Sunsail Whitsundays has increased its Sailing School Rallies to four

by Alex Blake on 24 Jan 2011 Sunsail Sailing School's unique rallies around the Whitsundays one new route and two new departure dates have been added from its base on Hamilton Island, Australia following the exceptional success of previous years.

Designed to improve sailing skills in a fun, sociable environment, the popular rallies combine expert supervision with enjoyable sailing around the Whitsundays stunning 74 islands. The Rallies are perfect for ex-sailing school students or anyone interested in gaining more sailing experience prior to embarking on further qualifications or chartering a boat themselves. This unique rally is intended to bring like-minded individuals together for some fun in the Whitsundays!

Explore the highlights of the region, refresh old skills, or gain new ones. With an itinerary that includes group BBQ’s and fun races, leisure time island resorts and beaches, this is definitely one for those who enjoy the social side of sailing too. The package also includes 5 days of sailing and 6 nights of accommodation onboard.

This year, one new northern route has been introduced to 'mix it up' so previous guests can experience new and different islands and new guests can get a taste of the islands a little off the 'beaten track'.

The Northern Route will head north-east from Sunsail's base on Hamilton Island, taking in the beautiful and unspoilt Border Island, before heading west to Double Bay, dinner and socialising on Cape Gloucester, Funnel Bay, and ending with a thrilling race back to base on the final day.

The Southern Route will take in Thomas, Brampton and Goldsmith Islands, dinner on Long Island, and also ending with a race back to home base on Hamilton Island.

Both routes depart from, and return to, Hamilton Island and include an over-night mooring at one of the island resorts mentioned above. There are also barbecues, a Fun Race and price-giving ceremony, with guests under the expert supervision of Sunsail's experienced instructors at all times.

'The Rallies are now in to their fourth year, and as our 2010 dates sold out, we are now up to four departures for 2011,' says Sunsail Sailing School Principal Gary Shea.

'We [Sunsail Whitsundays] are very proud of the fact that we are the only Sunsail base in the world to offer these very unique forms of sailing rallies.'

'Our guests come from all sorts of backgrounds, and they really enjoy the ability to mix and interact with new people, all the while learning skills they can take home with them.'

'Having relocated from the United Kingdom, I am continually amazed that I get to show this stunning part of the world to people, and call it a job!'.

Due to popular demand two additional departure dates have been added for both routes. In 2011, guests can depart on the Northern Route on either 10th April or 26th June 2011, or the Southern Route on 23rd October or 4th December 2011. Departure dates have been chosen to ensure the best sailing conditions.

The five-day, six-night rally costs $1,595 per person and includes accommodation onboard and most meals (including dinner at a resort as outlined in the itinerary), as well as a skipper/instructor.

www.sunsail.com.au