Australia Bareboat Yacht Charter

Sail into paradise

The Whitsundays – rated as one of the world’s most beautiful sailing grounds – is made up of 74 islands and islets in the shelter of the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by sparkling seas.

Sunsail’s base on Hamilton Island is the ideal place from which to commence an Australian sailing holiday, giving sailors the opportunity to explore this wonderful island before they depart on their yacht charter.

Along with the golden sandy beaches that you would expect, the Whitsundays boast unparalleled fringing reefs, making them a delight for snorkelers and diving enthusiasts. Tropical fish and turtles in abundance, and frequent sightings of dolphins and humpback whales, are only a few of the marvels you are likely to experience here.

A yacht charter in the Whitsundays allows for easy, relaxed exploration of these islands at your own pace. With line-of-sight navigation, calm seas and plentiful secluded anchorages, an Australian bareboat sailing holiday requires only limited previous sailing experience.

These are tidal waters with a range of up to four metres and currents of up to three knots. There are occasional tropical showers between January and March. Wind speeds range between 10 and 25 knots (11 – 28 Mph) and temperatures between 23 and 30 C (73 – 86 F).

Itinerary / Highlights

Whitsundays bareboat yacht charter sailing holidays, Australia.

Six thousand years ago the Whitsunday mountain range was cut of from the mainland by rising sea levels and the Whitsunday Islands were created. Inhabited by the Ngaro Aboriginies when Captain Cook discovered them in 1770, many of the islands are still uninhabited and the only people on the beaches have swam there from their yacht. Sailing this heaven on earth is the only way to discover the instant appeal of these dense green islands with their spectacular sandy shores.

Hamilton Island is perhaps the most commercialised of all the Whitsundays and its ever-developing marina is a major draw for sailing enthusiasts. Still retaining its tropical charm, the island is home to Sunsail's Whitsunday base. With everything you would expect from a resort, the shops, restaurants, bars, take-aways, sports centre, nightclub and fauna park are all within easy reach of the base, particularly with the help of a golf-like buggy & the islands unique mode of transport!

Beaches are synonymous with the Whitsundays, particularly Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. The largest of the islands, wander inland to explore the tropical forests or head straight for the main attraction, the long, white, welcoming beach. With no facilities at all, you can indulge in a castaway fantasy, but you may be joined by other Robinson Crusoes as the day wears on!

Cruising notes

Hook Island is directly north of Whitsunday Island and very similar in appearance. Two magnificent inlets cut into the southern end of the island providing all weather anchorages for yachts, and Nara Inlet is very popular for a trip to the small cave displaying Aboriginal Paintings on the roof and the more recent graffiti additions close by!

South Molle is the largest of the North, Mid and South Molle Island group and the only one with a resort. A source of stone for Ngaro Aborigines, tools made from this material have been found elsewhere and have helped track their old trade routes. It's a hilly continental island known for its prolific bird life and excellent walking paths. The trails behind the superb nine-hole golf course lead to gum trees, rainforest and encompass stunning views of the islands from the top of Spion Kop and Mount Jeffreys, plus some of the quieter south side beaches.

Cast off from South Molle and chart a course for Airlie Beach on the mainland. A lively little town with an even smaller beach, it's perfect for stocking up or letting your hair down. Take advantage of the busy high street lined with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops or hire a car and explore the scenery inland.

Diving and snorkelling are a must when in the Whitsunday and dive companies can be found in almost every resort. Explore colourful coral atolls teeming with rainbow coloured fish and get an underwater perspective on your yacht!

Other Details

Accommodation Details

NOTES:-

Students to instructor ratio: 5:1

Embarkation/disembarkation:
Sunday for 6 nights
Start time - Monday 0900hrs
Finish time - Friday 1700hrs

On board accommodation:
Shared cabins on 35-40ft Sunsail yacht for 6 nights. Bedding and bath towel included. Marina fees are split amongst crew.

On shore accommodation:
This can be arranged through Sunsail - contact the team for more information.

Meals:
Price includes all breakfasts, lunches and evening meals on board. Clients welcome to buy locally favourite foods and drinks. Meals ashore at own expense.