Frequently Asked Questions
**Please Read** Are there any medical restrictions
We always maintain a safe and appropriate speed however the vessel may encounter sudden and unexpected waves or currents causing it to land "hard" and creating a severe jolt and significant shock load. Consequently;
- The standard itinerary is not suitable for those who are pregnant or suffer from back, joint, bone weakening conditions or heart problems.
- Passengers must be able to stand without assistance for up to 30 minutes.
- Passengers must be able to hold themselves securely in their seat.
Your charter booking is for the whole boat and we are very happy to organise a non-standard itinerary suitable for passengers who would normally be excluded due to a medical condition. Please call or email to discuss the options.
Are there any age restrictions
You are booking the entire boat and we can tailor a trip to almost any age of passenger - as long as they can stand without assistance and hold on tight when necessary. This usually means a minimum age of 6 years, but please call or email if your children are younger and we can discuss the options.
How Do I Book
Please use our online booking service to reserve your trip.
We want to ensure the trip meets your expectations. Please talk to us by email or phone if you have any questions, or would like to discuss a specific itinerary.
Do I need a life-jacket
We supply state-of-the-art "Ocean Safety" automatic life-jackets for adults and any children over 15kg. These must be worn at all times.
Will I get wet.
Maybe. XS RIBs are renowned for their "dry" hull with spray rails designed to deflect the water away. However, wind blown spray may catch you out, and sometimes it rains in Cornwall.
Unfortunately, we cannot issue our waterproof jackets at present due to COVID-19. Please bring your own waterproof jacket. We continue to provide waterproof trousers.
Are there any toilets onboard
No, I'm afraid not. However, you have chartered the whole boat so we can divert if necessary.
I expected it to be a lovely sunny day, but it's a bit wet/windy/cold...
We want you to enjoy every minute of your time with us and we plan everything meticulously, but we cannot control the Cornish weather.
We cannot issue our waterproof jackets at present due to COVID-19.
Therefore, if you decide the weather is too poor for your trip then you may cancel and either re-book (subject to availability) or receive a full refund.
As always, the skipper has absolute discretion to cancel or postpone a trip if they deem the conditions to be unsafe. You will receive a full refund if we have to cancel a trip for any reason.
Departure Information
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before the departure time.
There is a short safety briefing before departure and we must ensure everyone is wearing a life-jacket that is adjusted properly.
DEPARTURE MEETING POINT
We depart from Helford Passage, TR11 5LB. This involves a step of approximately 40cm into the boat.
Helford Passage TR11 5LB
We recommend you approach through Mawnan Smith unless you are familiar with the narrow roads via Port Navas. Please pay (£2 all day cash only) and display in the car park on the right before you enter the village and walk down onto the beach front. Please do not drive into the village; there is no parking and very limited turning space. Make your way onto the pontoon and ask the ferry to transfer you to Harbinger. There is no charge for the ferry transfer.
IMPORTANT - COVID19
The pontoon we use for boarding is also used by passengers on the Helford River Ferry and other boat owners. Due to COVID-19, local authority regulations require everyone to wear a face-mask while on the pontoon. These may be purchased at the kiosk if you forget to bring your own.
Helford Village
This is more convenient if you are coming from the Lizard or beyond Helston.
Please pay and display in the car park on the right just before you enter Helford Village. Please do not drive into the village; there is no visitor parking and very limited turning space. Walk through the village, past the Shipwrights Arms and follow the signs for the ferry. Please take care as there has been a landslip along this path. Call the ferry by opening the yellow signal board and they will transfer you to Harbinger. There is no charge for the transfer.
Cancellation by You
We have a cancellation guarantee during COVID 19.
You may cancel any booking at any time up to midnight the night before the trip and receive a full refund. Please note, "no-shows" are not entitled to any refund.
Cancellation by Us
The skipper is responsible for your safety and has absolute discretion when deciding if a trip will proceed.
If we cancel a trip due to adverse weather or for technical, mechanical or commercial reasons you will be offered the choice of an alternative date (subject to availability) or a full refund.
What should I wear
Please bring a a waterproof and windproof jacket plus warm sweater / fleece / hoodie as it will be several degrees cooler at sea than on land.
Can I bring a camera or phone
You are welcome to bring cameras and phones but please note we do not accept any liability for loss or damage to items or equipment you bring on-board. They may get wet. You may not be able to hold onto them when you are holding onto the safety bar. We suggest they are securely attached to you. We have waterproof bags available for your small items of equipment and belongings, however they do not offer impact protection.
Can I take an RYA course with you
Iain is a qualified RYA Powerboat Instructor and can provide a refresh for those who have completed their PB2, or a taster to those thinking about taking the course. However, certificates must be issued by accredited schools. We suggest Mylor Sailing School if you would like to take the two day course while in Falmouth
What else should I bring
- A drink and your snack of choice.
- Suncream
- Hat/Sunglasses
- Warm clothes
- Waterproofs
Minimum number of passengers
The price quoted is for the whole boat booking. We can accommodate up to 6 passengers (reduced from 7 due to COVID so there is more room on board).
Does the cost include fuel
Yes, the quoted cost includes fuel.
Please note, extended offshore trips and trips to the Isles of Scilly may incur an additional fuel charge. The basis for any extra charges will be agreed with you at the time of booking.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted whilst onboard.
Can we go swimming
Yes, on all trips two hours or more. Harbinger is equipped with a boarding ladder to help when you return to the boat. We can provide buoyancy aids if required and booked in advance.
Can I book just a one or two seats
All bookings are for the exclusive use of Harbinger. You will not share the vessel with another group. There is a minimum charge equivalent to two people on all trips except the full day which is a fixed price.
What time do you run the trips
Anytime between sunrise and sunset.
What happened to the 1 hour Bay Blast?
The one-hour trip was simply too short to offer our guests the right kind of experience, so we decided to discontinue that service.
Do you do high speed "thrill" rides - wave jumping and high speed drive-by?
No. Because, we know that a trip on a RIB at 20-25 knots is already very exciting. During the trip there is usually time to demonstrate the fantastic handling characteristics of a RIB but this will always be; with your agreement, out in the Bay and away from other water users. Our maximum speed with passengers on board is 30 knots.
It sounds great, but I want something a little different...
Call or email with your ideas. You are chartering the whole boat; we're game for anything (legal) and up to 20 miles offshore.
Any Other Questions
We're very happy to answer any questions you may have. Please call or email, or use the contact form here.