Every now and then I get to accompany my husband when he's working. That probably doesn't sound very exciting, but when his job is to sometimes deliver sailing boats to and from
Hamilton Island and Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach then it's a different story.
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| Lazy sail back to Shute Harbour |
Sailing around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands in Queensland is arguably one of the most scenic and best cruising grounds in the world. Ask anybody who's done it, in particular those that have sailed here and have never left!
While you can enjoy overnight tours that are fully crewed and will take you to all the top spots, you can actually charter a vessel yourself, with no prior experience. It's called a
bareboat charter and there are various types and sizes of vessels to choose from, which can be hired from 5 nights or more from a variety of bareboat charter companies in the Whitsundays. To skipper yourself, and your family or friends, is the perfect way to independently explore the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
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| Sailing the Whitsundays |
Once you have made your bareboat booking, you can either organise your own provisions or get someone else to do it. It's often easier to have it all organised before you arrive so that you can maximise your time out on the water. Before setting off you though, you are given a briefing on the operation of the vessel, including sail instruction if your boat has sails, and where you can go and what you can do in the marine park. This usually takes about 4 hours; less if you have had previous boating experience. Once the bareboat briefer has signed you off then you are free to discover the jewels of the Whitsunday Islands, including the famous Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.
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| Anchorage at Betty's, near Whitehaven Beach |
Sail, snorkel, swim to your heart's content. Visit deserted beaches or island resorts. Take a bushwalk or try and catch a fish. Anchor in a secluded bay and soak up the stunning sunset. The choice is yours.
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| Sailing across Whitsunday Passage in 15-20 knots of breeze |
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| Hamilton Island Marina |
Twice each day, morning and afternoon, you are required to radio the bareboat charter company of your daily plans and overnight anchorage. This is so the company knows of your whereabouts and can easily organise assistance if you need it. At the end of your amazing charter, you are debriefed by a company representative to ensure all went well.
This is where my husband comes in, as he briefs and debriefs bareboat charters and delivers vessels to where they need to be. Lucky for me sometimes as I get to come along for the ride.
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| Departing Shute Harbour for Hamilton Island |
Those that experience cruising the
Whitsunday Islands say that it's the best holiday they have ever done, and usually come back for more. So, what are you waiting for? Book now for a holiday of a lifetime.
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| Sunrise at Shute Harbour |
