The
Whitsunday Islands are one of the best yacht charter sailing and cruising
grounds in the world. Sheltered from the ocean swells by the Great Barrier
Reef, the area is classed as having 'partially smooth water', which means
a safe and enjoyable sailing/cruising area for any one.
A bareboat yacht
charter in The Whitsundays, allows you the freedom to sail in
a World Heritage Listed Marine National Park, covered with trees and bush and as there are only 8 island resorts here, the area is basically an untouched wilderness.
When sailing here, the tide
should be taken into account when planning your day and a copy of the tide tables for this
area is provided onboard as part of the navigation equipment .
The tidal flow floods the area to the South, and ebbs to the North
flowing around 3 knots. Where the islands are situated close together (Solway,
Fitzallen and Hook Island passages) the tide flows at around 5 knots. So
using the tide to your advantage when planning your day is important!
Reef
protection markers with public moorings have been installed in sensitive
areas in several locations around the islands including Butterfly Bay, Luncheon
Bay, False Nara Inlet (Hook Island), Blue Pearl Bay (Hayman Island), Sunlovers
Bay (Daydream Island) and Black Island Reef. 
These buoys are fixed to the bottom
along the edge of the fringing reefs. You are required to either pick up
one of the many buoys or anchor outside of the reef markers, thus protecting
the coral from any damage. These markers and mooring buoys are clearly
marked in the book '100 Magic Miles of The Great Barrier Reef' which is supplied onboard every
vessel.
All the major central
islands such as Whitsunday Island, Hook Island, South Molle Island
and Hamilton Island, lie within 2 to 15 nautical miles off the
mainland - from 1 to 3 hours sailing from Airlie Beach. They are
all within sight from each other, separated by distances from
about 0.5 to 5 Nautical Miles.
The lesser frequented
southern islands (Thomas and the Goldsmiths) extend some thirty
miles off shore and are up to 15 miles apart. Delightful secluded
mainland bays are within 2 hours cruising north of Airlie Beach.
Navigating about is
therefore extremely easy, usually only by visual means, guided
by supplied charts and reference book - 100 Magic Miles of the
Great Barrier Reef.
All islands are fringed
by Coral Reefs and beaches, most having plentiful day and overnight
anchorages. Moorings and marina facilities are available at 7
of the resort islands (Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Palm
Bay Resort, Long Island Resort, Club Med on Lindeman Island etc)
CLICK HERE to see the Whitsunday Islands Map
Whitsunday Charter Fleet
The Whitsunday Islands, Australia
