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Learn to Sail

Having some sailing experience prior to your bareboat charter is vital if you’re going to skipper your own sailing yacht or sailing catamaran. Power catamarans provide the exact same experience without having to rely on the wind and are perfect for those with no sailing experience.
You're not required to have a skippers licence, however common sense, some basic navigations skills and a good understanding of how everything works on the boat is a must. There are a number of options you can take in preperation for your bareboat charter to expanding your skipper skill set before your arrival.

Sailing Schools

There are a number of sailing schools across Australia offering a range of courses from, Introduction to sailing, Competent Crew and Day Skipper. Find your local sailing school with Australian Sailing.


Sailing Clubs

Another great way to get experience is to join your local sailing club or join the twilight sails at a local yacht club. Make yourself known to the local sailors as they're always looking for extra crew and love to show novices the ropes.


Sail Guides

If you've got your heart set on sailing around the Whitsundays, consider hiring a Sail Guide (skipper) from Cumberland Charter Yachts. Our Sail Guides are experienced mariners with a wealth of local knowledge that you can hire for just the beginning of your holiday for a few hours, to hiring them for the duration of your charter.

Check your experience using our Experience Calculator to help determine the best approach to navigating around the Whitsundays or speak to one of our reservations staff to discuss your experience levels Tel 1800 075 101 (Free Call within Australia) or (+61) 7 4046 7500 (International).