Frequently Asked Questions About Chartering

HOW TO BOOK

To book your Whitsunday bareboat sailing charter or get more information, just CLICK HERE for our web form, or e-mail, or just call us on our toll free number 1800 639 520 or fill out our booking form. For International callers our phone number is +61 7 4946 6666 or fax number +61 7 4946 5355

TRAVELING TO THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

Our fleet is based at Abel Point Marina, adjacent to Airlie Beach township. We meet you at the marina, unload your luggage and escort you to your vessel.

AIRLIE BEACH IS ACCESSED BY

Air: Via Proserpine Airport then 1/2 Hour coach or taxi transfer, or via Hamilton Island Airport then by Fantasea Blue Ferries, Cruise Whitsunday and coach/taxi service to Abel point marina. Alternatively into Mackay Airport with connecting bus transfers or book a one way car rental with Hertz, Avis, Delta or Tropic Car Hire.

Car: By National Highway to Airlie Beach, turn off at Proserpine. Free car parking is available at the marina. Undercover security parking is available.

Coach and Train services are also available. For a nominal boat delivery and collection charge, you can commence and complete your holiday at Hamilton Island. Private Transfers with Charter Yachts Australia available on request.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

when you book your bareboat sailing charter in the Whitsundays, we recommend you purchase Travel Insurance to cover for losses arising from unforeseeable circumstances.

Plans are available which cover the unused, non-refundable portion of the costs of the prepaid travel arrangements such as fares and charter costs. Details are available on request or consult your travel agent.

BOATING EXPERIENCE

You don't need to be a Whitbread veteran but it is preferable that at least one of your bareboating party have some knowledge of boat handling, anchoring and use of navigational aids.

If you are unsure about your experience please contact us. Even very inexperienced sailors can enjoy the holiday of a lifetime after some training throughWindskills, located in Airlie Beach.

BRIEFINGS

On your departure day we will thoroughly brief you on your vessel, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the anchorages and navigating around, assist you in your itinerary and take you on a familiarisation sail. Briefings commence at 8:45 AM and usually last about 4 hours.

If need be we will gladly spend more time with you until you (and we) feel comfortable and confident before you set sail on your holiday. We can also arrange for a sail guide or skipper to be with you for a day or two at nominal cost. Twice daily we conduct radio schedules with you to advise weather, your location and proposed movements.

Suggested reading prior to arrival to enhance your holiday and assist planning your sailing adventure is 100 Magic Miles. This is a great souvenir of the Whitsundays and is utilised extensively during your area brief. Ask our crew about purchasing a copy prior to your arrival.

DAILY CRUISING PERIOD

The marine board permits our vessels to operate from daybreak. Please note that it is a requirement, for safety reasons, that you have anchored by 4:00 PM each day.

PROVISIONING SERVICE

If you intend to arrive in Airlie Beach on the day of your departure, we recommend you utilise our provisioning service which will, from experience, minimise departure delays and afford you sufficient time to sail to your first nights anchorage. Please advise your requirements 7 days before departure. Your order will be already stowed on board before your arrival.
To place your order please CLICK HERE. Please note all Self Select & Beverage orders through Whitsunday Provisioning will incur an additional 10% loading fee.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE RATE

Linen, blankets, pillows and towels.

Safety gear, navigational aids, snorkelling equipment and dinghy with outboard and fuel
Fully equipped galley for you to prepare those gourmet meals inclusive of crockery and cutlery.

Back deck BBQ for enjoying that starlit evening meal while listening to your favourite CD's
Expendables ie. soap, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, cleaning agents, garbage bags, foil, gladwrap, vinegar, salt and papper.

4 hour boat and area brief (all briefings usually commence at 0845 hours)
Fuel is not included and is payable upon return of charter for all vessels

WHAT TO BRING

The essentials to bring on your bareboat sailing charter in the Whitsundays are heaps of sunscreen, sunglasses, broad brimmed hat, swimsuit, shorts, T-Shirts, deckshoes and an old pair of sandshoes. Include a smart casual outfit for resort visits.

During the cooler months include warmer trousers and a light sweater or tracksuit. As storage is limited, use soft fabric luggage bags.

Avoid wearing hard leather or black soled shoes and coconut based tanning oil. Snorkelling equipment is on board but if you prefer your own gear, bring them along with your favourite CDs.

We have available for hire a limited amount of 12 volt IPOD FM transmitters, so please ask our reservation staff when making your booking.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

No Pets since the marina and national park does not allow pets.

Hair dryers, Hair Straightners, Blenders and Coffee Machines can only be used on SHORE POWER since they draw too much electricity for the boats.