Charter Chatter

Photo: Bait Reef courtesy of Lynne Boyce, Sydney Sundancer www.luxuryyacht.com.au

July 10 - The Great Barrier Reef, covers an area greater than Victoria or Great Britain and is half the size of Texas. It runs from Gladstone to Cape York off the Queensland coast. The reef is closest to the mainland at Cairns and is 35 nautical miles from the Whitsunday Islands, however some of the islands have fringing reefs.

Not all charter boats are licensed to carry passengers to the Great Barrier Reef. Some Whitsunday charter boats are limited to cruising around the islands and their fringing reefs. The larger skipper yourself boats are allowed to the reef with a cruise guide on board but check with your charter company before booking. Day trips on high speed multihull boats, dive boats, helicopters and sea planes are available from the mainland and the islands daily, weather permitting. Large floating pontoons on the reef offer visitor amenities and minimise damage to the environment.

July 10 - For Sale - A triple deck 24.8m catamaran for liveaboard overnight charters, fitted out with eleven passenger cabins, plus two crew cabins. The vessel is currently located in Broome and is surveyed in Queensland and Western Australia for 1C 45 persons ( 24 Berthed PAX) or 1D 106 persons. Buy the vessel for personal use or take advantage of cruise bookings for the Kimberley Coastline. To view details of this boat go to http://www.boatingoz.com.au/classiframes.htm and follow link to Boats for Sale, click on Advanced Search and copy and paste in Keywords the code: 7CP-353-47

If you want to sell your boat go to the Boating OZ classified section at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/classiframes.htm. Follow the links and fill in the form. Boats listed from Boating OZ by COB Monday will be listed each week in our newsletters and on the website.

July 6 - Queensland Yacht Charters has launched their new look website, jam-packed full of useful Whitsunday information. Visit the site http://www.yachtcharters.com.au, sign up for their newsletter and be the first to find out about new boats and specials. See August specials for last-minute great deals on Sailing with the Whales. They have some exciting web-based prize promotions planned for the future! Watch this space!
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July 4 - Sunsail has just seven yachts remaining for charter in Hahn Premium Race Week from August 19 - 26. Prices for charter start from just AUD$1,040 per person including nine nights yacht charter, fuel, race levy, insurance, marine park fees, a Hamilton Island marina berth for the duration of the charter plus spinnaker pole and sheets, braces, kicker and basic blocks. (Rate based on eight people racing aboard a Sun Odyssey Jeanneau 35.) Call 1800 803 988, email sunsail@sunsail.com.au or visit http://www.sunsail.com.au

June 30 - Whitsunday Rent A Yacht will be at the Melbourne Boat Show - winners of the 2005 Stand of the Year Award - Tourism. Visit them on Stand H14 and get some great deals for skipper yourself boating holidays on sailing yachts and motor cruisers in the Whitsundays. Ask them about a terrific new boating holiday adventure "Islands and Reef" skipper yourself around the islands then have a cruise guide join your vessel and take you for a trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Email rentayacht@bareboat.com.au Ph: 1800 075 000, Web: http://www.rentayacht.com.au

June 30 - Seven lucky passengers taking a cruise with Augusta Water Cruises watched two whales put on a magnificent display of tail slapping near Port Augusta SA for around two hours on June 28. Dolphins are seen 90 percent of the time on these cruises but whales are becoming more frequent each year.

June 30 - Migaloo the white humpback whale is about to enter Queensland waters on his 2006 migration. Migaloo has again been declared a 'special interest' whale which means no-one can drive a boat or jet ski closer than 500m or fly an aircraft closer than 2000ft to the whale without written permission. Whales can be seen in the Whitsundays from July to September.

June 26 - Last Minute Special Offer
Crew positions are now available on Kioni, a Beneteau 47.7 at reduced rates for
July 29 - Sydney to Mooloolaba
Aug 10 – 17 -- Airlie Beach Race Week
Aug 28 – Whitsunday to Sydney Adventure Cruise
Oct 28 – Gosford to Lord Howe
Nov 2 - Lord Howe to Sydney Adventure Cruise
Before races or regattas, Sailing Services run training days that allow for crew familiarisation and assessment. Contact Sailing Services http://www.sailingservices.com.au Mobile: 0438 082 616

