Sunsail, Whitsundays, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Nov 21st, 2005
One way to explore the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland is to hire a yacht. There are 74 islands in total, originally named by Captain Cook who sailed through in 1770. He claimed you could sail around all of them in about a month!
Sunsail hires out their yachts on a daily or weekly basis. If you have sailed before and are competent handling a boat, you can hire one without a skipper. If it's your first time you can hire a skipper to teach you a bit about sailing.
There are a few things which may come in handy, such as knowing that left is port and right is starboard. You'll also have to remember that the wind is rarely constant from any direction, so you have to pay attention and tend to the sails accordingly.
If you don't know how to sail and you would like to sail without a skipper, you can either take someone you know to be a capable sailor, or enrol in a course and learn to sail. Sunsail runs five day courses which are internationally recognised.
On your trip you can bring your own food or let Sunsail provide you with gourmet cuisine from breakfast through to dinner. You'll be quite comfortable onboard as the yacht has everything; bedroom, bathroom, lounge and kitchen. There's also the chart table, where the captain can navigate the waters and radio back to land.
For a break from all that sailing, stop off at Whitehaven Island. It's a great opportunity have a picnic before a bit of snorkelling in the fringe reefs. These go right round many of the islands and make up a part of the Great Barrier Reef. There are over 1500 different types of fish and 400 different types of coral to discover.
Before you return your boat, make one more stop at the Hill Inlet National Park. The view is just spectacular, and will give you a chance to overcome any motion sickness before heading back to the mainland.
Further information
Sunsail will rent you a yacht, without a skipper, for half the usual price at from $210 a day. You have to stay for seven nights for the discount to be valid, and it's for the first 100 callers only. Valid 21/11/05 - 20/12/05
Sunsail
Telephone: 1800 803 988
Website: www.sunsail.com.au
Prices correct 21/11/05
Jetstar can fly you to Mackay with one way prices starting at $89 from Brisbane and $99 from Sydney. Prices are for online bookings only.
Jetstar
Telephone: 131 538
Website: www.jetstar.com
Prices correct at 13/10/05
