What is Bareboating?Bareboating is all the enjoyment and independence of yacht ownership without the hassle. You charter a fully equipped yacht and sail it yourself with your crew. You choose what food and refreshments to take, where you'll sail 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. Bareboats are easily sailed yachts specifically designed for chartering. In Queensland all bareboats must meet stringent Safety and Survey requirements. With Tropic Sail you can be assured you will be chartering a thoroughly prepared vessel. If you're a little out of practice or unsure, 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. Your briefing will include the following topics. Please contact us for more information on any of the following skills required:
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. I don't have time to do a course!That's OK - Tropic Sail can provide a fully qualified skipper to accompany you on your trip and show you some pointers along the way. Contact us for details and prices. Do you have any Motor Boats in your fleet?All Tropic Sail vessels at present are ready for sailing though both our catamarans are popular vessels for preferred use as a motor cruiser for those that like to get there faster. Keep an eye on our website or join our e-newsletter list to keep up to speed with new vessels entering the fleet in the next 12 months. Where can I 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 one or two night getaways to Magnetic Island in low season or on standby in off-peak & high season. Contact us to find out details, dates and availability. 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 shoes (no black soles), Cd's / DVDs, a few books, a board game 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. 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.
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