Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
All topics
Should we choose a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran?
Both work well, and the choice comes down to layout and pace rather than sailing skill.
Every sailing catamaran in the fleet has twin engines and performs well under motor, and it is entirely acceptable to hire one and leave the sails down for the whole charter. That means a sailing catamaran can suit a group with no sailing experience if the layout is the better fit.
Power catamarans typically travel 1 to 2 knots faster than their sailing counterparts, and the flybridge gives raised views that many people prefer when approaching an anchorage.
Sailing catamarans have trampoline netting on the foredeck, a favourite spot for relaxing under way and stargazing in the evening. For guests with basic sailing knowledge, they are set up for single-handed sailing.
How many people can one boat take, and how do the cabins work?
Boats in the fleet carry up to 12 passengers, with three to five cabins depending on the model.
Most cabins are doubles with ensuite bathrooms. Many boats sleep additional guests by dropping the saloon table down to form another double, and some layouts include a single cabin that suits a teenager or a solo crew member.
As an example, the Leopard 48.4 sleeps up to eleven across four double ensuite cabins, a saloon double and a forward triple cabin. The Leopard 43.4 sleeps up to ten across four double cabins with two bathrooms, plus a saloon double.
A minimum crew of two is required on every charter.
Do we need a boat licence to charter in the Whitsundays?
No formal boating licence is required to charter with Whitsunday Escape. You need basic boating knowledge and a minimum crew of two.
A recreational boat licence on its own does not qualify someone to skipper a bareboat. What matters is basic navigation and boat handling skills, which you’ll demonstrate at your pre-charter briefing.
What happens at the pre-charter briefing?
Every charter starts with a compulsory briefing, included in your charter fee, which takes around three to four hours. Ensure the nominated skipper has read the Whitsunday Escape Cruising Notes (emailed prior to arrival) to be as prepared as possible. The more you know, the quicker the briefing will go. It covers the cruising area, weather, tides, charts, marine park rules, radio use and your boat’s systems, and you’ll demonstrate your navigation and boat handling.
The briefing finishes on the water. About three quarters of the way through the boat leaves the marina, so all crew need to be on board by then. The aim is to have you underway by midday.
What if we’re feeling rusty or our crew is new?
A training guide can join you on your first day, straight after the briefing. Most guests book a half day. The training happens around Airlie Beach on the boat you’ve hired, then you drop the guide back at the marina and they’ll recommend the best anchorage for the night.
It also suits confident skippers whose crew is new to boating. Book ahead to avoid delays on the day.