Want to ask us a question, that hasn’t already been asked? Submit it below and one of the team will review it for inclusion in our FAQ forum. Optionally you can add your name and email for a personalised response.
Q. Does Taeping have heating?
A. Yes, in fact in 2023 we fitted a new diesel heater which is significantly more powerful than most vessels this size need. Rated at 30 Kilowatts we have both traditional radiator and forced air heating, along with a hot water feed.
Q. What happens if your diesel heater breaks down?
A. Not a problem, some of our radiators are “dual fuel” which means we can run them with electricity as well. Even at sea our hybrid battery and generator system can keep the chill out of the air.
Q. Is my money safe?
A. We believe so. Your deposit is held during the no quibble refund period so it can be returned to you quickly if you cancel. The remainder of your payments are also held outside our main bank account and not released to company funds until your trip has started.
Q. Why don’t you use a third party client deposit protection solution?
A. There are lots of schemes that claim to protect customers money, but these often have very strict conditions which can make it difficult and time consuming to get money back in the event a supplier cancels a trip. Ocean Sailing Scotland has no debts secured against the company, no investors or shareholders requiring repayments or dividends. We prefer to simply keep your money safe until we know that your trip has started. We do, of course, retain the necessary insurances and protections we are required to.
Q. Can I transfer a booking?
A. In most cases yes. Normally the condition is that we can resell your place. If you think you may need to cancel its important to get in touch as soon as possible. We will work with you to get the best outcome we can for all involved.
Q. When are payments due?
A. You pay a small deposit at the time of booking, normally £200 for trips longer than three days. The remaining 50% of the full fee is due three months ahead of the trip start date with the final balance due one month before the trip start date. Trips that cost less than £200 will be due in full at the time of booking.
Q. What payment methods do you accept.
A. Deposits are taken online via credit or debit card only. This means any deposit refund can be very quick. Balance payments can be made via card or bank transfer. We can also accept regular payments, such as monthly, to allow you to spread out the trip payments if you want.
Q. What currencies do you accept.
A. We accept the currencies listed below as of 1 Jan 2024. You will require to pay your deposit in GBP via credit or debit card. To request a different currency for balance payment simply tick the box at checkout. What’s more we can arrange a local currency transfer for most currencies ensuring you don’t pay international transfer fees.
AED, AUD, BGN, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, MXN, NOK, NZD, PLN, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, ZAR.
Q. Do you accept digital (crypto) currencies.
A. Yes, however due to the volatile nature of crypto currencies you will need to request a quote, which will be valid for a limited period (normally between one and three days). Crypto currency payments will require the full balance to be made in a single transaction. Refunds for any digital currency transactions will be made in GBP only.
Q. Is Taeping safe?
A. Safety is at the heart of what we do. In fact we exceed most of the requirements we have to and our replacements and repair programme is a proactive (as opposed to reactive) one. Of course, like any sport there is a risk, but our crew will work hard to keep it as low as possible.
Q. What are your cancellation terms?
A. Unlike many companies we operate a flexible policy. After all, if you get injured or have to deal with an issue outside your control the last thing you need is for us to penalise you further! If you need to cancel get in touch as soon as possible so we can do our best to help.
Q. Does Taeping get damp?
A. Like all yachts, yes, however we have a secret weapon! We have an industrial class of dehumidifier which we can run at sea using our hybrid energy system, as well as ashore. This allows us to deal with dampness effectively. Of course, we do recommend that all your gear is packed and used in a way that helps to stop it from getting damp in the first place.
Q. What kind of coffee can I expect?
A. Like our choice of tea we provide a selection while you are onboard. We also have a coffee pod machine which is available throughout your journey, even at sea, at anchor or in the middle of the ocean!
Q. Is a microwave available onboard, I like warm milk with my coffee?
A. Yes, whether to heat beans, warm up some milk for your coffee or reheat dinner during a night watch we have the ability to microwave in port or at sea!