Skipper yourself
Transcription
Skipper yourself
Skipper yourself ...get up and go. Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Australia Sail the Whitsundays The Whitsunday Islands are one of the best – if not THE best – sailing destinations in the world. Situated midway along Australia’s Queensland coast, the islands nestle between the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the coastline in the waters of the Coral Sea. Of the 74 Whitsunday Islands just eight are inhabited. So, whether your idea of the perfect cruise involves meandering between the internationally-renowned Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream, Lindeman, Hook, Long, and South Molle Island resorts, stopping in at secluded anchorages with not a soul in sight, or seeking out any of the natural wonders which abound in the region – this is the place to do it. Here, the weather is perfect one day and even better the next, and the waters offer snorkeling and scuba experiences that are second to none. Sail the Whitsundays. Simply superb. Discover paradise Summer in the tropical Whitsundays is hot, winter is warm, and autumn and spring days are balmy and mild. Average daily temperatures range from around 22°C in the winter months of June and July, up to 30°C during the height of summer in December and January. For most of the year, water temperatures are a welcoming 25°C. Oh yes… The water is an incredible, brilliantly intense, turquoise blue. To believe it, you need to see it. The spectacular blue of the Whitsunday region’s waters can be attributed to an ultra-fine sediment which scatters sunlight. Magic! Talk to the experts At Whitsunday Rent A Yacht we know the Whitsundays like the backs of our hands. And so we should – we’ve been in the charter business for some three decades. Our charter base at Shute Harbour is perhaps the most sophisticated of its kind in Australia – combining reservation and administration centres, a briefing room, reception, charterer’s shop and lounge, a sundeck, slipway, jetty and fuel stop. All our vessels receive five-star treatment – perfectly maintained and presented for every charter. We set the very best charter management, safety, and customer service standards. Our fleet combines first class yacht, catamaran and motor cruiser makes from around the world – charterers choose from legendary brands including Lagoon, Beneteau, Seawind, Perry, Venturer, Warwick, and more. At Whitsunday Rent a Yacht we take what we do, and the environment that makes it all possible, very seriously. We’re Eco Certified. Of course. Learn the ropes Our charter briefers – all expert sailors – start your cruise with a briefing covering all that’s important about navigating the Whitsundays. You’ll be shown sailing techniques and given terrific tips and hints for operating your vessel – both above and below deck. You’ll be told how to navigate through the islands, what to watch for weather-wise, and how to make the most of suitable anchorages. Ahead of time, you’ll receive a DVD covering everything you need to know. After a test sail… it’s anchors aweigh! The World Wildlife Fund calls the Coral Sea “the Serengeti of the Sea” and lists it as one of the world’s last remaining pristine marine tropical environments. Find the perfect vessel At Whitsunday Rent A Yacht, we enjoy playing matchmaker. Whether you’re sailing as a family, mates looking for adventure, two or more couples wanting luxury or simply a romantic twosome – we put a lot of thought into matching you with your perfect yacht, sailing catamaran or motor cruiser. If your holiday calls for deck space and big, belowdeck lounges, you’ll love our catamarans. Must have a galley with the latest appliances? We have vessels fit for a chef! Our boats’ private cabins and showers are stocked with crisp linen and fluffy towels. We have cruisers fitted with state-of-the-art sound and entertainment equipment, barbecues, fridges, freezers and more. Some of our vessels are racy – all exhilaration and speed. Others are sedate explorers – all set, and forget. Tell us what you need for your perfect cruising holiday. We’ll match you with the vessel of your dreams, for the holiday of a lifetime! Plot your itinerary Planning your cruise itinerary is almost as much fun as sailing it. We’ll help you select from approximately 120 charming, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park-approved Whitsunday anchorages. We’ll suggest stopping-off points such as Australia’s famous Whitehaven Beach, with its six kilometre stretch of white silica sand, and gorgeous Nara Inlet. We’ll recommend top dive and snorkeling locations, and advise on watching for dolphins, green turtles, manta rays and, from July to September, for humpback whales. Then, we’ll plot and document the lot. Perfect! A world first, Australia’s Eco Certification program acknowledges tourism operators providing genuinely environmentally friendly tours, attractions and accommodation products. Take it personally When it comes to service, we go the extra mile. Need an airport pickup? Tell us in advance, and we’ll send a coach to collect you from Proserpine’s Whitsunday Coast Airport. No time to shop for provisions? No problem. We can have your vessel stocked with the very best local produce, seafood, wine, champagne, juices and soft drinks – and a few special surprises. Just talk to our reservations team. Prefer to start and finish your charter from one of the islands? Easy! We can deliver and collect your vessel for you. And if you’d prefer to sit back while someone else takes the helm, think about engaging a Whitsunday Rent a Yacht cruise guide. They’re all expert sailors, great hosts and, just as importantly, great fun! Right now, almost half of our charterers are returning to do it all again with us – and loving it. When it comes to positive acknowledgement, we couldn’t ask for more. Stay safe Your safety is our priority. All our charter vessels are surveyed to Maritime Safety Queensland standards. During your charter, we’ll be in touch via scheduled, twice-daily radio calls to check all is good and ship shape. We’ll call with weather updates, news about on-thewater events and happenings, and special information about your overnight anchorages. We’ll cover any questions you might have and most importantly, check you and your crew are having a great time! Home to more than 1,500 species of tropical fish, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Cruise between July and September to spot humpback whales as they migrate north to calve and breed in the warm, sheltered Whitsunday waters. Fantastic! What to bring Sun hat Sunscreen Beach towel Swimming costume Camera Credit card/cash for drinks, resort visits and souvenirs Light and comfortable shirts, shorts and skirts Smart casual clothes for island dining Sneakers for going ashore A smile! What’s included Getting there Cutlery Mooring lines and fenders Crockery Boarding platform/ladder Cooking utensils Motorised dinghy Coffee plunger Boat hook Storage containers Electric anchor winch Fridge Fixed bimini/spray dodger Gas stove Snorkeling gear Gas BBQ Hot and cold water Oven and grill First aid kit and manual Bed linen AM/FM radio cassette Pillows CD player Blankets VHF two-way radio Bath towels 12V socket Hand towels Life jackets Tea towels Spray jackets Charts Fire extinguishers Dividers Flares Parallel rule Sponges Barometer Scourers Torch Matches Clock Detergent Small ships manual Paper towels Boat operation manual Insect repellent Fishing and navigation books Garbage bags The more the merrier! Guide to anchorages Toilet paper Tide tables Guest soap Self furling headsail Air freshener Whitsunday Rent a Yacht’s minimum charter period is five nights. One week to 10 days – or more – is recommended! Slab reefing mainsail Fly The Whitsundays region is serviced by the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine. Drive The Bruce Highway links major cities along the Queensland coast, including Proserpine. Major coach companies include the Whitsundays in their regular scheduled services. Rail Traveltrain services to Proserpine include the Tilt Train and the Sunlander. Licences? You don’t need one. What you WILL need is plenty of good old fashioned common sense! How long? Australia Within Australia: Telephone: Facsimile: 1800 075 000 07 49 469 232 07 49 469 512 International Telephone: Facsimile: +61 7 49 469 232 +61 7 49 469 512 www.rentayacht.com.au [email protected] 6 Bay Terrace Shute Harbour Q 4802 Postal Address PO Box 357 Airlie Beach Q 4802 ABN 99 010 834 796 Travel Agent