Sailing

The Whitsundays offers the whole spectrum of sailing adventures for visitors to experience, whether it be charting your own course on a bareboat (skipper yourself) yacht or being part of the action on a crewed charter, an ocean racer or a tallship.

Alternatively, lie back and watch it all happen on a luxury launch or premium yacht and leave the land behind to set sail for an adventure.

'Bareboating' is the term used for skipper yourself charters. A variety of operators in the Whitsundays provide flotillas of yachts, catamarans and motor launches of vaying sizes for bareboat charter. While you don't require a licence, to get the most out of the bareboat experience, at least one of your party should have sailing experience.

The charter companies give a thorough briefing and trial run so your party can become confident in handling the vessel and they maintain daily radio contact for position and to assist with any questions.

The boats are well maintained and provide all the essentials for a few days sailing with everything from safety and navigational equipment to onboard shower and toilet, galley, dinghy, outboard as well as fishing and snorkelling gear. All the supplies you'll need are provided upon request. When you are all ship shape, then set sail to explore the Whitsundays.

Crewed yachts provide an alternative to bareboating with an excellent collection of classic yachts and ketches (double-masted) available. Spend a few days of sailing adventure aboard a square-rigger tallship or climb aboard an America's Cup legend, a classic yacht, a hi-tech catamaran or a performance racing yacht.

Great food, great company and comfortable accommodation go with an unforgettable experience and on that you can take an active part in from hoisting the sails to feeling what it's like to be at the helm of one of these graceful sailing classics.

Crewed yachts embark for everything from a couple of days to a week of exploring the islands. Itineraries can vary in some cases depending on the conditions and the wishes of the passengers but the highlights of Whitehaven Beach are high on the list of 'must do' visits along with snorkelling on the reef.

Diving is an option with several of the crewed charters as is learning to sail - a great preparation for your next sailing adventure in the Whitsundays.