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Q. What kind of boat is Taeping?
A. Taeping is a Clipper 60 sail boat. Clipper are boats built for speed above everything else. 60 is the boat length in feet.
Q. How many people are on each trip?
A. There are a maximum of 12 people on each trip including crew.
Q. What are the living conditions like?
A. Staying on Taeping is cosy. There are 12 berths in a communal sleeping area and two toilets. There is a modest saloon area where we sit, relax and eat together.
Q. Where do I shower?
A. There is no shower on board but when we spend the night in the marina we will be able to use marina facilities such as the shower. We try to plan the trip so there isn’t too long between showers but it does depend on weather and berth availability. Most showers are free but there is a couple, including Tobermory, which you need to pay for.
Q. How often will we get onshore?
A. This depends on the trip and how easy it is to get you onshore. As Taeping is such a large boat we need to call ahead and book into marinas. If we are booked in then once we are tied up you are free to come and go as you please until we depart the next day. Alternatively there are some places we can safely anchor and then use the dingy to take people ashore.
Q. What are the meals like?
A. We supply breakfast, lunch and dinner each day and there will be snacks available in between meals. The meals can depend on what we are doing at the time/ if we have shore power/ how keeled over the boat is while we are trying to make lunch. Certain appliances such as the microwave we prefer only to use on shore power so it does not deplete our batteries. Cereal and fruit will be provided every morning for breakfast and most mornings there will be additional items such as bacon rolls/ pancakes/ hot porridge. Lunch may be hot such as soup and a sandwich or cold such as a wrap. This is the most variable as it depends what we are doing at the time. Dinner is always a hot meal and tea and coffee can be made throughout the day.
Q. What if I have an allergy/ dietary requirement?
A. Once you book you will be sent some forms to fill in including one about dietary requirements. Please feel free to send an email/message elaborating on any allergies or requirements you may have in good time so we can plan the shopping and cooking.
Q. What kind of tea/coffee is available?
A. We have regular tea and coffee plus the decaf variations of both. We have a small range of herbal teas and we do have coffee pods to use in the nespresso machine when we are on shore power. If you have a particular preference we do advise you bring your own supply. If you do not drink regular milk please let us know so we can plan for this.
Q. Will there be phone reception on the trip?
A. Phone reception isn’t the most reliable but most marinas have wifi which is free to use. If something is urgent let us know and we will try to make arrangements.
Q. What do I pack?
A. Once you are booked on a trip, you will be sent an itemised list of suggested items to bring. The weather in Scotland is extremely changeable, more so at different times of the year.
We suggest:
Lots of light layers and some thicker ones as it can go from warm and sunny to cold and windy in a matter of minutes.
A pair of waterproof shoes wether it be wellies or boating boots and a second comfortable pair of shoes.
Plenty of socks because they will get wet.
Gloves.
Something to take pictures because the views will be stunning.
Your own personal items such as toiletries, towel and sleeping bag.
Sun cream because the sun does shine sometimes.
Insect repellent. The midges tend no to be too bad on the boat but can be on shore if there is no wind.
Cash if you plan to go ashore anywhere remote and purchase anything.
We will provide waterproof outer layers free of charge if you do not have your own.
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. 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 it matter if I haven’t sailed before?
A. Not at all. You are welcome to but not expected to get involved with the running and sailing of the boat.