Below are just some of the customer testimonials we have received from our lovely charterers after their experience on sailing Magnetic Island & The Palms with Tropic Sail. G'day Shaun and Wendy Just a note to say we all had a absolute fantastic time. The boat was superb, and it was great dealing with you in such a relaxed way. We will all highly recommend your service (much better than the Whitsunday's). Cheers - Gav & Crew (November 08)
Dear Shaun and Wendy, Just a quick note to say thanks for our holiday. We had a great week around Palm. We forgot to mention that the "Captain's Log" was a fantastic idea. Lucy diligently filled hers in and really looked forward to writing in it. We were surprised at how good it was, it stimulated interest and provided an activity at the same time. Good luck with getting the new boats. Hopefully one day we can bring our S&S 34 around to Queensland and visit you. Regards - Simon & Rosemary Torvaldsen (October 08)
Wendy and Shaun, Hi guy's, just a quick note to tell you what a great time we had up there last month. The accommodation you booked for us was just outstanding. We have definitely fallen in love with the area and look forward to coming back soon. Kind regards - The Ponton Family (September 08)
As a charter destination, we found Tropic Sail in Townsville somewhat by accident. Coming fro Robert & Wendy North Vancouver, BC Canada (April 08)
Once again thank you for your care, concern and assistance throughout our whole dealings with you. We will definitely hire from you in the future and will strongly recommend you to our friends and contacts. Regards David, Robyn, Josh, Mitch, Tom and Liam Attenborough (January 08) Dear Shaun and Wendy, From the moment we stepped off Benefique in November last year we started planning this year's holiday on-board your seawind catamaran "Magnetic Islander". We chose the seawind for its extra space and we wanted to bring another couple with us to show them that there is more to bareboat chartering than just the Whitsundays. The boat was well prepared and the extra little touches are what make the Tropic Sail experience better than most. Our 7 days of sailing around the palm group of islands was even better than last year. There is so much to see and do in this area including snorkeling, fishing and exploring the rugged beauty of this untouched wilderness. We even got to see some turtles nesting on the beach on one of the islands. We still haven't been to all of the anchorages that are in your comprehensive cruising guide but there will always be next year. Shaun and Wendy you are both a great delight to deal with. Your attention to detail is the difference between an ordinary experience and a superb and outstanding holiday. You both made us feel relaxed and comfortable with your pleasant attitude and nothing was too much trouble which makes for a pleasant stress free holiday. You can be sure that we will be back for the third and most definitely not the last time. Once again Thank-you and see you next year. With best Wishes Garth and Sharon Dawson (November 2007) Dear Wendy, We remember the most lovely time we had up north and that very special time on board of Snow goose. It was a really happy experience and was the perfect sharing time with friends and teenage adventurers as the sailing is such a good mix of intense times of being amongst wind, water and sails and the big elements of space and nature and having those quiet lingering times of relaxing when anchoring in some secluded bay, being gently rocked on those star studded waters... We were lucky to have the sun and wind to make it exciting enough for everybody. We all learned at our different sailing levels, watched the dazzling skies at night and were in awe of the underwater world. Wintry greetings to you and Shaun Christine Procter (July 2007)
Well life has returned to normal too quickly after our fabulous holiday aboard the beautiful Magnetic Islander. Pleased to say that our land legs have been found and we are now dining out on the wonderful experiences we shared on-board. The first day with Shaun was a great introduction and without his patience and ability to educate rather greenhorn sailors our trip would not have been half as much fun. We were seeking a holiday that not only gave us a chance to spend together as a family but also something a little different and challenging. The 5 days and nights on the Seawind 1000 fulfilled both and we consider ourselves both privileged and proud to have experienced the pleasure and beauty of the Palm Islands. I am thoroughly recommending your company to our colleagues within the Aviation industry and once again thank you for your support, trust and professional approach. Yours Truly Marty Claassen (July 2007)
From the moment we got into the tender we weren’t on a trip with strangers we were among friends and the whole day was spent laughing, relaxing and feeling like we’d known Shaun (Captain) and David (1st Mate) for years. The experience was worth every cent and we look forward to seeing them both again next year… hopefully to fish with more success . Benjamin Bolton, Teacher, Canberra (July 2007)
We were rather thrilled to see the two whales close to our boat. A great holiday with absolutely beautiful weather. Regards - The Cummin family
We had a wonderful time, and would certainly recommend your company and charter from you again. ‘Al and Chris and family '.
