Whitsundays for Summer

[FraidNot]

We usually wander around Moreton bay for the holidays but now contemplating next summer (2012/13) in the Whitsundays.
I will check with my insurance company for limitations or requirements.
I guess cyclone's are the main concern ?

[downunder]

Originally Posted by FraidNot

We usually wander around Moreton bay for the holidays but now contemplating next summer (2012/13) in the Whitsundays.
I will check with my insurance company for limitations or requirements.
I guess cyclone's are the main concern ?

It is a great place during summer. I look foward to rain as it is always cool when it is raining.

Just ensure you have a place in the mangroves to put your vessel if a blow comes around.

[FraidNot]

anyone know the rating or "quality" of the whitsunday marina's in terms of withstanding a cyclone ?

[downunder]

Originally Posted by FraidNot

anyone know the rating or "quality" of the whitsunday marina's in terms of withstanding a cyclone ?

I personally would not recommend any and head for mangroves. Remember Hinchenbrook and what happened. Those in mangroves fine, marina wrecked.


Up to a catagory possibly be OK but I STILL WOULD NOT WANT TO BE THERE IN A DIRECT HIT.

These days forcasting is accurate and plenty of warning but you need to be with your vessel to react in time.

Cheers

[bodgy]

I can't think of many worse places to be in mid summer. I bought my boat in Mackay mid summer and found the heat and humidity appalling. Add the threat of cyclones and the prices waterfront businesses charge 'southerners' and you've got my idea of purgatory.

I love the place in winter, despite the waterfront piracy, but I'd reckon you have to be a native FNQ to take mid summer.

I'd go south, Tassie is beautiful, many protected anchorages, cheap marinas.

[FraidNot]

For me purgatory is anywhere south of the border (QLD/NSW)
Hot is good - cold is bad. What is humidity ?

[boatman61]

Sounds like a fantastic trip.....
Have a frickin ball.....

[downunder]

Originally Posted by bodgy

I can't think of many worse places to be in mid summer. I bought my boat in Mackay mid summer and found the heat and humidity appalling. Add the threat of cyclones and the prices waterfront businesses charge 'southerners' and you've got my idea of purgatory.

I love the place in winter, despite the waterfront piracy, but I'd reckon you have to be a native FNQ to take mid summer.

I'd go south, Tassie is beautiful, many protected anchorages, cheap marinas.

During summer here it will be hot and whenever it rains it cools down. Rain does not spoil it at all in the Whitsundays. If you don't like go south but hey I recall spending Christmas in Melbourne when I was young with temperatures well over 100-110 degrees Farenheight for 10 days in a row.

I prefer the humidity and can always jump in water to cool down if you are on water.

[rusky]

I havent checked it out but Club marine are supposed to have 'riders' on the Whitsundays in cyclone season.
The Abel point marina couldnt hold its berths together in 20kn!
Also we are still getting the northerlies - might be fun getting there.
Anyway - whatever you do, have fun.

[SimonV]

Stingers Stingers Stingers....every time you decide to have a dip you have to get into your head to toe stinger suit unless you have invested in a stinger pool that is only useful if you are staying in one place. Apart from that its a great place.

[FraidNot]

thinking of repositioning the boat from Brisbane to the Whitsundays over winter - and have it in place for Sept and Xmas hols in 2012. I've done all the central/northern islands - perhaps the Shaw Thomas region is worth a look? If so, Mackay marina may be the best value for 6 months ?

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by rusky

I havent checked it out but Club marine are supposed to have 'riders' on the Whitsundays in cyclone season.
The Abel point marina couldnt hold its berths together in 20kn!
Also we are still getting the northerlies - might be fun getting there.
Anyway - whatever you do, have fun.

Abel point!!! Cheaper to buy a 747 and fly in circles overhead, than to stay there. Even hamilton Ilsand is cheap by comparison.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by FraidNot

thinking of repositioning the boat from Brisbane to the Whitsundays over winter - and have it in place for Sept and Xmas hols in 2012. I've done all the central/northern islands - perhaps the Shaw Thomas region is worth a look? If so, Mackay marina may be the best value for 6 months ?

Shaw and Thomas are very nice. Also in the Mackay area is Scawfell, which I really like. Goldsmith is nice too. So many great anchorages so close together in that area!

We go south for summer though.

I think for long term, Gladstone might be good value, not so far away really. Also check prices at Bowen - even closer.

[bodgy]

Mackay Marina is quite secure, Musique was there for two cyclones, however their rates are very high. Also, the marina is a fair way from town and only has cafes, pub etc, no supermarket (as I remember).

[Reefmagnet]

thinking of repositioning the boat from Brisbane to the Whitsundays over winter - and have it in place for Sept and Xmas hols in 2012. I've done all the central/northern islands - perhaps the Shaw Thomas region is worth a look? If so, Mackay marina may be the best value for 6 months ?

From a price point, Laguna Keys marina is probably the cheapest in the immediate area, although it is a long way from anywhere. There is, I have heard, some silting at the entrance which may restrict a deeper draught boat from entering or leaving at all tides. Next choice would be Bowen. Another option is a swing or pole mooring and I think Edge's boatyard has them for rent. There's also a couple of cheapish boat yards in the area which might even make the idea of hauling the boat out for 6 months a viable alternative.

As for islands Thomas and Shaw certainly, also head south to Goldsmith, Carlysle / Brampton, St Bees / Keswick and definitely Scawfell. Between Thomas and Scawfell is a very pretty stretch of water around the Anchor Isles. Except for Shaw, and to an extent Thomas, these are away from the well trodden bare-boat track so tend to be a bit quieter.