Southport to airlie beach / 600nm / 10 - 20 Jul 2022
10 DAYS / cat 2 OFFSHORE PASSAGE / salt lines: last 2 CREW positions available
Take a stunning 600nm+ Category 2 ocean passage from Southport on the Gold Coast, up Queensland's East Coast through the sparkling Whitsunday Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to Airlie Beach. We'll assess the weather conditions to decide whether we sail up the eastern or western side of Stradbroke Islands, Moreton Island and the the world's largest sand island; 'Fraser Island and overnight at 2 - 3 islands and/or coastal marina’s on the passage.
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
10 days
The 600nm eastern route from Southport to Airlie Beach
ADDITIONAL MEDIA
Check out photo gallery highlights from a previous Hamilton Island to Southport passage.
Check out photo gallery highlights from a previous Southport to Hamilton Island passage.
Itinery
You'll fly into either Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport on the 10th of July 2022. We'll have a crew welcome dinner on the night of the 10th and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 11th of July we'll depart Southport Marina and head north, up the Queensland East Coast, through the Whitsunday Islands to Airlie Beach. It’s a navigators minefield with islands, reefs, whales, commercial ships, pleasure boats and the Australian Navy to watch out.
This voyage normally takes 6-7 days sailing time to complete and we'll break it up with some overnight stops in sheltered islands, bays or at a marina along the way. On the way north we'll assess the weather conditions and tide times to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the Stradbroke Islands, Moreton Island and the world's largest sand island; 'Fraser Island'. 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 an Airlie Beach Marina on the 19th of July and you are welcome to stay onboard the entire time and should plan to fly out of Airlie Beach (Proserpine) on or after the 20th of July.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Southport and at Airlie Beach, 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 & HomeAway.
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