June 26 - A new niche inbound tourism market is emerging in Australia with tourists from the UK, Europe, South Africa and Canada combining their Australian holiday with a maritime training course. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has recently started to offer its internationally recognised and acclaimed courses through selected training centres in Australia. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0626e.htm

June 26 - Winter has hit southern Australia and the northern states are popular destinations for boating holidays at this time of year. Booking a charter through a charter broker costs no more than if you book direct. A charter broker finds the best boat available for your needs and budget, saving you lots of time. As a licensed travel agent, they can also book your flights and onshore accommodation. See http://www.boatingoz.com.au/charbrokers.htm

June 19 - Great Barrier Reef Luxury Yachting Holidays - a once in a lifetime voyage of discovery, with nature at its best. Come and join others or privately charter in the paradise and calm waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Superb food and wines, personal guiding with friendly owners, glass bottom tender and much more! Visit http://www.luxuryyacht.com.au or call 02 9337 1870 for a DVD and brochure. Mention Boating OZ for a 20% discount off a private charter or 10% for individual bookings.

June 16 - Dreamboats & Workboats – the Halvorsen Story. A new exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum from July 1 will celebrate the lives and work of the renowned Halvorsen boatbuilding family. There’s an interactive screen ‘Find a Halvo!’ and a specially designed booth where visitors can record memories of their Halvorsen holidays. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0616.htm

June 12 - Oz Adventure Sailing welcomes the arrival of Pacific Sunrise in the Whitsundays. The 38m (125ft) Pacific Sunrise was built in 1979 by Charles Whippy & Co in Suva, Fiji. Pacific Sunrise is now fitted out as a boutique floating hotel with three deck levels, eight guest suites for a maximum of 17 guests and separate accommodation for a minimum of five crew. Pacific Sunrise operates three day, three night or six day, six night cruises among the Whitsunday Islands and to the Great Barrier Reef. Ph: 07 4948 2350 http://www.ozsailing.com.au

June 12 - Join the crew on Kioni, a Beneteau 47.7, racing north. On July 29 Kioni will compete in the 914nm race from Sydney to Mackay before competing in Airlie Beach Race Week (August 10-17) and Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island (August 18-26). Positions on the cruise back to Sydney are also available. Familiarisation and training days will be held in June and July. Contact Sailing Services http://www.sailingservices.com.au Mobile: 0438 082 616

June 12 - Valencia is the fastest growing tourism destination in Europe according to the Spanish Tourism Board. The biggest development is the creation of the Port America’s Cup, which has transformed the commercial port into a purpose-built facility for bases for the 12 teams. Two charter companies, based in Port America’s Cup, offer group and individual bookings on cruises to see the racing. Charter boats are also available from other locations. More information at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0612b.htm

June 12 - A large flotilla of yachts is expected to welcome Sir Francis Chichester's restored Gipsy Moth IV when she sails into Sydney Harbour on Sunday July 9. This will be a memorable day on the water and charter boats are available. More info about Gipsy Moth IV at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0612a.htm Fill out a Priority Charter Inquiry Form at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/aboutcon.htm and it will be forwarded to appropriate charter companies.

June 6 - Letters from the Med by Andrea and Ian Treleaven is a written and photographic account of their three summers cruising around the Mediterranean on their 47ft Beneateau yacht. Andrea's letters are concise and informative, conjuring up the atmosphere of the European ports with their old cities, modern marinas, stylish shops, restaurants and the passing parade of scantily clad people. Letters from the Med is ideal for people planning to charter or cruise in the area. For those who have already been it is sure to bring back great memories. Review at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0606.htm

June 6 - The Tasmanian Government announces that the Sydney-Devonport Spirit of Tasmania III service would be withdrawn from operation this year. A predicted downturn in domestic tourism and rising operational costs has meant the service is no longer viable. The last sailing for Spirit of Tasmania III will be Sydney to Devonport on Sunday 27 August 2006.  http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/

June 6 - Whales leave their feeding grounds in Antarctica at the start of winter and migrate to Australia’s warmer waters to give birth. Whale Watching:
June - July -- Sydney, NSW
July - September -- Whitsundays, Qld
July - October -- Albany & Exmouth WA
Late July - early November -- Hervey Bay, Qld

June 5 - No Leave No Life - Tourism Australia conducted the country’s largest ever study on annual leave accrual and discovered that Australians have 70 million days of accrued annual leave. http://www.noleavenolife.com.au/

If it’s time for you to take a holiday here’s some ideas – charter a bareboat or join a crewed charter, learn to sail in your home town or at one of the many sailing schools around Australia or improve your sailing skills and gain sea time for higher qualifications by sailing the east coast. Fill out a Priority Charter Inquiry Form at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/aboutcon.htm and it will be forwarded to appropriate charter companies or training facilities. They will then contact you direct with details.

May 31 - Correction: The new regulations in Queensland requiring children under 12 to wear a lifejacket on open boats under 4.8 metres while underway does not apply to dinghies that have life lines and positive floatation certificates and are not required to carry lifejackets. Whitsunday charter boat operators have verified this regulation.

May 31 - Well known charter industry identity Kellie Cornwall has joined the Reservations team at Queensland Yacht Charters in the Whitsundays. Kellie brings with her many years of experience and many friends in the charter industry. She can be contacted direct on: kellie@yachtcharters.com.au or phone: 07 49467400. http://www.yachtcharters.com.au

May 30 - Australian Antarctic adventurer and round-the world yachtsman David Pryce has joined forces with polar adventurer Hannah McKeand to launch a programme of Southern Ocean sailing expeditions under the banner of Blizzard Expeditions. Their aim is to give ordinary Australians the opportunity to experience some of the most inaccessible and beautiful parts of the world first hand. At the end of this year their first expedition will sail from Hobart down to Commonwealth Bay and return via the South Magnetic Pole. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0529a.htm

May 26 - The 100ft Cambria II is designed to operate adventure cruises in tropical conditions around northern Australia and will be available for charter in 2007. Her retro style was inspired by the owner’s previous landmark rebuild project of the 1928 Fife K-Class yacht, Cambria. Her traditional lines on the outside, combined with her period interior styling, have resulted in her affinity with a bygone era. The owner often stated – let us give the passenger a feeling of a comfortable yacht not a luxury hotel. More at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0526.htm

May 26 - Charter Chatter from Sanctuary Cove Boat Show
New regulations in Queensland require all children under 12 to wear a lifejacket on open boats under 4.8 metres while underway. The changes apply to those boats that are already required to carry life jackets as part of their safety equipment.

The charter industry awaits the policy documents before commenting on the ATO budget media release. The changes came as a complete surprise to those who had been involved in lobby groups.

The drivers of boats with engines over 6hp must have a boat licence in Queensland. The charter companies in the Whitsundays have successfully lobbied not to comply with this regulation as they give detailed briefings before a charter. The waters of the Whitsundays are also not as crowded as those in southern Queensland. A recording of the briefing or a checklist to cover both charter company and charterer was suggested by a person at the show involved in water safety.

Cumberland Charter Yachts have three new boats in their Whitsunday bareboat fleet, a Latitude 1035 sailing catamaran, Voyager 1040 power cat and a Beneteau Cyclade 43 yacht.

Whitsunday Rent A Yacht have a fleet of 40 bareboats, including yachts, sailing catamarans and motor cruisers.

May 16 - The Federal Government's media release on the amended tax treatment of boat hire arrangements looks good for Australian charter companies, boat builders and importers but until the policy documents are released and then analysed, industry leaders are not prepared to comment. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0516.htm

May 15 - Sail the stunning Costa Smerelda and the Maddalena islands of Sardinia, add a little of French Corsica with Bonifacio, Lavezzi, Port de Cavallo and Porto Vecchio and then rub shoulders with the captains of the sailing world at the exclusive Yacht Club Costa Smerelda in Porto Cervo. For those who enjoy relaxed cruising mixed with a few short races, Mariner Boating Holidays has introduced the first ever Bonifacio Yacht Rally to be held on September 7 – 25, 2006. Contact Tully– Ph: 02 9966 1244 http://www.marinerboating.com.au

May 13 - Whitsunday Rent A Yacht will once again offer some terrific deals on boating holidays in the Whitsundays Islands at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast on May 18 – 21. Visit them at their pagoda stand on the promenade or onboard their brand new Jeanneau 37 in the marina. Email rentayacht@bareboat.com.au Ph: 1800 075 000, Web: http://www.rentayacht.com.au

May 13 - If you are planning to hire a bareboat in the future, boat shows are an ideal place to check out the latest charter boats. Most of the boat builders and importers of the popular charter boats are represented at the major shows and have boats on the marinas where it is easy to compare and find the type of vessel that suits you. Major boat shows are held around the country throughout the year. See Boating OZ's calendars at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/calendar

May 13 - Whale Watching starts off Sydney early June for approximately 8 weeks. Whales leave their feeding grounds in Antarctica at the start of winter and migrate to Australia’s warmer waters to give birth. Whales migrating to Queensland for the winter stay close to the shore but when they head back to Antarctica they stay farther out and consequently whale watching is more expensive. See http://www.boatingoz.com.au/cosydwhales.htm

May 8 - Beneteau will showcase five sail boats at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21, including the Australian launch of the Cyclade 39, a cruising yacht and the Lagoon 380sll, a cruising catamaran. A Cyclade 43, Oceanis 423 and the racy First 40.7 will also be on display. Beneteau yachts and catamarans are popular charter boats. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

May 8 - Virgin Blue is flying direct from Sydney to Mackay on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with a promotional fare price.

May 8 - At Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, get on board the new Seawind 1160 bound for Queensland Yacht Charters in the Whitsundays. If you love the space and the unbeatable outdoor/indoor living area, head on up to the QYC booth at the roundabout at the end of the promenade and get 20 percent off your booking made at the boat show. Have your holiday dates ready and see Adrian and Suzette, owners of QYC to make your booking. http://www.yachtcharters.com.au Ph: 1800 075 013

May 6 - The Rolex Antigua Sailing Week’s organizing committee hosted daily racing from April 30 to May 5. For the first two days the fleet moored in Dickenson Bay, then at Jolly Harbour Marina on the west coast of the island, returning back to English and Falmouth Harbours for racing along the southern coast. The event, now in its 39th year, hosted thousands of competitors representing 30 countries aboard 191 boats. The top three finishers in each of the six bareboat classes competed in the Bareboat Championship Race. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0507b.htm

 - You can charter a bareboat for next years regatta from an Australian International Charter Broker listed at  http://www.boatingoz.com.au/charbrokers.htm

May 2 - Sunsail offers sailing enthusiasts an opportunity to learn racing skills while competing in the 2006 Hahn Premium Race Week on Hamilton Island from August 19-26. Experience the thrill of regatta racing, but also learn race tactics, course planning, sail trimming, race start sequences, racing rules, spinnaker hoisting and retrieving plus more. AUD$2,765 per person includes nine nights accommodation aboard a Beneteau 411 yacht, tuition costs, most meals and many incidental charges. Sailing skills to a minimum of Competent Crew level are required. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0502b.htm

May 1 - Southern Cross Yachting will promote the first Australian RYA training courses on catamarans at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on May 18 – 21. The liveaboard courses on board a luxury Fountaine Pajot 43 can be completed over weekends or five days with a maximum of five students and include all meals. Courses depart from Manly Harbour, Brisbane. http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

May 1 - Sunsail was the Best Asian Charter Company at the second Christofle Asia Boating Awards in Singapore and was the only repeat winner in the awards, which were first held in April 2005 at the China International Boat Show. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0502a.htm

April 24 - Sydney Mainsail's 33 foot sailing catamaran is available for charter on Pittwater for winter starting May 6 for $125.00 per hour - 50% off the normal price. Enjoy Pittwater's secluded bays with up to 20 friends. Sail from Newport to the famous Palm Beach Fish and Chip Shop for lunch, then to the Basin for a walk in the National Park. Or stay onboard, enjoying your own food and drink while soaking up the sun and chatting to friends. Ph: 612 9979 3681 http://www.sydneymainsail.com.au

April 24 - The world's biggest cruise ship, the Freedom of the Seas has drawn a crowd of thousands in Hamburg ahead of its maiden transatlantic voyage departing April 25. The crew had to carry out a tricky manoeuvre, as the ship's berth was only three metres wider and 12 metres longer than the ship. The 160,000-ton ship is 339 metres long, 56 metre wide and boasts the world's first on-board surfing pool, a skating rink and a rock-climbing wall. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0424c.htm

April 24 - The BMW Sydney Winter Series starts on Sunday April 30 on Sydney Harbour. Charter boats and individual places are available throughout the winter for this popular racing series. Contact Boating OZ if you would like to join in or fill out a Priority Charter Inquiry Form at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/aboutcon.htm

April 24 - Gaffers Day will be conducted by Sydney Amateur Sailing Club on April 29. A fleet of historic vessels will gather at Athol Bight at 1pm for a sail on the harbour, creating a wonderful spectacle for anyone on the water. It's an ideal day to charter a boat. Preview of some of the boats by Peter Campbell at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0424d.htm

