Hamilton Island to Southport / 600nm / 30 Aug - 8 Sep 2022
9 DAYS / cat 2 OFFSHORE PASSAGE / SILVER FERN: last CREW position available
Take a stunning 600nm+ Category 2 ocean passage from Hamilton Island south, down Queensland's East Coast through the sparkling Whitsunday Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to Southport on the Gold Coast. We'll overnight at one of the islands or a coastal marina and then assess the weather conditions to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the world's largest sand island; Fraser Island' along with Moreton Island and the Stradbroke Islands.
At this time of the year thousands of whales head up and down the Australian East Coast and whale sightings along with dolphins and sea turtles are a common occurrence so bring your camera.
Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
AUD$3,750
9 days
The 600nm eastern route from Hamilton Island to Southport.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA
Check out photo gallery highlights from previous Hamilton Island to Southport passages.
Itinery
You'll fly into Hamilton Island directly or into Airlie Beach (Proserpine) and catch the ferry to Hamilton Island on 30 August 2022. We'll have a crew welcome dinner on the night of the 30th at Hamilton Island and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 31st we'll depart Hamilton Island Marina and head South through the Whitsunday Islands. It’s a navigators minefield with islands, reefs, whales, commercial ships, pleasure boats and the Australian Navy to watch out. This voyage normally takes 4-5 days sailing time to complete and we'll break it up with an overnight stop in a sheltered island bay or at a marina on way south. On the way south we'll assess the weather conditions and tide times to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the world's largest sand island; 'Fraser Island', along with Moreton Island and the Stradbroke Islands. The inside (western) route has additional navigation challenges including crossing the notorious Wide Bay Bar at the southern tip of Fraser Island.
We would expect to arrive at the Southport Yacht Club on the 7th of September and you are welcome to stay onboard the entire time and should plan to fly out of either Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport on 8th September.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Hamilton Island and in Southport, 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 is also included along with suncream.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
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, Hamilton Island & HomeAway.
Review sailing calendar for all events