First Charter - Whitsundays

[bearkeley]

We have a 33ft Seawind 1000 on hold with QYC for a week early December. We are experienced cruisers in the US (27ft Trawler) and Competent Crew RYA Cert three years ago, but first time taking a sailboat/ Cat out on our own, so hope you can provide feedback on some of our questions below

1) Boat size - We are leaning towards the 33ft because of price but mainly the size (only two of us and not that big of a jump from our 27). If we were to eventually trade in our Trawler for a cat in the future, it will most likely be at least a 38....better to work our way up in size or does it not matter too much?

2) Cruising - Planning to purchase the guide 100m Magic Miles. Is it ok to get a used one or value in the latest edition? Would Navionics / other apps like Active Captain help as well? We would like to anchor at a spot for two nites to explore by dingy....is this a good idea on a 7 nite trip, or would we miss too much by not traveling to different sites each nite?

3) December conditions - weather gear">Foul weather gear and trip insurance are already planned for. Seems like it isn’t peak season but with many boats booked, seems pretty busy. Should we plan to drop anchor by noon or is it a big enough place to not have to worry.

4) Diving -is it worth getting a couple of tanks or is viz too murky where charters are allowed to cruise?

Any other tips appreciated!

[Darby695]

Originally Posted by bearkeley

We have a 33ft Seawind 1000 on hold with QYC for a week early December. We are experienced cruisers in the US (27ft Trawler) and Competent Crew RYA Cert three years ago, but first time taking a sailboat/ Cat out on our own, so hope you can provide feedback on some of our questions below



1) Boat size - We are leaning towards the 33ft because of price but mainly the size (only two of us and not that big of a jump from our 27). If we were to eventually trade in our Trawler for a cat in the future, it will most likely be at least a 38....better to work our way up in size or does it not matter too much?



2) Cruising - Planning to purchase the guide 100m Magic Miles. Is it ok to get a used one or value in the latest edition? Would Navionics / other apps like Active Captain help as well? We would like to anchor at a spot for two nites to explore by dingy....is this a good idea on a 7 nite trip, or would we miss too much by not traveling to different sites each nite?



3) December conditions - Foul weather gear and trip insurance are already planned for. Seems like it isn’t peak season but with many boats booked, seems pretty busy. Should we plan to drop anchor by noon or is it a big enough place to not have to worry.



4) Diving -is it worth getting a couple of tanks or is viz too murky where charters are allowed to cruise?



Any other tips appreciated!

1. Boat size will not be a problematic as it’s a personal choice.
2. The charter companies nearly always supplies a copy of 100 magic miles.
3. Reasonably hot / humid at that time of year, if it rains it’s not cold, just make sure you have some dry clothes. There are a lot of moorings all over the Whitsundays, generally the rules are a maximum of 2 hours until about 4 in the afternoon, however most of the boats don’t adhere to the 2 hours at anytime. I would suggest looking for the Lee moorings 2:30 to 3:00 for your overnights.
The proximity and numbers of the moorings means it’s better to use the”Mothership “ and occasionally using the dingy for socializing/fun.
Tanks are great, however on the 33ft not really enough room and refills cost quite a few “beers” from the sometimes friendly big dive charters.

Regards Darby

[Mr B]

November to March is the cyclone season on the Queensland coast,
Just be aware,