- Ages 15+ Ages Ages 15+
A perfect sailing adventure aboard a classic yacht in the famous Whitsundays. Explore the area’s top destinations and watch the sunset at the end of the day.
Quick Details
Is sailing an experience still on your bucket list?
Perhaps, you’ve been busy building a career, raising a family, or pursuing other hobbies.
Is this the year to experience an authentic sailing adventure?
Our ‘Experience sailing’ program may well be an ideal opportunity.
The Whitsundays is a wonderful sailing destination.
Experience sailing is more than a twilight sail or even a day trip on a yacht. It is indeed an experience that will translate into an unforgettable adventure.
In 35 years of operating sailing trips, we’ve helped thousands of people appreciate their passion for sailing. This program has been tailored to those of you who are drawn to the tranquillity of sailing and the love of the ocean.
‘Experience sailing’ is four days and three nights aboard Southern Cross of America’s Cup fame. Departing from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, you’ll join seven other guests, your skipper and host and sail through the stunningly beautiful Whitsunday Islands.
Over the four days, you’ll learn to sail the famous 12-meter yacht. This trip includes general deck duties, steering, navigation, and a memorable night cruise under the stars.
This trip isn’t about getting a certificate or ticking off a list of competencies. The experience is all about the adventure of sailing on a classic yacht in one of the world’s best cruising grounds. The chance to meet new friends and say yes, I should be sailing more often.
You’ll also have time to enjoy the highlights of the Whitsundays, including snorkelling safaris on the fringing reefs, walks to wondrous vistas and a visit to Whitehaven Beach.
‘Experience sailing’ may well encourage you to seek other new adventures, go sailing elsewhere or even buy a yacht.
This trip is only offered for a limited number of departures each winter, from May to October. Winter is a fantastic time to sail in the Whitsunday, warm during the day (24 degrees) and cooler at night to sleep. Constant 15-knot breezes ensure excellent sailing conditions.
Welcome aboard.
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DAY 1
Your adventure starts from Coral Sea Marina South, Airlie Beach. You’ll depart the marina onboard your sailing yacht at 2.00 pm and set sail for four days on your Whitsunday sailing experience. If you have never been on a sailing yacht, that’s ok! Your introduction of sailing will include a complete brief from the skipper. The crew will help you to hoist and trim sails. Take the helm under the watchful eye of the skipper as we sail across the Whitsunday Passage and through Hook Island Passage. This is about a (2 – 2 ½ hrs) sail depending on the conditions.
Enjoy your sunset cruise and meet new friends over drinks and a laugh or two. Arrive at your first anchorage in Tongue bay and enjoy dinner under the stars. After dinner, the skipper and crew will debrief and give you some great tips to help you improve your skills, ready for your longer passages.
DAY 2
Wake up to the curious marine life as you have breakfast on the top deck. It’s Whitehaven Beach Day! Take the short stroll to Hill Inlet, the most Instagrammed beach photo in the world. Spend time on Betty’s beach before heading to south Whitehaven Beach.
Swim, paddleboard, play beach games and explore as you take in the area’s natural beauty.
In the afternoon we set up for a long sail (3 – 3 ½ hrs) from the southern tip of Whitsunday Island to the Northern Bays of Hook Island. This will be your longest sailing leg, with plenty of time to get involved and experience the joy of sailing this classic America’s Cup Yacht.
Enjoy dinner under the stars as you share your day’s experience and a debrief with the skipper and crew.
DAY 3
After a hearty breakfast surrounded by the Whitsunday Islands, we’ll sail (45min) to Langford Island, our marine wonderland. Appreciate the views from the lookout, play on a paddleboard and snorkelling the beautiful coral bays. Go beachcombing and look for rays and turtles. You can choose between a second snorkel or elect a longer sail.
Enjoy your last sunset over the Whitsunday Islands before a magical (2 – 2 ½) night sail. You may even find the Southern Cross consultation to be your guiding light as you sail down to Nara Inlet, your last overnight anchorage.
DAY 4
After a hearty breakfast surrounded by ancient cliffs and peaks, we explore the Indigenous cave art in Nara Inlet and hear stories of the Ngaro sea tribe from over 6000 years ago.
Now it’s time to hand the yacht over to you and your teammates (under the watchful eye of the crew). Work as a team (or crew) to sail from Hook Island, across the Whitsunday Passage (2 – 2 ½ hrs) to the mainland Coral Sea Marina and arrive back into port at 12noon.
Safe travels and happy sailing….
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All meals and snacks are included for the duration of your trip. Our crew freshly prepares each meal for you to enjoy using locally sourced, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Usually served buffet style; you can choose to eat anywhere onboard. Meals are a great communal time to get to know your fellow travellers.
DAY 1
Afternoon Tea: Nachos (V)
Dinner: BBQ Chicken with Mash Potato and Garden Salad (Vegetarian Option: Veggie Delight Sausages)
Dessert: Apple Pie & Custard
DAY 2
Breakfast: Cereal, Yoghurt, Toast, Spreads, Milo, Tea and Coffee
Morning Tea: Muffins
Lunch: Cooked Meats, Wraps and Rolls, Pasta Salad and Garden Salad (Vegetarian Option: Felafel/Koftas)
Afternoon Tea: Sunset Platter – Cheeses, Kabana, Pickled Onions, Gherkins, Stuffed Olives and Dips (V)
Dinner: Build Your Own Burgers, with Fried Onions, Cheese, and Mesclun Salad (Vegetarian Option: Vegetarian Burger Patties)
Dessert: Cheesecake
DAY 3
Breakfast: Cereal, Yoghurt, Toast, Spreads, Milo, Tea and Coffee
Morning Tea: Lamingtons
Lunch: Sausage Sizzle with Fried Onions and Potato Salad (Vegetarian Option: Veggie Delight Sausages)
Afternoon Tea: Fruit Platter
Dinner: Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta with Garlic Bread (Vegetarian Option: Tofu)
Dessert: Chocolate Cake
DAY 4
Breakfast: Bacon and Egg Rolls, Juice, Tea and Coffee (Cereal, Yoghurt and Toast will be available for those who do not want bacon and eggs)
Morning Tea: Selection of cakes and biscuits, Tea & Coffee
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Services of experienced sailing skipper and crew, all meals and snacks, tap water, tea and coffee, snorkelling equipment and basic tuition, stinger suit, standup paddleboards and all marina levies.
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Southern Cross has a BYO policy for all soft and alcoholic beverages.
Please pack in a soft-sided, zipless bag.
What to bring: clothes, beach and bath towel, toiletries, hat, swimwear, sunscreen, jacket/sweater, camera, sunglasses, runners or sandals for island walks.
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Southern Cross has an open-plan style of accommodation on board made up of single and double beds. Bathroom facilities are shared.
This vessel is available to private charter.