Whitsunday Charter Boat Holidays
Recreational Boating on Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Oct 31, 2009
The Whitsunday region of Australia's Queensland coast houses the largest charter boat fleet in the southern hemisphere. Holidaymakers and boating enthusiasts have endless options for exploring the 74 islands offshore. Skipper yourself or go with a professional crew. Buy a budget sailing trip or a luxury cruise. Hop on a catamaran, tall ship, ex-racing yacht, classic cruiser, or modern monohull. Come back in a day or stay out for a week. Here's how to choose.
Whitsunday Bareboat Sailing
For the definitive self-skippered sailing adventure look no further than a Whitsunday bareboat. The term bareboat refers not to the level of dress worn aboard, but to the lack of any formal crew. Advantages of bareboating holidays lie in the freedom and flexibility they offer. The boat charterer sets the schedule and pace.
Bareboating is well established in the Whitsundays and the standard of service is consequently high. Today's bareboat fleet includes yachts, flybridge cruisers and sailing or power catamarans. There are vessels to suit as few as two or as many as twelve guests. Boats are equipped with comfort, safety and enjoyment in mind.
Previous boating experience might be considered preferable but at present is not required. Preliminary briefings are standard procedure to ensure charterers are comfortable with handling their chosen boat. Included is an area brief which assists clients with making the most of their Whitsunday Holiday. The waters of the Whitsundays are classified partially smooth thanks to the many mountainous islands and their close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
Whitsunday Charters With Crew
If your comprehension of boating is limited or you'd prefer a qualified captain at the helm, consider a crewed charter. Guests still enjoy an independent style of travel whilst reaping the additional benefits of being pampered by a dedicated crew. Skippers, hostesses and deckhands are chosen specifically for their friendliness, local knowledge and professional expertise. Guests may join in on deck if they wish or just sit back and admire the view.
Numerous types of vessel are available for charter with crew, including sloops, cutters and catamarans, ex-racers, motor cruisers, luxury super-yachts and historic ships. Select from day trips, value-for-money short-stay packages or the utmost in five-star opulent escapes. Some charter companies also cater for VIP and corporate events.
Whitsunday Boat Accommodation
Whitsunday boating holidays can be tailored to singles, couples, families and friends. Most charter companies have brochures and websites showing vessel layouts and cabin arrangements, making it easy for prospective clients to select appropriate accommodation in advance. Privacy may be limited on yachts whose interiors are open-plan. Such vessels are often geared to the backpacker market and are priced accordingly.
Sailing the Whitsundays - Useful Facts
Whitsunday Charter companies are mostly located at Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour on the Australian mainland. Exclusions to this are the businesses and private enterprises running out of Hamilton Island. With the increased frequency of commercial flights to Hamilton Island's jet airport it is now possible for many bareboat rentals to begin and end here, regardless of where the company's operations are actually based.
The Whitsundays have a tropical climate and can be sailed year-round. Winter (from June to August) generally boasts clear skies and consistent tradewinds blowing from the southeast. Spring and autumn typically bring wonderful weather with a reduction in wind speeds and crowds (Australian school holidays and Hamilton Island Race Week excepted). Summer (January to March) is the hotter and more humid time. It is also the period when cyclones can affect the Queensland coast.
Pack polarised sunglasses, suitable footwear, sun protection and seasickness medications. Soft bags stow better than hard cases. Stinger suits are necessary from November to May to protect swimmers from Australia's box jellyfish and Irukandji. For more information on sailing the Whitsundays see David Colfelt's 100 Magic Miles, produced by Windward Publications. Colfelt's book is the boating bible for the region and also makes an excellent souvenir.
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