Thank you again for the week we just spent on Sweetlips. A week fishing around the Palm islands was a great stress relief from the city life, plenty of fish, sunshine and value for money, we highly recommend and thank Shaun and Wendy for their hospitality. Steve & Tony, Melbourne
I just wanted to thank you for a marvelous experience that you made so much more enjoyable and easy through your great support. It is a remarkable part of the world and one to which we would very much like return. When we do, you may count on our patronage again. With kind regards, I just wanted to thank you for a fantastic holiday. The boat was great the location was at times breath taking and the coral and fish life was as good as any that I have seen on the barrier reef while snorkelling. You have got a first class operation in a beautiful location. No crowds in the anchorages and far to much to see and do in just one week. There is no doubt that I will drive straight past the Whitsundays to come and visit the palm group again and again to discover more of the magic anchorages that you have right on your doorstep. Thanks again for the best holiday we have had in a long long time. Garth and Sharon (Dec 06) It was almost worth the $50.00 for the winch handle to see Tony's face when it flew out of his hand and down into the deep blue sea! We had a wonderful time, it was really a very relaxing holiday which holidays are not always renowned for. We loved the yacht, it handled really well, and we enjoyed the freedom of wandering from island to island at will. We had some great snorkelling and saw heaps of ocean life (dolphins, whales, sharks, stingrays, eels, etc. as well as all the beautiful coloured fish in the reefs). We would love to come back at some stage. Anyway, thanks again, we had a wonderful time and have been sprouting off to everyone down here how peaceful, beautiful and relaxing the charter trip was. If we can recommend anyone to you we certainly will. Regards, Sheryl & Tony Lorenz Had a fantastic 9 days aboard MISTRAL, clear weather calm seas, excellent fishing/trolling from huge mackerel to coral trout and squid. Each anchorage to ourselves every day and night!! Sure beats the traffic jams in the Whitsundays. We are definitely coming back. Thanks Stewart and staff". Paul Kate Susan and Brian. Great - marvellous memories of last May. Very well worth coming from London/Trieste for a week in the Palms Tim and Maria Shallice Had a great time on Magnetism with our friends Danny & Marian Lau and Don Nicholson exploring the Palm Group of Islands. We especially enjoyed the sailing, the peacefulness of the islands visited, the scenery and viewing all the giant clams and corals when snorkeling at Pioneer Bay. We look forward to another venture. Bev & Vin Davison, Diamond Creek Victoria. After viewing your website we decided to leave Melbourne's winter for a week of sailing the Palm group of islands on your 43 Oceanis Magnetism. It was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Our favourite location was at Pioneer Bay where we enjoyed the bush walks and snorkeling above the giant clams. We all loved the sailing experience and isolation - Bev, Marian, Vin, Danny, Don. Thank-you at Magnetic island Rent-a-Yacht. had a great time. Excellent boat, location and great weather. Best holiday ever. Roger and Kevin I really enjoyed my trip up to Townsville and Magnetic Island but the highlight of the trip had to be the days spent sailing on one of your beautiful yachts. Having never really sailed before, I was filled with great confidence after the pre-sail instruction, so much so that I now feel comfortable taking out a yacht down here in Sydney. Indeed my friends think me a bit of an expert. Thanks for a marvelous holiday and I can't wait to book another trip with you again. Amber What a fantastic holiday! The coral islands were just like your web site said they would be. I enjoyed sailing the islands without any other boats around. The water was pristine and seeing the dolphins play around our boat was awesome. Cam & Lisa Would like to thank you for a great couple of days cruising around Magnetic Island. The yacht was well prepared and although the smallest in your fleet comfortable for the 5 of us. I thought the brief was very comprehensive and the boat well equipped. Highlights included the dolphins in Horseshoe bay, the various turtles and of course feeding the bat fish by hand in Florence Bay. We would definitely consider returning for longer next time and I would not hesitate in recommending you to my mates in Sydney or for that matter back in Scotland. Richard, Norma, Charlie, Sofia and Jamie |
m British Columbia, Canada it would be our first trip to Australia, and we soon discovered that the Whitsundays was popular cruising destination. Thanks to the internet and a little more investigation we found we had choices, and we were looking for something less traveled. Our charter experience has been extensive, including many trips here in the Pacific Northwests' extensive cruising area, and the Caribbean Virgin Islands. As frequent charterers will know, not all experiences are the same. Poor maintenance and bad service can be as common as poor weather, and in combination it can be downright dangerous. As boat owners we know the challenges and rewards of both cruising and racing and the resources needed to do so safely and most importantly for pure enjoyment. Our decision to choose Tropic Sail was made easy by Shaun and Wendy's attention to detail long before we set foot down-under. The service and hospitality continued from the moment we arrived until the moment we left Townsville after the charter and a further 3 night stay on Magnetic Island. Shaun was able to arrange a Great Barrier Reef dive/snorkel cruise for us the day after our charter. This day trip with Adrenaline Dive was a highlight for us. We thought the snorkeling in the Palms was fantastic, but somehow we knew the GBR would be special. Cruising Magnetic Island and the Palm Islands to us
was unique and exciting as it should be, when you first discover someplace new. The combination of Magnetic Island, the Palms and its proximity to the reef, combine to make this a truly rare cruising destination. The weather and sea conditions were much to our liking. It can be a challenging place to sail, but if you're up for it, you'll find the many rewards that still exist here. As sailors, we're all concerned about over development and the loss of natural habitats. While we did see new development in both Townsville and "Maggie" we'll remember the Palms as that distant unspoiled land on the horizon from Horseshoe Bay. It's one of the charms you'll want to discover for yourself. We wish Shaun and Wendy best of luck with Tropic Sail. We'll meet again...
Wendy,
I can't think of a better way to celebrate a 40th birthday and have no doubt we will be back for more just as soon as I have a little leave available.
Thank you Wendy and Shaun for all that you did to enable us to have what can only be described as a very exciting family sailing adventure filled with experiences that are rare to find in everyday life. We had a complete contrast of weather conditions from strong winds and challenging sailing to a calm peaceful sunny day with light to moderate winds. The yacht Snowgoose was roomy, seaworthy and was easy enough to handle for all our teenage boys who each shared being skipper throughout our journey. The 7 nights provided us with plenty of time to experience the beauty of the Palm Islands, mostly in complete isolation from any other boats or people. We enjoyed many sensational anchorages that enabled us to all explore the land and sea. Above the water we saw dolphins, turtles and fish skimming across the surface. Under the water, snorkeling, we saw magnificent coral, giant clams and very colourful fish.
Dear Wendy and Shaun, 
My wife and I are both teachers and we hadn’t been on an interstate holiday in five years. I found Magnetic Palm Islands rent a Yacht (Tropic Sail) easily on the internet and inquired about a day’s charter. After several very friendly emails back and forth I decided to bite the bullet and book, they even helped arrange a nanny on board so my wife and I could enjoy the day’s activities together while our baby daughter looked on safely with her carer. 
