Live the dream and become part of the racing crew on a maxi yacht in the Whitsundays this August on a Prosail “Hamilton Island Race Week” package as part of Queensland’s new Season of Sailing.
Experience firsthand the exhilaration of being on the deck of a retired ocean-racer as it builds up speed for the start of a race. Watch the huge spinnakers fill, fight the strength of the wind as you winch in the sails.
A quick scan through the new www.queenslandholidays.com.au/sailing site reveals a selection of sailing-themed Whitsunday holidays catering for all tastes and budgets packages. They can be taken to coincide with Airlie Beach Race Week (12-19 August, 2010) and Hamilton Island Race Week (20-28 August, 2010) or later at a more convenient time as most are valid until March 31, 2011.
Sailing conditions in the Whitsundays are near perfect in winter with daytime temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius and the water around 24 degrees.
Prices for the ‘Hamilton Island Race Week’ package are $1990 per person and include nine nights’ accommodation during the regatta, Race Week festivities, daily breakfast and lunch, a crew shirt and hat and a snorkeling trip and visit to beautiful Whitehaven Beach on the racing lay day.
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures’ Season of Sailing packages include the adventure based ‘Sail & Dive’ package, a ‘Tall Ship Adventure’ and a couple’s ‘Sailing in Style’ getaway.
Prices for the ‘Sail & Dive’ package start from $595 per person for two nights on board the 16.7 metre wooden “Summertime”. Guests enjoy sea kayaking, sailing and scuba diving, and costs include all meals, accommodation, professional skipper, host and dive instructor, and marine park fees. The boat’s modern fitout includes an onboard hot tub.
The ‘Tall Ship Adventure’ takes place on the 19 metre “Alexander Stewart”, a magnificent, hand-crafted boat with modern comforts including air-conditioning and private cabins. The three day, two night cruise takes an eco-look at the Whitsundays focusing on the reef, rainforest and wildlife. Prices start from $590 per person and include all meals, accommodation in a private, double cabin, snorkeling equipment including wet suits and marine park fees.
‘Sailing in Style’ features three nights’ accommodation on the luxurious motor cruiser “Pacific Sunrise”. The vessel features three decks and caters for a maximum of 21 guests in eight ensuited cabins. Prices start form $744 per person and include all meals, snorkelling equipment, dive gear and wet suits, professional skipper and host and marine parks fees.
The Kiana ‘Islands Reef & Dive’ package explores the Whitsundays on and under the water. Starting from $649 per person for two nights, it includes accommodation on board the purpose built sailing and dive vessel, all meals, snorkeling equipment and dive gear, professional skipper and host. The first dive is free and there is the chance to dive the outer reef as well as the fringing coral coves on the islands. The cruise includes visits to the Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach.
Pay for six nights and sail for seven on a skipper yourself Whitsunday Boating holiday and also enjoy a free sleep aboard the night before your charter. Prices start from $83 per person per night for the hire of a fully equipped Catalina 320 Yacht. This package is not available in September and October 2010, but is valid until 15 December 2010.
For more information on other Season of Sailing packages including those with island and mainland accommodation components visit www.queenslandholiday.com.au/sailingwinter are near-perfect with day 7-28°C and a water temperature of 23-24°C