Chatering in Oz

[DanTribe]

My wife has decreed that we are to go to visit our son in somewhere called Australia in May. I am to be allowed to charter a boat in the Whitsunday Islands.
Does anyone have experience of that area? Any recomendations or pitfalls to be avoided?
Thanks for any advice.
Dan

 

[Cutter]

Wonderful area - chartered from Moorings in Dec 2001 from Hamilton Island - direct flights drom Sydney. Varied sailing but can be windy. Reef protection buoys allow 2 hours mooring during day and overnight if you pick one up at end of day.
Very good guide to the area available.
Take a plane trip out to the main reef and spend a day diving - they will come and pick you up off the back of your boat!
Only annoying thing is the local law requiring all charter boats to call in twice a day and report position - these skeds (schedules) are dreadful but simply solved by turning radio off.
Send me a pm if you want further info.
Richard

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Dan,

I live at the southern end of the Whitsunday Islands and spend as much time as possible cruising and racing this area. It's popularity is world renowned with over 70 islands and only a few are inhabited, most are national parks.

Get your hands on a book called 100 Magic Miles (of the great barrier reef) by David Colfelt. It has all the information you need as well as charts showing best anchorage spots and loads of photographs. Also listed are dive areas, fish types, resorts, radio call signs and more.

If you need more information I would be only too happy to point you in the right direction with a few web sites etc.

Avagreatvisitandnewyear Old Salt Oz,,,/forums/images/icons/cool.gif

 

[Magic_Sailor]

A lot of talking in Oz eh!

or a lot of cooking in Oz.

Seriously - there was an article on the Whitsundays in either Dec or Jan issue of Yachting Monthly or PBO - can't remeber which.

Magic

 

[BrianJ]

Great sailing destination.. I reckon I would use Oldsalts advice and get him to suggest an itinerary... May is good although the Hogs Breath series out of Airlie a little later is also beaut.. Make Oldsalt work for a change and he will come up with a good plan.
Brian J

 

[DanTribe]

Re: Chartering in Oz

Many thanks for the info to all who responded.

Oldsaltoz :~
I've tried to reply by PM and Email but there's obviously a problem somewhere.
Dan

 

[oldsaltoz]

Re: Chartering in Oz

Dan,
I will send a PM with my private e-mail address.

Meantime here are a few sites you might like to look at, they should make you feel a warmer if nothing else, includes info and charters.

http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/94368.html

http://www.marinersinn.com.au/

http://www.austyachtcharters.com.au/default.htm?SW850.htm~main

http://www.ccy.com.au/



Avagoodbrowse Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif