cairns to hamilton island / 280nm / 7 - 14 aug 2024
7 days / cat 2 expedition / EVENT #2443 / MAGIC MILES: CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day sailing journey with Ocean Sailing Expeditions, beginning in Cairns and concluding on the idyllic Hamilton Island. Your adventure starts in the tropical city of Cairns, framed by golden beaches and lush, rainforest-covered mountains. Here, you'll find modern amenities alongside natural wonders, marking the perfect starting point for a voyage brimming with excitement and breathtaking scenery.
From Cairns, we sail south to Dunk Island with its palm-fringed beaches and serene atmosphere, contrasting beautifully with the rugged, wildlife-rich bays of Magnetic Island. Nara Inlet on Hook Island offers the next peaceful respite, while the world-famous Whitehaven Beach captivates with its turquoise waters and pristine silica sands, before concluding this remarkable expedition at Hamilton Island. Here, you'll leave with unforgettable memories of the Coral Sea's hidden gems, adventure, and the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
Aboard our yacht, every day is a new chapter filled with discovery. Our experienced crew is dedicated to providing you with an unparalleled sailing experience, complete with gourmet cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and the opportunity to learn the art of sailing if you wish.
This 7-day adventure is more than just a holiday—it's an exploration of some of the most enchanting and secluded spots along Australia's coast. Book now and chart a course for discovery, where every island is a promise of another world to explore.
Passage plan
Crew registration
FIRST MATE'S DEAL - Book now
Shared cabin: AUD$2,750 (per berth)
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$7,425 (3 BERTHS)
SEA MASTER’S SAVER AUD$3,250 - to release
CAPTAINS CHOICE AUD$4,750 - to release
Expedition Description
Cairns
Cairns, a vibrant city framed by the stunning backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Wet Tropics Rainforest, serves as a gateway to northern Australia's vast natural wonders. A bustling marina welcomes sailors from around the globe, offering a launchpad to explore the unparalleled beauty of the Coral Sea. The city's history, from its Indigenous roots to its pivotal role in World War II, enriches the cultural tapestry of the region. Cairns is not just a point of departure but a destination in itself, with its lively Esplanade, thriving arts scene, and proximity to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Whether you're diving into the depths of the reef, enjoying the culinary delights of the city, or soaking in the tropical ambiance, Cairns promises an unforgettable experience.
Dunk Island
Dunk Island, once a renowned resort destination, stands as a symbol of resilience and natural beauty. With its rainforest-covered hills, picturesque beaches, and the famous Family Islands National Park, Dunk offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking to the summit of Mount Kootaloo for panoramic views. The island's blend of natural beauty and recovery story since Cyclone Yasi in 2011 highlights the enduring allure of this tropical paradise.
Magnetic Island
Just off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island combines World Heritage-listed natural beauty with a rich historical tapestry. Over half the island is national park, featuring rugged landscapes, hoop pines, and secluded bays. Sailing around Magnetic Island offers stunning views and the chance to explore its 23 beaches and bays, each with its own charm. The island's history, from Indigenous significance to WWII fortifications, adds depth to its natural attractions, making Magnetic Island a captivating stop for sailors.
Nara Inlet
Nara Inlet, a serene fjord-like haven on Hook Island, offers a peaceful anchorage and a touch of history with its ancient Indigenous rock art. The sheltered waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, while the surrounding cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop. A short hike leads to the Ngaro cultural site, where visitors can connect with the area's ancient past. Nara Inlet's combination of natural beauty, calm waters, and cultural significance makes it a unique and rewarding stop in the Whitsundays.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, is celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking beauty. The 7km stretch of pure white silica sand, contrasted against vibrant turquoise waters, offers a surreal landscape that captivates every visitor. Sailing into Whitehaven Beach provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world's most photographed beaches, with activities ranging from swimming and snorkeling to simply soaking up the sun on the soft, cool sand. Its natural beauty and preservation efforts make Whitehaven a highlight of any sailing adventure in the Whitsundays.
HAMILTON ISLAND
Hamilton Island is nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays and is a paradise that seamlessly blends natural wonders with modern amenities. With lush greenery and pristine beaches, over two-thirds of the island is dedicated to untouched bushland and wildlife habitats. Sailing around Hamilton Island offers breathtaking views of its 12 stunning beaches and secluded coves, each offering a unique charm and tranquil escape. From its Indigenous heritage to its vibrant modern culture, Hamilton Island's rich history adds depth to its allure, making it a captivating destination for sailors seeking both adventure and relaxation.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.
Weather impact
With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.
Extra reading
OCEAN SAILING PODCAST
EPISODE 118: MATT HARVEY / DAVID HOWS - AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION REVIEW: 8,500NM IN 4 MONTHS
Skippers David Hows and Matt Harvey catch up to review their 2-yacht circumnavigation of Australia in 2023. With 8,500nm covered in just 4 months, they share the highs and lows of covering the 7th largest coastline in the world. The event was spread over 5 legs and 102 crew in total, across the two 72-foot yachts; Silver Fern and Salt Lines, including 3 circumnavigators that completed all 5 legs. With 4,600 meals prepared, it was a planning exercise of military proportions.
With engine failures, crocodiles, storms and boat fatigue to deal with, sailing some sections of this vast country are not for the faint hearted. The stunning Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland islands and reefs, Cape York, Thursday Island, the Kimberley’s, 9 metre tides in Broome, the Montebello Island Group, the Great Australian Bight and the wilderness of Tasmania, there is just so much thats remote and incredible to explore.
SAILING.BLOG
Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation
Itinerary
You'll fly into Cairns on the 7th of August 2024. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 8th of August we'll depart Cairns and head for our first of many stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 7th of August 2024, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 7th, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.
We’ll aim to be tied up in Hamilton Island by 3pm on the 13th of August for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart Hamilton Island from the 14th of August onwards.
Arrive at the vessel in Cairns by 4pm on 7/8/24
Crew welcome dinner on 7/8/24
Crew training and safety familiarisation 8/8/24
Depart Cairns Marina around 12pm on 8/8/24
Arrive in Hamilton Island by 3pm on 13/8/24
Crew farewell dinner on 13/8/24
Depart Hamilton Island on 14/8/24
Getting to and from the yacht
Arrival at the yacht before departure: Cairns Airport
Departing from the yacht on arrival: Hamilton Island or Proserpine Airports (via ferry/taxi/shuttle)
Airlines that fly to Cairns: Qantas and Virgin Australia
Airlines that fly out of Hamilton Island: Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia
Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway
Land transport:
Cairns: taxis and shuttles available
Hamilton Island: Shuttles, golf buggies and ferries available
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard and ashore, and accommodation onboard throughout the duration of the event. It also incudes your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, any cruising permits and local taxes, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Private Cabins
There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles and doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Visa applications for entry (if required), related fees and travel insurance are also excluded.
Review sailing calendar for all events