Is HOAC an accredited Centre?

All our activities are operated to the highest safety standards and conform to UK National Governing Bodies’ codes of practice where applicable.  HOAC is licensed by The Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA).

Are you OFSTED registered?
No HOAC is not OFSTED registered.

What qualifications do your instructors have?

All our Instructors are qualified to the required level by the appropriate National Governing Bodies and/or a comprehensive in-house training course.

What are the drop off and collection times for your courses?

8.30am - 10am: Drop off course participants
1pm - 1.30pm: Collection for those on morning courses

1.30pm - 2pm: Drop off course participants on afternoon courses
5pm – 6pm:  Collection of course participants

What happens to my child once I have dropped them off at the centre?

They will meet with there instructor and have time to get changed ready to start the course at 10am. Other activities will be available for those dropped off earlier.

Can I collect my child early from a course?

Yes you can collect your child whenever you wish but you must sign them out with the shore based member of staff before leaving site.

What happens if I can’t make the start time?

If you are running late or have a prearranged appointment please call the centre and let us know.

What time are presentations?

Awards and certificates will be presented on the final day (Friday)

Do you cater for special needs students?

Yes, we will do our best to try and accommodate special needs students within our typical courses. Please call/email the centre and we will be able to advise you of the most suitable course to book.
If a standard course is not suitable we will try and sign post you to the nearest alternative provider.

My child is 11 but wishes to attend an 8 – 10 year old course with his friends is this allowed?

Yes this is not a problem.

My child is 10 but wishes to attend an 11 – 18 year old course with his friends is this allowed?
Please call/email the centre for assistance with this, as some courses are not suitable for 10 year olds.

Can my child be with their friend each day?

Children are put into groups based on their age and ability level. If you wish for your child to be with a particular friend please mention this at the time of booking. If this is not possible please remember that they are likely to see their friend out on the water and at breaks and lunch time.

Do you accept childcare vouchers?

I’m sorry but we do not currently accept childcare vouchers.

Discounts
HOAC do not offer discounts on holiday courses as we try and keep the cost of our courses to a minimum.

Can I book just one day?
At this current time we are unable to offer one off session bookings.

If the course is full will it be extended?

Please email us and we will see if we are able to extend the course.

What clothing do I need to bring?
A kit list will be provided at the time of booking detailing any equipment or clothing that you should bring along to the sessions. A change of clothes is necessary for all activities, including footwear and a towel for watersports. Where appropriate HOAC will provide buoyancy aids and cags for water based sessions. Wetsuits will only be issued in bad weather.

Are certificates and logbooks included?

Students who successfully complete the awards will be issued with relevant logbooks and/or certificates at no extra cost. If these are lost and you wish to order a replacement certificate you will be charged.

Are you offering Membership?

We are unable to offer membership at present. However if you want to get afloat on a regular basis then why not explore the membership options at our new holiday course venue, check out Rickmansworth Sailing Club.

Where are holiday courses taking place?

Our venue for holiday courses in 2025 is Rickmansworth Sailing Club, Old Uxbridge Rd, West Hyde, Harefield, Rickmansworth WD3 9YB.

Do you have lockers?
Unfortunately we do not have lockers available to course participants. We advise that valuable items are left at home. Phones can be left on silent with the shore based staff member.

What is your cancellation policy?

HOAC reserves the right to cancel or curtail any course. On the very rare occasion that this is necessary, a full or partial refund will be made as appropriate, or an alternative course offered. No additional liability for compensation or expenses will be accepted.
Confirmed places that are cancelled in writing by an applicant, and received at the Centre no less than 8 weeks prior to the start date, will result in a refund of the course fee less a 25% administration charge.

Cancellations by applicants within 8 weeks of the start date will result in the full fee being forfeited. In the case of genuine illness, when a doctor’s certificate must be produced, the Centre will refund 50% of the course fee. However, please note that any cancellations on or after the start date will result in the full fee being forfeited. All cancellations must be in writing.

Do you have Insurance?
The Centre’s insurance covers all legal liabilities of the Centre to clients, but does not cover personal accident or loss where there is no liability on the part of the Centre or its employees.
Clients are therefore strongly advised to take out insurance to cover the risk of personal accident, liability or loss of personal effects and also the risk of cancellation.

1. How to make a booking
All bookings are taken online, through our website.

3. Cancellations
HOAC reserves the right to cancel, change activities or curtail any course, due to weather or safety conditions. On the very rare occasion that this is necessary, a full or partial refund will be made as appropriate, or an alternative course offered. No additional liability for compensation or expenses will be accepted.

Confirmed places that are cancelled by customers within 14 days of purchase online will receive a full refund.  All Cancellations must be in writing.

Confirmed places that are cancelled in writing by an applicant, and received at the Centre no less than 8 weeks prior to the start date, will result in a refund of the course fee.

Cancellations by applicants within 8 weeks of the start date will result in the full fee being forfeited.

In the case of genuine illness, when a doctor’s certificate must be produced, the Centre will refund a full or partial refund made as appropriate in the form of a credit note. However, please note that any cancellations on or after the start date will result in the full fee being forfeited. All cancellations must be in writing.

4. Insurance
The Centre’s insurance (Activities Industry Mutual) covers all legal liabilities of the Centre to clients, but does not cover personal accident or loss where there is no liability on the part of the Centre or its employees.

Accidents can happen without any contributory negligence from the centre or its staff. The centre can accept no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property or for personal injury not arising as a result of its own act or default

Clients are therefore strongly advised to take out insurance to cover the risk of personal accident, liability or loss of personal effects and also the risk of cancellation.

5. Weather Conditions
Please be aware that all courses and tuition booked will go ahead regardless of the weather and wind conditions. Our Instructors are prepared for these eventualities and will adapt the delivery of the course accordingly.

6. Safety
Course participants must be physically fit to take part in the activity and water users must be able to swim 10 metres.

7. Buoyancy Aids
CE approved buoyancy aids with a whistle are included in the course fee and must be worn at all times on the water, pontoons and surrounding areas.

8. Medical Conditions / Special Needs
Details of all medical conditions/special needs, including behavioural issues of all participants must be detailed at the time of booking. Any medication that would be needed for the duration of the course must be handed to the instructor in charge of the course participant.

9. Email
Your email address will only be used for the purposes of future promotional information.

10. Photography
Photographs taken by HOAC staff will only be used for HOAC publicity purposes, and will not be passed on to third parties.

11. Discount Codes
Discount codes are valid only for the intended recipient. It is non-transferable and cannot be shared or used by any other person.