April 18 - An integrated engineering company, MPI Group, announced a three year naming rights sponsorship of Iain Murray’s ex America’s Cup Challenger – the Spirit of Australia. The yacht will be known as “MPI SPIRIT” and will be available for corporate charters, including harbour cruising, twilight racing in summer and Sunday racing in winter as well as scheduled harbour sailing for individuals on Fridays and Saturdays. Media release by Arabella Hammon at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0418.htm

April 16 - Booking a charter through a charter broker costs no more than if you book direct. A charter broker finds the best boat available for your needs and budget, saving you lots of time. As a licensed travel agent, they can also book your flights and onshore accommodation. See http://www.boatingoz.com.au/charbrokers.htm
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April 10 - Sydney By Sail Easter Specials
  - Four day bareboat charter for the price of two days
  - 15% OFF skipper course April 14-16 (inc all meals)
  - Eight hour skippered charter - 50% OFF skipper cost
  - Three hour sightseeing sail - book for two and receive 50% OFF the second ticket
Join Sydney by Sail as a regular crew member on a Hunter 38 for the Sunday Winter Racing Series. Ph: 612 9280 1110 Web: http://www.sydneybysail.com

April 10 - Position Vacant - Latest free listing on Boating OZ
  - Full time Sales/ Receptionist for boat charter company in Sydney
See http://www.boatingoz.com.au/employframes.htm

April 10 - Tahiti for Sail - Cruise among the stunning tropical islands of Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora in Tahiti’s Leeward Islands and experience the turquoise waters of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Package prices are from $2,695 per person ex Sydney for seven days with six people sharing a Beneteau Oceanis 411. Other yachts with prices valid for charters between September 29 and December 12, 2006 are listed at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0406b.htm

April 10 - Captain Cook Cruises - During the school holidays from April 14 - 28, one child cruises free with every paying adult on presentation of a Royal Easter Show ticket on the Explorer, Cafe and Highlights cruises. Book online by purchasing adult tickets, and then present the Easter Show ticket at check-in, or purchase at the ticket box on the day. Ph: 612 9206 1122 http://www.captaincook.com.au

April 5 - Boab Boat Hire is franchising Australia wide their self drive trailered boats suitable for skiing, fishing or family fun. The business, the first allowed to hire self drive boats in NSW open waters, currently has boats available from Wollongong and Jervis Bay. Boab Boat Hire provides training and marketing to franchisees and assists with liaising with government bodies to obtain licences. Large centre cabs, medium size bowriders and estuary / river boats are available. Ph: 0421-919-305 or visit http://www.boabboathire.com.au

April 3 - Sail from Hervey Bay to Hamilton Island - Due to a late cancellation Sunsail have 3 spots remaining on their April MileCatchers Voyage between Hervey Bay and Hamilton Island, departing April 14. The ten day voyage involves cruising the Great Sandy Straights inside Fraser Island before heading to the Whitsundays. Depending on weather conditions, stops are scheduled for Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands, the Percy Isles and the southern Whitsunday Islands. Toll free Ph: 1800 803 988 http://www.sunsail.com.au

April 3 - The Australian Windsurfing Championships will be held on Hamilton Island from April 22 - 28, providing a spectacle on Catseye Bay for guests. Media release by Susan Boyd at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0403d.htm

April 1 - The best way to sail the Dalmatian coast of Croatia is one way from north to south. Mariner Boating Holidays have a bareboat special for a trip departing Biograd on June 11 and finishing in Dubrovnik on June 24. The prices are $4,175 per person with 6 people sharing a luxurious Beneteau 473, or for 8 people sharing a Beneteau 50 $4,650 per person. Prices include flights and overnight accommodation upon arrival in Biograd. Call Amy on 612 9966 1244 or 1300 131724 http://www.marinerboating.com.au

April 1 - The Whitsunday Islands are the premier sailing holiday destination in Australia. Fabsail.com conducts 3 day 2 night trips around the top spots on land and water, like the world famous Whitehaven Beach. Their itinerary provides for numerous opportunities to snorkel among the colourful fish that inhabit the coral reefs. For the less adventurous, lazing on deck or on a shady beach with a book may be your thing. For full information http://www.fabsail.com  or info@fabsail.com Ph: 617 4948 0299

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