Refund, Late, Best hour
Can I cancel?
From your confirmation email, you can reschedule a date or get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. In the event of weather problems we may also be able to cancel and refund or offer to reschedule if this is convenient for you.
Can I arrive late?
We will not leave without you as the booking is private. However, we are likely to have a booking every hour. We cannot reschedule if you arrive late. We recommend that you arrive a little earlier and perhaps visit the port, go to the toilet or have a drink. Stay cool!
What is the best time of day?
Generally in the morning the water is calmer and the low light is more photogenic. The afternoon is more in demand and the rooftop protects the sun at its zenith. In the evening the calm returns gradually, the lights are dimmed to announce the sunset, especially in spring or autumn, and the battery-powered boat glides silently by.
Sea swiming, Children
Can I go swimming during the sea excursion?
You will need to book a 2-hour Premium tour to have enough time to sail to the mooring areas and thus enjoy a swim at sea. We do not provide bath towels on board, but the return journey allows you to dry for about forty minutes. Masks and tubas as well as foam noodles are at your disposal.
Can I board with my children?
The boat is completely open to the sea. To ensure the peace of mind of parents, children must know how to swim or stay on the parents' lap. On-board life jackets are either adult or one size for children. This single size is not comfortable for the youngest children. Parents can also bring baby buoys used for swimming pools. It is not mandatory to wear floating elements but they are recommended when passengers do not know how to swim and if children tend to move. The children remain under the responsibility of the parents.
Solar sailing
What is the autonomy?
The solar boat offers a technical solution that allows you to sail on 100% renewable energy. At sea, it provides the security of a return to port whatever the level of the batteries. In concrete terms, if you are sailing solely on solar panels, you can make the batteries 100% charged. This is how we have managed not to charge our batteries on the electrical grid since ... June 2016! The speed in solar autonomy depends on the sunshine and the weather. With the conditions on the French Riviera, you can usually sail between 2 and 4 knots. If you want to go faster, you can draw on the energy stored in the batteries. At anchor, the batteries recharge themselves. Beware, if the charge drops, we will have to stop the boat.
Our sailing programmes are designed to allow you to sail close to the port of departure. No need to sail at full power to find a new dream anchorage far from your home base. Smart sailing - with a skipper or without a licence - is about enjoying sailing for reasonable distances, and then changing ports next time to discover a new sailing area.
How do you ensure my security?
Our marine boats are approved for category D 2016 (max force 4 and 0.5 m waves). For information they are initially designed for max force 6 and 2 m waves. However, for your comfort, it is preferable to return to port if the weather limit of Force 4 is reached in the sailing area. In this case we will refund the remaining rental time.
The batteries always stay charged thanks to the solar panels and the seaZen attitude. The batteries provide a power reserve to return to port quickly in case of unforeseen circumstances.
License-free rental
I already have my licence, should I start by being accompanied?
The license has few to do with solar navigation practice. You will be surprised by the torque of the electric engine, the port position of the propeller and the management of energy. You may have less to learn about the international maritime regulations but surely have more to unlearn from old habits of navigation. Of course, if you are perfectly comfortable with the practice of port and anchor maneuvers, we will be very happy to let you sail earlier. This will give you more time alone.
Can you help me evaluate my boating level?
We strive for you to gain a safe, though license free navigation experience.
If however, you have a doubt, this is a good sign! This implies that you have the prudence of a wise sailor.
We have created a Solar Navigation Academy with online advice and tests.
What if I have not sailed for a long time?
The more experience you have, the longer you can stay without navigating. The fact remains that depending on your level, it is sometimes necessary to take a "refresher course". In this case, it is not necessary to take a full 1 hour course but to come to the boat for a brief hands on experience.
Before the rental
Is there a minimum or maximum age to rent?
Although our boats are unlicensed, we rent for sea trips from 18 years.
What documents should I present to take my boat?
You must present a credit card on behalf of the skipper name plus identity papers.
A GMS number will be asked to contact you at sea.
Shall I go around the boat before leaving?
We recommend you to verify the state of the ship entrusted to you is consistent with the documents submitted with the contract. If you notice any incident not mentioned, please contact us before taking the sea.
During the rental
Is that someone other than me can drive the boat?
From the Insurance point of view, the boat is the responsibility of the skipper.
Of course as a skipper, you may and it's even advisable, ask assistance with your crew!
What will happen if I need assistance?
If you need help, the Hot Line is available during opening hours. The contact number is on your navigation plan. A powered USB plug allow you to charge your smartphone. Please bring your power cable.
What does it show if the boat is controlled by the maritime authorities?
The tenant must provide the security arming elements corresponding to basic 2 miles category and the navigation documentation that is given to you.
Can I change the duration of my current contract hire?
Upon acceptance from seaZen, you can change the length of your lease. You need to contact us. Any extension of the lease is subject to the availability of the ship and changing the amount of rent that will be charged out of contract. An additional payment authorization may be required.
After the rental
What will happen if I bring the ship beyond the scheduled time?
Once the hour of return exceeded the following reservation may be charged to you, especially if we have to charge the batteries. We advise you to provide a return to dock early enough before the end of the lease in order to manoeuver in the harbour with full serenely.
Can I return my ship outside the opening hours?
You can actually return your ship after the closure, especially if you use self-service. However, you must check in advance the conditions of return. The ship will remain your responsibility until the return process is completed by the seaZen team.
Shall I do an inventory before leaving?
It is best to tour the boat and to indicate to seazen team any further damage in relation to the condition of the ship when it was entrusted to you. In case of accident or breakages do not forget to report it using the inventory form. Otherwise, you will be held responsible and will have to pay an increased franchise.