Great barrier reef Islands / 320nm / 31 aug - 13 Sep 2024

13 days / cat 3 cruise / EVENT #2445 / magic miles: Crew positions available

Join us for a relaxing cruise amongst the pristine anchorages, reefs, and wilderness of the Whitsunday Islands. Exploring some of the best and lesser-known locations at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, days will be spent gently cruising between anchorages arriving in plenty of time to explore the reefs and shoreline once we drop anchor. Late afternoon and evenings will be spent relaxing, snorkelling, swimming, and watching the sun set over the unspoilt Islands of the Whitsundays.

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

AUD$7,750
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$20,925 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHs)

13 days

Join crew

The Islands of the Great Barrier Reef offer multiple stopover options

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

With each anchorage being suitable to different wind and sea conditions our final itinerary will be driven the weather each day. Fortunately, with a multitude of idyllic anchorages offering crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life we are spoilt for choice.

This 11-day explorers cruise is the perfect chance to enjoy an interesting 320nm cruise inside the Great Barrier Reef thats packed with a range of experiences from dreamy anchorages to great food, wine and company, with stunning sunsets as the nightly backdrop. We’ll anchor in magical bays to relax and unwind after the days sailing and adventure activities.

This adventure cruise will depart Hamilton Island and include a selection of these stopovers;

The iconic Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island
Hook Island
Hayman Island
Lindeman Island
Brampton Island

Goldsmith Island
Scawfell Island
Esk Island
Border Island

Most of the time we will be using visual navigation however, with the large tides driving tidal races of up to 4 knots, uncharted bommies and moving sand bars we will be undertaking daily passage and pilotage planning. This provides the opportunity for you to brush up on your pilotage and navigation skills if you wish to be involved.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL 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.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Itinery

You'll fly into Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach (Proserpine) and catch a ferry to the island on the 31st of August 2024. We'll have a crew dinner on the night of the 31st at Hamilton Island and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 1st of September we'll depart Hamilton Island and head for our first of many island stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 31st of August, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 31st, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.

The goal is to take in the magic of the greater Whitsunday Islands, stopping at a handful of scenic bays, anchorages and islands, while managing around the weather to ensure a comfortable and safe 11-day cruise. We’ll aim to be tied up back at a Hamilton Island Marina by 4pm on the 12th of August for our final crew dinner.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard and ashore in Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Islands, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, 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 in doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is still the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is still 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. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.