HOW TO GET TO QUEENSLAND YACHT CHARTERS:
Queensland Yacht Charters are based in Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach which is easily accessible via Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) airport and Hamilton Island. Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) airport is recommended as the most convenient airport. We recommend you arrive the day prior to your charter and overnight in Airlie Beach or take the half price Sleepaboard option on your vessel if available. We can arrange transfers to our base or accommodation in Airlie Beach (refer LOCATION). The travelling time is approximately 30 minutes. We like to start your briefing early on the first day of charter with an aim to having you on the water by lunchtime. If driving, there is parking available in the public carpark at the marina for $8.00 per day. Alternatively, lock up secure storage is available from $100.00 for a 5 night booking.
CHARTER START / FINISH:
We can deliver the vessel to Hamilton Island so that you may start and finish your charter from there. A delivery fee would apply which is currently $570.00 for a return start/finish. The vessel will arrive to Hamilton Island around midday. Please note, this option is strictly subject to availability and advance notice is required. Prices are also subject to change at anytime. Alternatively, we can book on your behalf a Resort Connection ferry straight from the HTI Airport marina to Abel Point Marina (QYC Base). See Cruise Whitsundays.
Your charter can start and finish on any day of the week except Christmas Day and New Years Day. Check-ins and briefings are at 9.00am unless you have a sleep aboard when the check-in is 4.00 pm. Boats must be returned by 10.00am or later by arrangement. An extensive briefing follows check-in, taking in navigation, anchoring, safety and practical boat handling. On board you will find charts, navigation aids and cruising guide "100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef" by David Colfelt.
HALF PRICE SLEEPABOARDS:
Arriving late in the day? Then ask our Reservations Team if you can take advantage of our Half Price Sleepaboard option. Boarding time is 4pm (or earlier if available) with a quick boat brief taking place at this time, followed by the full briefing the following day. The sleepaboard option is not available for charters commencing from Hamilton Island and is on request only, subject to availability.
CHARTER EXPERIENCE:
To charter a sailing vessel, you will need to have sailing experience and be competent in handling a sailing vessel in most conditions. Alternatively, if you have power boating experience only, then we may have a power vessel to suit and we would recommend this option. Basic Navigation skills, along with anchoring and sail reefing are also minimum requirements. Formal qualifications are not required to charter most of our vessels (excluding the Fountaine Pajot 46 Power cat), although it is highly regarded if you do. A sailguide can be hired for a half day or a full day or more if needed from $190.00. This will assist you in brushing up on your current skills and gain hands on experience for your vessel under guidance. We do provide a high level of support throughout your charter with a pre charter kit sent out once a deposit is paid, comprehensive briefings, 24 hour radio and mobile phone contact and chase boat call outs.
SAFETY / LIFEJACKETS / STINGER SUITS:
Your QYC charter boat meets all safety requirements and has undergone an extensive check before you board. You'll have a ship-to-shore radio on board and will be in regular contact with base for daily check-ins, weather reports and for any local advice we can provide.
QYC recommend stinger suits be worn during our jellyfish season which generally runs from October to May. The thin suits do not need to be pre-booked and are available for hire at our base for $20.00 per suit . We also have available for purchase full length ultra thin suits at $35.00 per suit and in the cooler months have available steamer suits (also for hire) which offer sun protection and extra warmth.
Please note that Queensland Yacht Charters do not provide children's lifejackets as the Queensland Department of Transport does not recognise approved lifejackets for any young children in your group. If you require children's lifejackets, we recommend they be hired from Aqua Dive (diveshop) which is located at the marina.
GOOD NEWS ON STINGERS:
Queensland Surf Lifesaving has released the latest data on stingers (jellyfish) and the news is all good! There has been a 75% reduction in serious stings since 2002, with only 10 in Tropical North Queensland in the past 8 years! With the hundreds of thousands of people holidaying and swimming here over the summer months, this clearly shows that the precautions being taken are working and that there is really no reason to miss out on snorkeling and diving in wonderful warm, clear tropical waters over these months.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND ON BOARD:
All linens, towels, blankets, pillows, well equipped galley with refrigeration, hot and cold water, deck shower, snorkelling equipment, electric anchor winch, deck BBQ, 100 Magic Miles cruising guide, navigation equipment, safety gear, wet weather jackets, CD player, DVD & flat screen TV, toilets and showers, inflatable dinghy with outboard. Note: Fishing gear is not supplied on board but a complete pack can be hired from $12.00 p/day.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE RATE:
Your boating holiday is fully inclusive in the price except for fuel which is a simple "pay as used" basis and applies to all sail and motor boats. Outboard fuel and gas is charged at a flat rate of $4.50 per day and you can expect to pay around $80.00 to $120.00 per day for motor boats & around $20.00 per day for yachts for all other fuel.
FISHING IN THE MARINE PARK:
The Whitsundays form part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Excellent snorkelling and fishing sites are found throughout the islands. Although fishing equipment is not included in your charter rate, fishing is permitted in appropriately zoned areas and we can arrange, with advance notice the hire of a fishing pack. Spear guns are highly discouraged. Quality snorkelling gear is included on board. Certified divers can hire equipment prior to arrival and can visit www.aquadive.com.au for further information and prices. Please check with reservations before you order you gear as to how much storage there is on board your vessel for dive tanks as you will be limited in how many you can take aboard.
PAYMENT TERMS:
Your $600.00 deposit received within 7 days confirms your booking. On receipt we will send you a pre-charter kit with our comprehensive operations manual, map of the islands, briefing DVD & questionnaire and suggested itinerary with information on the area.
Due 60 days prior to departure and you will receive a reminder email at this time. We do recommend purchasing a copy of the 100 Magic Miles of The Great Barrier Reef to assist you in planning your holiday. Please contact us either on our toll free number 1800 075 013 or via email reservations@yachtcharters.com.au for costs.
DAMAGE WAIVER INSURANCE:
We will request payment of a Damage Waiver being one of the following a $200.00, $350.00, $450.00 or $700.00 per charter. This is non-refundable and covers minor loss and damaged/lost items on the vessel. A security bond of $550.00 is lodged on your arrival to our office and fully refundable within 7 days completion of your charter. The security bond covers for insurable incidents. *Please refer to clause 3.3 and 3.4 in your Charter Agreement. Also payable on arrival is a Marine Park Fee (reef tax) of $25.00 per person per charter (includes an $8.00 admin fee) from 31 March 2011, which will increase to $27.00 p/person per charter (includes $9.00 admin fee) from 1st April 2012.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Fully refundable less $200 administration fee if cancelled more than 60 days prior to departure. Non refundable if cancelled within 60 days of departure unless a substitute booking is obtained.
INSURANCES:
Your boat is fully insured for loss or damage, however we recommend you consider taking out the following insurance to cover for other events:
Suresave Travel Insurance:
To cover you for the loss of pre-paid travel in the event of cancellation due to sickness, illness, accident, cyclone etc. QYC do not offer refunds and we strongly recommend you are covered by some form of travel insurance. We recommend Suresave insurance and applications can be made online through the Suresave link
Third Party Public Liability Insurance:
This policy is designed to protect you from Claims made against you by others for Property Loss, Accidental Death, Bodily Injury or Illness to them caused by (or as a result of) your negligence. For this policy to apply to you, the hire vessel or its tender must be involved in the loss. Cover can be arranged on arrival at our base from $70 for a 5 night charter. We recommend Oceanic insurance and applications can be made online through this link.
INTERNET CONNECTIONS:
QYC can now offer you wireless internet access on board your boat in Abel Pt Marina and Hamilton Island Marina. You will need to log onto Marinanet and sign in for the package you need.
MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE:
Coverage is limited in most anchorages around the islands, although Next/3G and Telstra does have an advantage. On the outside (eastern side) of the islands there is limited to no coverage. Inside the islands and from some northern anchorages there is some coverage. If you have people back home that need to contact you, they can do so by calling us and we can pass any messages on to you at sched time if you are out of phone range.