Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bareboating?

Bareboating (Self Drive) is the term used for chartering a boat that you live upon, navigate and operate for a vacation.  Bareboats are easily sailed yachts specifically designed for chartering.  In Queensland Australia all bareboats must meet stringent Safety and Survey requirements.  With Tropic Sail you can be assured that you will be chartering a thoroughly compliant and prepared vessel.  Thorough briefings, fully comprehensive cruising guides, twice daily skeds and 24 hour contact to base give you the confidence you need to make your holiday one you will never forget.

All Tropic Sail yachts come fully equipped with most things you would expect to find in self contained holiday accommodation and with the added bonus of being able to change the view each day.  Charterers choose what crew members to take, where to sail to each day, and where to anchor each night.  All the time you will have the comfort of knowing assistance is available 24-hours a day, in the unlikely event it's needed.

If you're a little out of practice and think you may need a refresher, we can supply a cruising guide for a half-day or longer, to accompany your party and ensure you are anchored snugly for the night.

Do I need experience to Bareboat?

Even though you do not need a ‘boating license', someone on board must have previous experience in either sailing a boat or operating a motor vessel (depending on what vessel you would like to hire) either as a crew member, skipper, boat owner etc. Requisite knowledge & briefing subjects would include the following topics:-    

• preparing a yacht for sailing, engine checks and operation, basic electrics & use of battery power
• piloting near coral, anchoring in tidal waters and mooring
• raising, trimming & dropping sails, tacking and gybing (sailing)
• basic chart reading, use of depth sounder, log, wind direction/speed and navigation equipment
• right of way rules for sail and power, safety precautions and equipment use
• use of onboard facilities e.g. toilets, showers, stove, barbeque etc.

Our qualified skippers will assess your skill level at the booking stage and give you a call to discuss your experience in greater detail or feel free to contact us before you book to discuss the particulars.  If they feel you may require further training before the charter they will recommend suitable courses for your skill level.  If you just need a refresher to get you started, taking a sail guide with you starts from $300 for a half-day.

I don't have experience but I would like to learn!

Not a problem - Tropic Sail is a formally recognised Yachting Australia Training Centre.  Our SAIL 4 LIFE courses can get you set for a life of sailing from the waterline up.  The Start Yachting course teaches the basics of sailing in a 2 day program. A Competent Crew course takes 5 days or 3 weekends and will give you the basics of seamanship & helmsmanship.  Once you have mastered the basics if you want to take it to the next level then Day Skipper Theory & Day Skipper Practical will give you the confidence to skipper a small vessel.  If you would like any more information on any of our courses please give us a call or send us an email.

I have sailed / boated years ago but may need a refresher course?

Again - not a problem.  Tropic Sail have half day, full day or two day charter confidence courses available for you to take advantage of before your holiday commences.   Our qualified skippers will assess your skill level and recommend an appropriate time frame.  Contact us for details and prices.

What if we want or need a Skipper?

No problem - this option can be taken at the time of booking and will allow you to either sit back, relax and enjoy the journey or learn some pointers along the way from a fully experienced sailor.  A fully prepared itinerary can be arranged in advance or you can decide on a whim where you'll end up each day.  Costs are from $500 per day plus meals.  Other crew can be arranged if needed such as a hostess / cook.

Where can we go?

Tropic Sail's cruising grounds extend from Cape Cleveland to the northern tip of Pelorus Island - approximately 550 square nautical miles encompassing Magnetic Island and 13 other unspoilt islands in between.  You will have over 40 pristine beaches, bays and uncrowded anchorages to discover. 

How long should I take?

That is ultimately a very personal and different decision for everybody, but if you want to experience The Palms properly we recommend at least 5-7 days, with 10-14 being the ultimate.  Have a look at the 3-4 day itinerary or the 7-8 day itinerary for some ideas.

What if I am limited to a weekend only?

Tropic Sail normally offers a minimum 3 night charter in low and mid season for those with time constraints, but can afford the time for a long weekend getaway.  We can also do two night getaways to Magnetic Island in summer season or on standby in off-peak & high season.  Contact us to find out details, dates and availability.

If we are limited for time can we go just one way?

You certainly can.  We can organise flights or ferry transfers to and from Townsville or Cairns out of or into Magnetic, Orpheus or Great Palm Island.  Adult ferry tickets are under $16 and flights start from as little as $100pp.  Vessel relocation is applicable - costs start from $300.

What do we need to bring?

To relax you are best bringing light, comfortable clothes due to our tropical weather. T-shirt, shorts, swimmers and sarongs are the most sensible attire. Some essential items to bring are sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, thongs, sand/reef shoes (no black soles), Cd's / DVDs, books, board games or pack of cards and a beach towel and camera.   Take a look at our "what to bring" and "vessel inventory" lists.  All Tropic Sails' vessels have fully equipped galleys; basic staple items; come fully dressed with linen; have cockpit BBQ's; navigational equipment and dingy with outboard. 

What about provisioning?

To take the hassle out of your holiday, Tropic Sail can do some or all of your shopping and have it on board and stowed away before you even arrive or you can shop on arrival yourself.  Tropic Sails' provisioning service use only local suppliers who offer the best in quality meat, seafood, fruit & vege & gourmet deli lines. Have a look at our provisioning pages to look further at your options and the list of local suppliers and what they offer. 

Where else can I restock provisions if we run low?

Magnetic Island is a residential island with over 3000 people calling it home.  You will find chemists, newsagents, a medical centre, cafes, pubs, restaurants and of course a supermarket.  Palm Island is also a residential island with around 3000 inhabitants.  It has a general store where you can replenish everyday food items and the ever important ice & fuel. 

Is it safe to go ashore at Palm Island?

The majority of our charterers venture ashore at Great Palm Island.  Even though the island has only the basic of amenities, you will find the locals friendly and welcoming.  They even have a Fish & Chip shop that charterers have raved about, if you feel so inclined. learn more by taking a look at more of the islands history & culture.

Are there any 'resort islands' to stop for dinner or a cocktail?

The only resort is located at Orpheus Island, and unless you're a guest you cannot go ashore there.  But the nice thing about The Palms is that it gets you away from the mainstream.  Something different for dinner could either be catching your own off the back of the boat or flagging down a passing trawler for its fresh overnight catch.  Have your own private cocktail party at Yanks Jetty or indulge by settling in with a jug of margaritas at Horseshoe Bay.  Either way you've still got plenty of options with privacy to boot.