Whale of a Sail with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht

by Toni Lucke on 28 Jul 2010 Sailing the Whitsundays promises holidaymakers the chance to get up close and personal with spectacular island vistas, warm waters and – between now and September – many of the 13,000 humpback whales heading north to calve and breed during this year's predicted bumper whale season.

Shute Harbour-based bareboat specialist, Whitsunday Rent A Yacht (WRAY), has been putting holidaymakers in charge of their own sailing catamarans, motor cruisers and monohulls and helping them plot their own routes around the Whitsunday Islands – including best whale-watching spots – for almost 30 years.

This year, up to 100 humpback whales a day are heading north on their journey from Antarctica and it is almost a daily occurrence for winter charterers to see them frolicking in the warm, sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park area. While boats and people must remain at least 300 metres away, snorkelers and swimmers may be lucky enough to hear whales' songs underwater. WRAY advises the best spots to whale-watch include the bays and inlets of the northern islands, particularly Hayman Island's Blue Pearl and Butterfly Bays.

Whales are just one of the drawcards of a Whitsundays cruise. From charterers who have had little or no experience to seasoned skippers looking for a chance to test sail a new craft, WRAY's fleet ranges from classic Lagoons to smart-performing Beneteaus, comfortable cruising Seawinds and elegant Perrys. Two thirds of the boats are less than five years old and all are fitted out with the latest equipment for comfort, convenience and safety.

The Whitsundays region, in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, makes for a perfect holiday destination – where just eight of 74 islands are inhabited including those with resorts such as Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream and others. Cruise itineraries may include visits to deserted islands, days lazing on picture-postcard white-sand beaches and overnight stays in secluded inlets – with resort stop-ins optional. On a skipper-yourself cruise, island hopping, swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing and resort night life action are the order of the day.

Delightful anchorages are dotted throughout the islands including several all-weather anchorages at Shute Harbour, Nara Inlet on Hook Island, Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Marina. Anchorages within an hour of WRAY's base are Long Island, South Molle Island and Daydream Island.

For diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, WRAY organises for cruisers to rendezvous with local dive boat operators in the warmer waters in the northern section of the islands. Pick locations are Mantaray and Leoncheon Bay, as well as Maureens Cove at the northern end of Hook Island, or Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island.

Fishing in the Whitsundays is carefully zoned but is an angler's dream. The calm blue reef waters are ideal for catching trevally, red emperor, Spanish mackerel, blue finned tuna and coral trout.

The skipper-yourself experience suits large and small groups of friends to families looking for a well-earned break, honeymooners wanting a secluded and romantic destination and sailing enthusiasts seeking to reconnect with the sea. Charterers are guided by WRAY to choose the right vessel to suit their holiday needs and level of experience.

For groups of eight to 10, 43ft or 50ft Beneteaus provide accommodation in private cabins. Catamarans such as a Seawind 1160, Beneteau Lagoon 380, 400 or 420, or Perry 432 are suggested for families and groups of friends with little or no sailing experience. All provide private cabins and separate ensuite facilities and are perfect for groups of eight. In midseason, charterers sharing the cost of vessels can pay as little as $100 per person per day (based on eight share).

Smaller, easy handling catamarans such as Seawind 1000 are ideal for families or two-couple groups. While they will accommodate up to eight, WRAY recommends these vessels for six, with the extra space and comfort a bonus. Motor cruisers are most often the vessel of choice for charterers who simply want an easy-to-handle boat to get them around the islands with a minimum of fuss.

Current star of the fleet is a Beneteau Lagoon 400 catamaran, one of the first of its kind in Australia. The fleet also includes top class monohull, the elegant Beneteau Oceanis 31 – which was named European Yacht of the Year in 2009 in the cruiser category and is acknowledged for its innovation, comfort and high performance. Other favourites are two smart-moving monohulls – the 40ft Silhouette and the 43ft Gigi – which placed first and third respectively at Hamilton Island Race Week in 2009. Pick of the motor cruisers is a new 35ft Fountaine Pajot which joined the fleet in 2009. It boasts a spacious flybridge as well as an ergonomic and protected helm station.

WRAY provides an area and information DVD on booking and recommends charterers plan their itinerary by reading David Coldfelt's One Hundred Magic Miles, a copy of which is provided onboard all vessels. An area and onboard briefing is held prior to departure, scheduled twice-daily calls and radio contact with base from 8am to 5pm daily all ensure charterers are equipped to experience the holiday of a lifetime.

Depending on duration and class of boat, mid-season (April-September) charter rates can range from high-end luxury of $10,500 for seven days to mid-range for $6,230 or from $3,200 or $4,300 for smaller boats. Also available is a range of Cruise-and-Stay packages in conjunction with premier resorts in the Whitsundays region.

For details phone reservations on 1800 075 000, email holiday(at)rentayacht.com.au or visit WRAY's website on www.rentayacht.com.au