A Sail Guide can help you feel more confident at the start of your Whitsundays bareboat charter — whether you're new to bareboating, a little rusty, or simply want extra support settling into the boat.
Even experienced skippers can find the first day or two on an unfamiliar vessel a bit full-on. A Sail Guide helps reduce that pressure, build confidence and get your crew up to speed faster.
Sail Guides are a great option for guests who want a more confident and relaxed start to their charter.
If this is your first bareboat charter, a Sail Guide can help make the first stages feel much more manageable.
If it has been a while since you last skippered, a Sail Guide can help you settle back in with more confidence.
Great if you want support showing family or friends the basics of boat handling and onboard routines.
Perfect if you'd simply prefer someone else to help take the pressure off in the first day or two.
In Queensland, a formal boat licence is not required to charter a bareboat. However, your boating experience, confidence and practical know-how still matter when it comes to vessel suitability and everyone's safety on board.
When you first enquire with us, we'll ask about your boating background and help match you with a suitable vessel based on your experience level, group size and overall charter plans.
Before departure, our qualified Bareboat Briefers will guide you through how your vessel operates and the practical skills needed to head out safely.
The briefing usually takes 3 to 4 hours and starts from 8:30am on departure day.
A Sail Guide offers practical support, local insight and hands-on guidance to help you feel more capable and comfortable on board.
Get familiar with the yacht, its systems, handling and the little practical differences that come with any new vessel.
Receive guidance on anchoring, mooring, sail handling, on-board safety and man overboard procedures.
Tap into local knowledge on snorkelling spots, fishing areas, anchorages and places worth visiting during your charter.
Flexible options to suit your trip — from a couple of extra hours after your briefing through to overnight support.
Hire a Sail Guide for additional time after your briefing if you'd like extra support before heading off on your own.
Sail Guides can be hired on a per-day basis if you'd like ongoing support for part of your charter.
If your Sail Guide stays overnight on board, you'll need to provide a private cabin and meals. Check with Reservations for dietary requirements before provisioning.
If you'd like to prepare ahead of time, this introductory online course is a helpful companion to your Whitsundays bareboat charter.
In partnership with NAVatHome Australia, the Fundamental Skipper and Navigation course covers chartwork, tidal height calculations, on-board safety equipment and weather systems.
It's a great way to prepare for your charter and can later be upgraded to a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited Day Skipper course.
10% off — use referral code 2023ccysailingMore often than not, charterers feel confident after their briefing and are ready to set sail. But if you'd like a bit of extra guidance, a Sail Guide can be a fantastic way to ease into your holiday with more confidence and less stress.
And once you're out there, our team is only a VHF radio call away if you need help with any operational aspects of the boat during your charter.
Tell us a bit about your boating background and trip plans, and we'll help you work out whether a Sail Guide would be a good fit.
