EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS & PRE-CHARTER BRIEFING

Experience requirements

No formal boating qualifications are required to charter with Whitsunday Escape. Please note that holders of recreational boat licenses are not automatically qualified to take out a bareboat. To enjoy a safe and stress free holiday it is important that you know where you are going, how to get there safely and how to anchor your boat. Upon booking you will be asked to complete a questionnaire of your past experience.

Pre-charter Briefing

Before you leave you will be thoroughly briefed on the cruising area, the weather, the tides, radio procedures, resort facilities and your boat systems. At this time you will be asked to demonstrate your navigation and boat handling skills. The cost of the briefing is covered included with your charter fees.

Your pre charter briefing normally takes about three hours depending on your boating experience. Where possible Whitsunday Escape, organises early briefings (as early as 8 am if requested) so you can start your holiday sooner. We require the skipper and at least one other crew member to be present at the briefing. We have allocated a staff member to attend to you, from the nominated briefing time, please ensure all errands and shopping will be complete. Part of the briefing is done on the water, about ¾ way though the briefing the boat will depart from the marina. Therefore all crew will have to be onboard at this time. We will contact you a week or two prior to your charter commencement to confirm your briefing time and other details relating to your charter.

Sail-guides

For those who wish to brush up on their boating or navigation skills hire a sail-guide. You can book a sail-guide for the first afternoon or longer. In order to avoid any delays at the commencement of your charter you should book the sail-guide in advance.

Many of our guests book a sail-guide for half a day. After the briefing the sail guide travels with you, to one of the islands, on the way to your first anchorage. They then take a ferry back to the mainland. Your holiday is not held up and additional training can be given to all the crew. For ferry costs and sail-guide rates, contact Whitsunday Escape.

Pre Charter Kit

A "pre-charter kit" is also useful in gaining the general boating information you will need to cruise the Whitsunday's. This kit includes a copy of the 100 Magic Miles, a small map and additional cruising notes especially tailored for chartering in the Whitsunday's.