Chartering in Whitsunday Islands.

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Rigger

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Son and girlfriend are travelling to Australia later this year and I'm beginning to get a germ of an idea of taking the wife out there to meet them and chartering a yacht in the Whitsundays islands. I'm aware of several charter firms out there (including Sunsail) but wondered if anyone had any personal experience/advice. In particular would be interested in best time to go- I imagine avoiding the Christmas period is wise, but understand leaving it too late runs an increasing risk of cyclones and rain. Any thoughts/advice much appreciated.
 
We went with Queensland Yacht Charters about three years ago. The company was brilliant, boats excellent and the personnel superb, but it has changed hands since then so I can't speak for the set-up today. We went in October which was considered a little late in the season although they say the seasons have more to do with school holidays that weather. Except very occasionally cyclones don't strike as far south as Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.

It had long been an ambition on mine to sail in the Whitsundays but I have to say I was slightly disappointed. The Islands are a World Heritage site and heavily protected to the extent that, apart from Hamilton Island there is no development allowed at all. This means no beach bars, no restaurants and no shops. For many people - and for us most of the time - this is perfect, but it would have been nice to have been able to eat ashore once or twice in 10 days. You have to take every thing with you unless you plan on a mid-cruise re-victual at Hamilton, which many people do.

That said, the islands are beautiful and varied and there as some historic sites that are well worth visiting. Winds are normally Trade Wind steady and moderate in strength and among the islands the seas are pretty flat. Navigation is straightforward and distances between anchorages short - an easy day sail or less each time. Some of the anchorages are very popular with the back-backer boats which give a splendid opportunity to re-acquaint yourself with all the old Whitbread Round the World Yachts to which you always wondered what happened.
 
Get hold of a copy of 100 Magic Miles. There will probably be a copy on board the boat, but it's well worth studying beforehand.
As James says, it's a magic area but highly regulated so don't expect to go off and do your own thing where ever you feel like it.
We chartered from Cumberland, good, friendly service, but was some years ago.
 
I agree with the earlier posts about the place and victualling. With regard to the time to go I seem to remember that the six months April to September is the better part of the year. Sunsail used to move at least some of their boats south to Sydney in October - and then back, I believe, in Feb / March.
 
November to May is cyclone season (with cyclones more likely to occur Feb to April) which is also the wet season. From March to about the end of July it is the trade wind season. If you like sailing in 20 to 25+ knots then this is the time. For general lazy cruising in a good proportion of 10 to 15's, snorkelling, little to no rain and nice temperatures the best months are August to October, with September being the sweet spot. If whale watching is of interest, August will see lots of Humpbacks but there will still be a few around come September.
 
jamesjermain said:
The Islands are a World Heritage site and heavily protected to the extent that, apart from Hamilton Island there is no development allowed at all. This means no beach bars, no restaurants and no shops. For many people - and for us most of the time - this is perfect, but it would have been nice to have been able to eat ashore once or twice in 10 days. You have to take every thing with you unless you plan on a mid-cruise re-victual at Hamilton, which many people do.

That said, the islands are beautiful and varied and there as some historic sites that are well worth visiting. Winds are normally Trade Wind steady and moderate in strength and among the islands the seas are pretty flat. Navigation is straightforward and distances between anchorages short - an easy day sail or less each time. Some of the anchorages are very popular with the back-backer boats which give a splendid opportunity to re-acquaint yourself with all the old Whitbread Round the World Yachts to which you always wondered what happened.
Click to expand...

exactlty why the Whitsundays are so popular - such a different experience from the 'developed' locations elsewhere. you could always set up your own beach bar aboard at anchor and barter for your meals :)
 
ReefMagnet has hit the point on weather. As to restaurants ashore there are resorts with restaurants/bars at Long Island and Daydream Is which welcome visitors but the only places to re-victual are Airlie Beach (or bus from Shute Harbour) and Hamilton. Plenty of choice of anchorages, busy or quiet. Restrictions are mainly to stay within the main group of islands, usually charter boats are not allowed to venture to the outer reef but frankly a day trip by fast power cat from Hamilton Is can be more enjoyable for diving without the worry of weather and anchoring.
 
Ta Gypsy. To expand on the more cosmopolitan locations, you have a choice of the following:
  • Stay in Abel Point Marina (Mainland) and mingle with the Airlie Beach crowd (a good walk or short taxi ride away). This is also very close to a main shopping centre so is a great re-supply location.
  • Stay at Hamilton Island Marina (Hamilton Island). Hamilton Island is a resort / township with choices of eateries and drinking holes. Well worth a visit. It's where I have, and would, stay to get a break from all that nature. It's also a hub for booking of many other tourist activities, as is Abel Point.
  • Stay at Hayman Island. You can berth at the island's marina, but you cannot stay on the boat. You must book accommodation. This place is pretty exclusive so expect to spend $$$
  • Moor up at a choice of South Molle, Daydream or Long Islands. All these islands have resorts that permit day visits for a fee. You can also stay overnight at these resorts as well, although Daydream is the only one I would really recommend. Having said that, a new "pamper" style limited guests resort has just re-opened on Long Island, who's name escapes me. This one has a small cove that yachts could anchor in. Probably best to Google for this one if interested.

Did someone mention "100 Magic Miles"? That's the bible for chartering around these parts. AFAIK all the charter boats are supplied with a copy, but you can visit the website for preliminary information. http://www.100magicmiles.com/
 
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