Whitsundays Bare Boat Charter

[Oldfield]

Day 3 (Over night in Nara Inlet, circumnavigation of Hook Island and anchored in Cids inlet)
When we left Airlie beach we headed straight for Nara Inlet. Safe anchorage in almost any breeze, but you should go deep in to the anchorage as it is just spectacular

Circumnavigated Hook Island (4 hours) in 15 to 18 knots. Great sailing in the passage but a little lumpy outside the island. Easy sailing here we are approaching the passage between Whitsunday and Hook Islands






Anchored in Cids Inlet at sawmill bay. Affected by tides, however, safe and good bottom for anchoring used 30 meter of chain in 5 meters of water had no problems. Indeed that was a good rule of thumb for all anchoring and we never dragged once.


to be continued ...

[Oldfield]

Day 4 (Hamilton Island anchored in Macoma over night)
Sailed to Hamilton Island for a crew exchange. Approaching Hamilton Island from North, however, navigator was approaching from south. Almost ran aground, except, yours truly was on watch and even I could tell that light colored water means trouble. We tacked like professionals. Amazing how a little excitement brings out the best in a crew.


Crew exchanged we head for Macoma. Down wind, heading north in a 15 knot S/E. Time to relax





Anchoring was easy.

to be continued ...

[Oldfield]

Day 4 (Macoma Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and anchor in Tongue Bay)
Light conditions provide comfortable sailing up the Whitsunday passage via Hamilton Island.

From there we motored through the passage with Whitsunday Island and around to Whitehaven Beach and then on to Tongue Bay for the night.
Crew took shore leave while I prepared afternoon drinks and tidy the boat. Saw turtles, Whales and dolphins all in one day.

From the lookout they could see south down Whitehaven beach and an inlet that is invisible from the ocean at low tide.

Tongue provided a good but lumpy anchorage with spectacular views.

to be coontinued ...

[Oldfield]

Day 6 (Opps !! previous should have been 5, loosing track of time we must be on holidays. Tongue Bay to Cid Harbor)
We leave Tongue Bay and motor around the point to Whitehaven Beach. A quick swim and then because the wind is going to pick up we head for Cids Harbor to sit it out. It got a bit rough 25/30 Knot S/E. We make it to Cids declare it ‘Beer Time’


and then proceed to continue the theme to dinner.


to be continued ...

[Oldfield]

Day 7 (Stay where we are Cids harbor)
The wind was still 25/35 knots S/E. We decide to extend ‘Beer Time” and take a little Shore leave. This involved climbing a mountain TWICE.

Her ‘Arildite’ (Eva) shows us the way home. Wrong direction Eva. Hours later we find the beach.


to be continued ...

[Oldfield]

Cooper,

To answer your questions;

Very few morings and very difficult to get one. The crowds were not great, however, during the Blow on day 7 we had an altercation with a power cat who thought we were anchoring too close to him. If you can sail, there are anchorages that still offer an escape 'TYPE' experience. You are, however, NEVER alone.

I think that for a real yatchie like you, you should not go back you may be disappointed. For newbies like us and dreamers like me and others it is a good safe start.

[Oldfield]

Cat man do,

I sense a tongue in cheek on this. Although you make an interesting point. For our boat the C70 Raymarine chart plotter was at the nav station. This I have decided is some hang over from times past.

Do not get me wrong I know that relying on electrial navigation or navigation by wire is DANGEROURS, however, it is a dam good backup and for newbies is essential.

One inertesting observation. A charter that could not fulr the sails. Shreeded a main and a genoa in the blow.

[Oldfield]

Cat man do,

Sorry about the english still JJJJJET lagged.

[Oldfield]

Dan,

We loved it. I know the world is full of great destinations, however, the sailing in the Whitsundays can be what ever you want. A great place to introuduce some friends to the joys of sailing.

By the way there are somne great places to eat on shore.

[Oldfield]

Soft air,

I am showing only the edited versions, however I hope there are enough for you.

[Oldfield]

Bill,

We missed you a great shame. We hope you are well and the breeze is at you stern.

[shadow]

GREAT stuff!! Looking forward to the rest of this saga/adventure!! Still very envious and can't wait to do the same thing. As you stated, since we are newbies, I want to see everything even though I know it will be packed with people. Then we can get our sea legs and experience to sail to the remotest of places..

Please continue. Really enjoying it!!!!! Thanks again for taking the time out to do this!!

[Oldfield]

Shadow,

I am biased by about $???,??? dollars, however, we prefer the Jeannaeu. The Bavarian was Good but

1. Cockpit too small
2. Finish very good but not excellant
3. Dual helms too big, reduced space
4. Helm had a little peice of wood that I kicked 1 million times. Jeanneau have a concave footing at the helm station
5. Instrunments in the center and not at each helm
6. No place to sit when stering. Jeanneau provide a horozontial seat.

What I liked was the storage and it is solid well made yacht. You would not go wrong with either, however at $600,000 plus compared to $400,000 plus for the Jeanneau DS42 I think we made the correct decission.

[Oldfield]

Texsail,

Thank you we had a great time. By the way you will be pleased to know we did celebrate the Ameriac cup win AGAIN. Sorry about that but we are a tiny country.

[Oldfield]

DTM,

You gotit in one. Too much fun. Sorry about the dealy, however, I made some post today