Mackay to Airlie Beach
Our Mackay to Airlie Beach sail may look a little like this.
The sail from Mackay to Airlie Beach is a perfect sail for those new to sailing. With a multitude of protected anchorages, island hopping and the Great Barrier Reef providing protection from the ocean swell, this is a good introduction to the cruising life.
The sail will be throughout the Whitsunday Islands with day island hops from the Southernmost to the Northernmost of the Whitsunday Group.
The mile builder is an opportunity for those wishing to gain sea miles, experience sailing at night, consolidate skills or just experience the cruising lifestyle.
There is the option to complete sail training whilst aboard (RYA Certificate) including RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper.
There will be all levels of experience aboard with participants completing different courses based on his/her level of experience. The instructor will tailor the learning to meet each participants learning goals whilst also ensuring each participant develops the confidence and skills/knowledge to continue safe and harmonious sailing into the future.
Please note, for safety and comfort of our sail, routes and anchorages will be altered to suit our variables – weather and tide.
Day One
Mackay Marina to Brampton Island
- Dinghy ashore to explore
- Anchor overnight
- Distance: 20nm
- Sail training includes knots, lassoing, manoeuvring in tight spaces, berthing, helming, sail plan and points of sail; anchoring and safe tender usage; safety.
Day Two
Brampton Island to Thomas Island
- Dinghy ashore to explore
- Anchor overnight
- Distance: 20nm
- Sail training includes navigation, passage planning, meteorology, tides/tidal streams, Crew Overboard, safe downwind sailing (setting a preventer and goosewinging)
Day Three
Thomas Island to Whitehaven Beach
- Anchor overnight
- Swim, snorkel, walk
- Distance: 20nm
- Sail training will include heaving to, knots, helming, passage planning, Day/Coastal Skippers ‘skippering’ for the day
Day Four
Whitehaven Beach to Butterfly or Luncheon Bay (night sail to Cairn Beach)
- Anchor overnight
- Distance: 25nm
- Sail training will include sailing on/off a mooring; Crew Overboard practice; a night sail and pilotage.
Day Five
Cairn Beach (Whitsunday Island) to Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
- Sail training will include consolidating the weeks learnings; berthing.
