Sailing in North Queensland with Nautilus Marine Insurance
by Nautilus Marine Insurance 13 Jul 2023 00:51 PDT

Ca Va - Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44 © Mainsheet Media
Winter sailing in the clear waters and stunning natural beauty of North Queensland appeals not just to locals, but to boat owners from all over Australia and as an insurance specialist, Nautilus Marine Insurance is there to assist you.
As one of Australia and New Zealand's leading providers of insurance solutions for recreational vessels and marine businesses, Nautilus Marine Insurance actively supports those who reside in the region, those who visit for the relaxing cruising, and those who compete in the racing events that highlight the bucket list of many a sailor.
Attracting participants from all over Australia, Hamilton Island Race Week and Magnetic Island Race Week offer exciting racing for all types of yachts from carbon fibre racers to local catamarans. Nautilus Marine Insurance is delighted to be able to support the North Queensland yacht racing season, and the region, with their established partnership involvement in both these regattas.
Of course, Nautilus Marine Insurance customers who travel to participate in the North Queensland regattas are covered by the terms of their policy as they journey north, and then as they head back to their home ports. One such customer is Peter Lewis, the past Commodore of Middle Harbour Yacht Club and Chair of the Making Waves Foundation, the charity of choice for the Hamilton Island Regatta.
Peter told us how much he always looks forward to his regular trip up the coast to North Queensland for both the racing and the cruising. "I am one of a group of school mates and friends who own a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 named "Ça Va". We cruise North every year, stopping along the way to see friends, change crew, explore different anchorages, and get the boat ready to race at Hamilton Island Race Week."
This year the crew of Ça Va have also entered the Magnetic Island Race Week. "It's a big commitment to get to North Queensland, and great to know that as a Nautilus Marine Insurance customer we are covered should anything go wrong. This year we have also decided to extend both our cruising and our racing... we don't aim to be back in Sydney until October!" he enthused.
Townsville local Lyndy Sawbridge, with husband Chris, skippers the Bavaria 38 Helena May based at Townsville Yacht Club. After placing mid-fleet at the 2022 Magnetic Island Race Week, including a win in Race 4, Lyndy and crew will be back to show up the visitors in 2023. "Bring it on I say. There is so much talent and passion in the sailing community here in Townsville and Magnetic Island. We always look forward to mixing it up with the visitors!"
For those like Lyndy, who are lucky enough to live and sail in the area all year round, you can contact Nautilus Marine Insurance or your broker for help. Nautilus Marine Insurance provides quality marine insurance for many customers in this region insuring vessels within secure marina environments, with certain restrictions on mooring types. Nautilus Marine Insurance policy holders submit an annual checklist to be completed to assist us with further information, this includes whether you are considered an absentee owner.
Remember, for your peace of mind, all vessels travelling north, and locally based crews competing in regattas that choose Nautilus Marine Insurance, will be protected by a leading private pleasure craft insurance provider.
This protection includes:
- Coverage up to 250 nautical miles off the mainland Coast of Australia (within Australian waters).
- Emergency Assistance (limits apply).
- Salvage costs, over and above the vessels sum insured.
- Nil Excess for loss or damage to the boat, by an insured event, if at a marina Berth/private jetty or pontoon (excluding damage caused by a Named Cyclone)
- Club yacht races up to 100 nautical miles, including the use of your spinnaker.
For further information call the Nautilus Marine Insurance team on 1300 780 533, email , or call your Insurance Broker.