains call whether conditions are safe to sail. If they're not, the trip is usually moved, shortened, or rerouted — and only cancelled if there's no good alternative.
Offer a reasonable alternative where you can
A new date, an earlier morning slot, or a different route can often save the trip. If you both want a hand finding a fair solution, our team is happy to help.
How to avoid misunderstandings
Confirm the details in chat before the trip
A short, written agreement in chat prevents almost every dispute we see. Before the day, confirm together: • when and how payment is made • what's included (fuel, food, equipment, mooring fees) • what happens if the weather changes • what happens if either side needs to cancel • whether any deposit is refundable, and under what conditions Keeping it in chat means both of you can scroll back to it later — and so can we, if you ever ask us to help.
Need help?
If a conversation breaks down, we're one email away
Write to info@sailssearch.com. We can't control payments, but we can help clarify, mediate, and steer the conversation toward a fair outcome. Often a calm third voice is all it takes.