Just back from sailing in the Whitsundays....
Discussion
Yep - did this about 12 years ago - was a stunning 4/5 days. We took a couple of berths on one of the backpacker boats - Providence I think it was called, and was an old style schooner rather than rejigged racing yacht. Had a great time and shared time with a guy called Gary who was largely responsible for refitting the ship from his set-up in Balmain.
Highly recommended for as long as you can manage.
Highly recommended for as long as you can manage.
Du1point8 said:
One of the things on my OHs list of things to do, so if anyone has details Im all ears.
Hi Du1piont8, sailing in the Whitsundays is really great. I have sailed my own yacht over 35,000 miles around the pacific islands, & 18,000 miles in Oz waters, & consider the Whitsundays some of the very best.I ran tourist boats from the mainland, & island boats for 8 years, & ran a fleet of bare boats for almost 3 years, in the area.
It is best to chose your time carefully. December to April is cyclone season, with January to mid march the most prone. It is also the wet season, & can be very hot humid & uncomfortable.
April to September is the most reliable trade wind period. This is important because it is not only good sailing, but most anchorages used by bareboats are simply behind a headland or island. A change of wind, particularly at night can be pretty nasty.
The sailing & navigation is pretty simple. In hundreds of week long rentals, I never had a skipper get into trouble with navigation, other than when forced to move at night. Quite a few charterers had only some in harbour speed or fishing boat experience, but had no problems.
Boats are required to be anchored by 4.00 PM, when a radio schedule is held with the charter company. They are not to move before 8.00 AM, after a morning radio schedule. This is not a problem, as most passages undertaken require only a few hours.
The range is restricted, you can't go out to the outer reef for example, so it is wise to add a few days in ashore accommodation to get in an outer reef trip, & perhaps a flight over the reef. It is really only from the air that you can get a true perspective of the scale of the thing.
For those who have never experienced sailing in crystal clear warm water, with snow white beaches, it is something not to be missed.
Du1point8 said:
One of the things on my OHs list of things to do, so if anyone has details Im all ears.
This was the ship we sailed for 3-4 days...http://providencesailing.com.au
Okay, sorry for delay, busy doing nothing at all...
Here's a few snaps:
Boat was a Bali 4.3
Wives enjoyed the top deck
Taught my son to dive on the reef
Pano shot:
My kids at Whitehaven Beach:
Black Tip Reef Shark:
Sailing the Passages:
The most incredible sunsets:
Just an outstanding boat and wonderful location!!
Let me know if you guys want any details e.g. costs, agendas etc...
Here's a few snaps:
Boat was a Bali 4.3
Wives enjoyed the top deck
Taught my son to dive on the reef
Pano shot:
My kids at Whitehaven Beach:
Black Tip Reef Shark:
Sailing the Passages:
The most incredible sunsets:
Just an outstanding boat and wonderful location!!
Let me know if you guys want any details e.g. costs, agendas etc...
Gassing Station | Australia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff