The Whitsundays > Boating in the area

The Whitsundays | Boating in the area | Whitsunday Map | Wildlife in the area

What sometimes deters the first time bareboater is the uncertainty about managing a boat and navigating successfully around the area.

Mothers with small children are often concerned whether they will be safe and what would happen in the event of a medical emergency. Here we will try to allay some of those conflicts.

Is it Safe?

Absolutely. Reef Magic is a purpose built maritime surveyed vessel. With the Hydrofield hull design it is far and away the most stable mono hull on the Queensland coast.  At nineteen tonnes it is solid and resists the frightening bounce that is common with catamarans if the sea gets up.

A comprehensive briefing by the two top briefer's in the area, Nick and Geoff (read out Testimonials) will have even first timers confident and keen about getting started on their adventure.  This briefing can last up to four hours and covers, the boat, navigating around the area, safety brief, radio and satellite phone procedures, picking up moorings, anchoring and use of the dingy. At the completion you will be able to read a basic chart, find your way around and be able to look up tides at various areas.

The areas in which you may travel are clearly defined; there are many landmarks and very few unmarked shoals or reefs. There are boats out every day; you are rarely alone on the sea.

How do you find your way around

Reef Magic is one of only two boats in the area with complete instrumentation including GPS navigation, automatic pilot, chain counter, depth sounders on both decks and full engine gauges. The GPS particularly means you can never get lost and never wander up an inlet with a dangerous entrance thinking it is the one next door with a clear entrance. The GPS shows all maritime markings, depth of water and shallow reefs. It will even memorise every turn and mile you have travelled so you can see in an instant if you are backtracking. It also adds a great deal of pleasure knowing exactly what you are looking at.

What about the weather

For most of the year the weather in the Whitsundays is benign with breezes around 15knots. In the event you do get a blow there are so many inlets and bays it is really simple to pick one on the lee side. Should there be a serious storm warning you may be asked to return to Airlie Beach or proceed to Hamilton Island however this is a very rare occurrence indeed. Regardless how hard it is blowing outside you will barely feel a ripple if you choose the correct spot.

How do we know which is the correct spot

Twice a day at 0800 and 1600 hours you will be contacted by either VHS radio or satellite telephone (the only boat thus equipped). In the morning our briefer will fill you in on the weather, and talk to you about your plans for the day and where you expect to anchor that night. If it is unsuitable he will tell you and give you some alternatives which will provide a more comfortable night.  In the afternoon briefing he will check where you are moored, in how much water and how far from the shore, when he is happy you will be safe, he signs off and leaves you to enjoy your evening.

What happens in an emergency

Should there be a medical emergency we can either transport a doctor to the boat by our high speed chase boat which is always on hand.  If necessary the patient will be transported to a medical centre or hospital. In more serious cases the patient can be medivac'd out by helicopter to Townsville Hospital. There is also a very comprehensive medical kit on board to deal with day to day problems.

What about non medical emergencies

Should the boat break down or become incapacitated our briefers are available 24/7 by VHS or satellite phone. Most breakdowns can be repaired on site by specialised engineering staff who will be transported out by our high speed chase boat.  In the worst situation either the water police or coastal patrol are available 24/7 for tows or emergency disembarkation.

What happens if we damage of sink the boat

You pay a bond of $2,000.00 before leaving. This covers all loss or damage. If a claim exceeds that amount then it becomes an insurance claim, the excess being $2,000.00. So that is the limit of your liability, unless you are negligent or have an accident whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.