Frequently asked questions

Everything you ever wanted to know about bareboating... but didn't have time to ask!

1. What is bareboating?

Bareboating is when you choose the vessel size and type most suitable for your group and budget and you skipper it yourself, taking along friends or family as your crew, to share the fun.
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2. How do I get to the Whitsundays?

Located on the Central Queensland coast just north of Mackay, the Whitsundays can be accessed by air, car, bus and rail. International airports are located at Cairns and Brisbane.
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3. Can I have my vessel delivered to Hamilton Island?

Certainly! Just make your request when booking. We can deliver your vessel to Hamilton Island at the start of your charter and pick it up from Hamilton Island upon conclusion. (Charges apply).
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4. How long should we charter for?

Over the years, the most common 'complaint' we've had is that anything less than seven days is just not long enough to experience the joys of a Whitsundays cruise! So, while we do offer shorter packages - we think you'll appreciate the extra time to unwind and explore. Our suggestion? Go for for seven nights!
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5. What time can I start my charter?

All charters start at midday on your day of departure. You are welcome to arrive at our base at 11.30am to finalise any paperwork. Your charter briefer will escort you from our air-conditioned reception lounge to your vessel. On your final day you will need to return to our base in Shute Harbour - or to Hamilton Island - by midday. Early briefs (8.00 am) may be confirmed the day prior to charter and are dependent upon maintenance and vessel traffic.
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6. What should we bring?

Apart from food and clothing all vessels come fully equipped - and that includes snorkelling gear! We suggest you bring light personal clothing, a book, camera and possibly a tracksuit for the cooler months between June and September. A good hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. The after-dark dress code on all island resorts is neat casual.
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7. How do we provision our vessel?

The Whitsunday Rent a Yacht charter base is 12 kilometres from the nearest supermarket - so our provisioning packages come in very handy!  Provisioning packages take the hassle out of organising food and drink and maximise your time on the water - especially important if your cruise commences on the day of your arrival - AND they're delicious! If you do want to stop to shop, you'll find the nearest supermarket in Cannonvale.      
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8. What happens if we run out of food?

Simple! Just reorder through our affiliated provisioning company using your vessel's onboard radio and arrange delivery to an agreed location. If you are chartering for longer than eight nights, we suggest a mid-charter stop-in at our base where you can refuel, take on fresh linen, provisions, and anything else you might need.
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9. Is bareboating safe?

The Whitsunday region is one of the world's safest boating destinations. It is sheltered from ocean swell by the Great Barrier Reef and by numerous islands which provide calm, and often completely protected natural anchorages. During your cruise, we will make two scheduled radio calls to you each day. At 7.45am, we'll establish your plans for the day. At 3.30pm, we'll confirm you are safely anchored for the night. You are also free to contact us throughout the day by radio. Mobile phone coverage is available in some 75 per cent of anchorages.
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10. Is bareboating safe for children?

Absolutely! Many of our charter groups consist of families with small children. Do keep in mind, however, that regulation life jackets do not cater for babies and small children. We provide children's lifejackets on request, and ask that you order these when you confirm your booking.
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11. Do I need a licence?

No formal sailing qualifications or great sailing skill is required to hire a bareboat from Whitsunday Rent A Yacht. Our briefers will provide the necessary training and are also available for extra tuition as required.
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12. How much sailing experience do I need?

If you can handle a windsurfer or a sailing dinghy you should be able to sail one of our yachts - the principles are the same. Using easy to follow briefing techniques and easy to handle vessel rigging, your briefer will show you the ropes. The most important thing you need to have - whether you're chartering a motor cruiser or a yacht - is simple common sense!
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13. Do I need to know how to navigate?

No coastal navigation experience is needed. Your briefer's instructions will show you how to use the Whitsunday Chart (map), tide tables and simple navigation instruments to safely travel through the islands. As you will rarely be more than a couple of kilometres from land, 'line of sight' navigation is simple and easy.
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14. How do you prepare us?

All expert sailors, our charter briefers will provide comprehensive sailing and boat handling tips and training. On arrival at our charter base, you'll receive a thorough overview of all aspects of the operation of your vessel, both below and above decks. After that, you'll receive a comprehensive familiarisation covering all aspects of navigating through the islands, weather conditions and suitable anchorages. If you have special interests - diving, fishing, walking, island resorts - now is the perfect time to ask! We will then take you for a test sail to ensure you're confident and comfortable with the operation of your vessel.  Your briefing will take about three hours. We'll also provide you with a comprehensive information and briefing DVD ahead of time.
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15. What happens if we get into trouble?

Help is only a radio call away. Our base station is manned from 8am until 5pm daily. We will provide you with the contact details of a land-based radio station which will contact our off-duty managers in the event of an after-hours emergency. If you have a concern, your first course of action is to radio our base - our experienced staff can assist  with almost any problem. High speed helicopters and commercial craft will generally respond to any emergency within minutes. Whitsunday Rent a Yacht also maintains its own high speed power craft capable of day or night time operation.
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16. What sort of weather can we expect?

The Whitsundays are situated near the Tropic of Capricorn, where the weather is tropical and pleasant virtually all year around. From May to September the islands experience south-east winds, with northerly winds with calm periods prevailing during the remainder of the year. Temperatures range from  25C to 30C in January, and 17C to 23C in July.
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17. Can we visit the island resorts?

Our charterers are welcome to use the facilities of the island resorts and to join in the fun. Mooring fees range from approximately $50 per vessel per night. A regularly updated guide to mooring facilities and costs is provided on each vessel.
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18. Are jellyfish or sharks a problem?

The severe 'irukandji syndrome' symptoms caused by jellyfish stings are possible through the warmer months of the year. Box jellyfish can also be found during the warmer months - predominantly, however, along the mainland. We recommend charterers wear 'stinger' lycra suits at all times - as protection against jellyfish stings as well as coral scrapes and sunburn. While we ask our charterers to take care, we also encourage them to consider that the risk of being stung is small. Sharks are generally not regarded as a risk. 
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