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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Can I have my vessel delivered to Hamilton Island?

Just make your request when booking and we can deliver your vessel at the start of your charter and pick it up upon your conclusion from Hamilton Island (charges apply)
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How many days should we charter for?

If you have the time we strongly recommend seven nights as a minimum period in which to experience and appreciate the 74 islands of the Whitsunday chain. Certainly most of our clients who opt for a lesser period (minimum five nights) regret not having the extra time to unwind and explore.  For some of the best bareboat hire the Whitsundays has available, contact our team and discuss the length of your charter.

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What time can I start my charter?

All charterers commence at 12.00 midday on your day of departure. You are welcome to arrive at our base at 11.30am in order to finalise any paperwork. Your charter Briefer will collect you from our air-conditioned reception lounge and take you to your vessel. On your final day you will need to return to our base in Shute Harbour by 12.00 midday. The same applies if returning to Hamilton island. Early briefs (8.00 am) can only be confirmed the day prior to charter and are dependant upon maintenance and vessel rostering.
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What do we need to bring?

Apart from food and clothing all vessels come completely equipped right down to snorkelling gear. We recommend light personal clothing, a book, camera and possibly a tracksuit for the cooler months of the year (June-September). A good hat, sunglasses and sunscreen is a must. Evening wear on all resorts is neat casual.
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How do we provision our vessel?

As our charter base is 12km from the nearest supermarket we strongly recommend our provisioning packages. This is important if your charter commences on the day of your arrival into the area and wish to maximise on your time aboard. The nearest supermarket is in Cannonvale.      

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What happens if we run out of food?

Reordering provisions can be organised via the radio onboard. We can arrange delivery to a mutually agreeable location. For charterers in excess of 8 nights we recommend a mid charter turnaround back at our base (refuelling, fresh linen, provisioning, etc.)

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Is bareboating safe?

The Whitsunday region is one of the safest boating playgrounds in the world. It is sheltered from ocean swell by the Great Barrier Reef. Further extensive protection is also afforded by the numerous islands which provide many completely protected and calm natural anchorages.

We also make two scheduled radio calls to you per day, at 8.00 am to establish your plans for the day and then at 4.00 pm to confirm that you are safely anchored for the night. Clients may contact us through out the day by radio. Mobile phone coverage is presently available in approximately 75% of the anchorages.

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Is it safe for children?

Being a fabulous family holiday many of our charter groups consist of families with small children. However, the regulation life jackets do not cater for babies and small children. We strongly recommend that you provide children's lifejackets, these are available for hire and must be ordered prior to departure.

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Do I need a license?

No formal qualifications or great skill is required to hire a bareboat from Whitsunday Rent A Yacht. Our briefers will supply you with the necessary training and are also available for extra tuition if you require.

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How much sailing experience do I need?

If you can handle a windsurfer or a sailing dinghy, you should be able to confidently sail one of our yachts. The principles of sailing are the same. With our 'easy to follow' briefing techniques and ' easy to handle' rigging on our vessels your briefer will show you the ropes and give you the confidence your require. Whether you are chartering a motor cruiser or yacht the most important ingredient is common sense.

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Do I have to know how to navigate?

No coastal navigation experience is needed. Clear instruction for your briefer will show you how to use the Whitsunday Chart (map), tide tables and simple navigation instruments to safely travel throughout the Islands. As you are rarely more than a couple of kilometres from land, "line of sight" navigation is simple and easy.

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How do you prepare us for your trip?

On arrival at our charter base you will be introduced to your charter briefer. He or she will give you a thorough overview of all aspects of the operation of the vessel both below and above decks.

Next comes a very comprehensive Familiarisation on all aspects of navigating through the islands, weather conditions and suitable anchorages. This is also a good time to enquire about any specific interests you may have (diving/fishing locations, walking tracks, island resorts to visit, etc.). Finally you will be taken for a sail to see that you are fully conversant and confident with the operation of your vessel.

Our briefers are all qualified and are happy to provide your crew with plenty of sailing and boat handling tips and training. Your vessel briefing normally takes around 3 hours.

Ahead of time you will receive a comprehensive information and briefing DVD.

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What happens if we get into trouble?

Help is always only a radio call away. Our base station is manned from 8.00am till 5.00pm. After hours we give you the contact details of a land based radio station who can contact our off duty managers for any emergencies.

If you have a concern, your first course of action is to radio our base for advise. Our experienced staff can assist you with almost any problem. High speed helicopters and commercial craft can 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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What sort of weather can we expect?

We are situated near the Tropic of Capricorn.The weather is tropical and pleasant virtually all year around. From May to September the islands are fanned by the SE winds while the balance of the season have northerly winds with calm periods. The 24 hour temperatures range around 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius in January and 17 degree Celsius to 23 degree Celsius in July while the temperatures are in the region of 27degree Celsius in Jan and 22 degree Celsius in July.

Find out more about Whitsundays weather

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Can we visit island resorts?

Our charterers are welcome to use the facilities of the island resorts and to join in the fun. Mooring fees vary and range from approximately $30 over night per vessel. An updated guide to facilities and costs is provided on each vessel.

Find out more about Whitsundays Island resorts.
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Are jellyfish or sharks a problem?

Jellyfish that cause the severe "irukandji syndrome" symptoms may be experienced throughout the warmer months of the year. Box jellyfish can also be found during these months but predominantly only along the mainland. At all times we recommend that our clients wear "stinger" lycra suits both as an aid to avoiding coral scrapes, sunburn and assisting in avoiding jellyfish stings.

Concerns re venomous jellyfish must always be tempered with the knowledge that the risk of being stung is extremely small.

Sharks are generally not regarded as a risk and do not create any greater threat than that posed when swimming on any beach on the Eastern Australian Seaboard.

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Why choose Whitsunday Rent A Yacht?

Few Australian bareboat charters will match the experience you have with Whitsunday Rent A Yacht.  By holidaying with us, your charter party will be in the care of one of the Industry's most experienced professional operators. You will benefit from over 20 years of experience for providing value and service. Choose from vessels specifically designed for your safety and pleasure.

Whitsunday Rent A Yacht is the only Whitsunday operator to provide its own private facilities. Our clients have exclusive use of Australia's most modern bareboat charter base.      

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