Briefer

Mike Dicker

How I found WRAY

My wife Nancy and I sailed into Shute Harbour on our catamaran Stormbird in 2007. We fell in love with the Whitsundays and have been here ever since. It's a spectacular place to live and work.

Nautical qualifications

Open Master Class 5 licence, MED 2 certificate, PADI rescue dive certificate, inshore skipper’s licence, registered briefer’s licence, radio and senior first aid certificates.

Best Whitsunday experience

Being on the water at sunset to see the sky undergo a magnificent transformation. Depending on where you are, the sun sets either over the islands or the mainland, and it’s always a treat.

It’s briefer Mike Dicker’s job to make sure charterers have the confidence and knowledge to skipper-themselves around the Whitsundays on an unforgettable holiday.

Mike is one of four WRAY briefers who take charterers through their paces in a three-hour briefing before they set sail. Each session involves a one-hour area briefing at WRAY’s Shute Harbour base, a one-hour boat briefing on board and a one-hour sailing brief.

Mike grew up around boats and the sea and, thanks to his father, a British Royal Marine, was taught to splice ropes and tie knots when he was very young. It’s that lifetime of experience and his passion for the region he loves to share.

“I love meeting people and it’s a thrill to see their faces light up when they are shown how easy it is to sail. When they realise they can handle a boat under sail and cruise to all these iconic anchorages they’ve only read about, it’s gives me a huge buzz,” Mike says.

Mike has a background in commercial marine companies and also ran his own charter boat business for eight years in Tasmania. After selling his business and moving to Queensland in 2001, he worked for several marine companies until he and wife Nancy sold their home in 2006, bought their 38ft Crowther sailing catamaran, Stormbird, and began a live-aboard cruising and working lifestyle.

He says empathy and an easy-going rapport is the key to easing nerves and instilling confidence.

“During the area briefing we discuss WRAY’s twice-daily radio schedules at 8am and 4pm to check on charterers and how to cope with the daily requirements of operating a charter boat. We look at the Whitsundays’ geography, tides and currents, hazardous areas and precautions to take when anchoring and mooring.

“In the boat brief, we familiarise the crew with where the equipment is stowed, how various systems work, emergency procedures and do a radio check.

“Once we’ve stowed all the provisions and luggage and kitted all with swim fins, we’re ready to cast off and ‘play.’ We do a test to ensure the crew is competent to set, lower or furl the sails, and understands the requirements of sailing manoeuvres. Once the briefer is satisfied everyone is capable, they are off on the first leg of their Whitsundays adventure!”

Charterer’s tip

When you have anchored for the night, ensure you flick the anchor light on.  This will enable boats arriving at the anchorage after dark to steer clear of your vessel.