Location Directions
Terms & Conditions
The new Moorings 474 Powercat conceived between The Moorings, international yacht builders Robertson & Caine, and architects Morrelli & Melvin, is of cutting edge design and merges the best design features learned from customer expectations and many years of yacht design.
This brand new design is an ideal cruising platform boasting 3 deck levels with large functional living spaces for friends and family to fully enjoy. This next generation Moorings 47 Powercat also boasts excellent fuel efficiency at the 12-15 knot range, ease of handling, versatility, and a range of design features and amenities to ensure a memorable on-board experience for the whole family.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Experience is more important than paper qualifications. Although no formal qualifications are required to charter your own bareboat yacht, at least one of your crew members has previous sailing or yachting experience to level 3-4.
Two people on board with sailing experience are required. The skipper must have sailed this size yacht before for at least 5 days or more, and have good navigation skills and must know how to anchor the yacht. The 2nd adult must have sailing knowledge and they need to know what to do in an emergency such as a man over board situation.
Handling a yacht under motor, basic wind awareness, mooring and anchoring skills and/or flotilla course at a Sunsail Club or Sailing School.
Handling a yacht under sail, reefing, reading a chart, line of sight navigation, competent at bows to and stern to mooring.
As above plus previous skipper experience on flotilla holiday or equivalent experience. You will need to be competent of handling a yacht in close quarters and picking up a mooring buoy in varying conditions. Passages are longer with more varied conditions and stronger winds.
More taxing sailing areas where extended coastal experience is beneficial. RYA Day Skipper or equivalent experience, you should be able to...
* handle longer passages cope with tides and currents
* call on navigation and pilotage skills
* know your position at any one time
If you don't have any sailing experience but wish to experience a bareboat charter holiday, why not enrol in one of our the Operator's Sailing School courses, which can have you sailing your own yacht in no time!
DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER?
Of course you don't need to hire a skipper for your holiday, but choosing a crew to accompany you on your yacht charter holiday means you can sit back and totally relax.
To ensure your safety at all times during your sailing holiday, the supplier is contactable 24 hours a day, seven days per week via VHF marine radio. The Operator's radio announcements ("scheds") are also run twice daily to inform you of the latest weather forecast and record each yacht’s daily movements and overnight anchorages. The supplier Whitsundays has a reliable back-up service ensuring you will not be alone in the unlikely event of an emergency, or if you simply need more supplies or provisions.
Contract start time is 12 noon on the first day of your sailing holiday, providing the Operator with enough time to fully prepare your yacht. If you are already at the supplier Whitsundays base or wish to start your charter earlier, the Operator will endeavour to meet your requests. The Operator can advise you of a briefing time at 8.30am on the day your charter commences.
You’ll be amazed at just how affordable it is to charter your own luxury yacht for the sailing holiday of a lifetime. As a general guide, a yacht charter usually equates to approximately $100 per person per night, depending on the size of vessel, number of people and length of stay.
The Operator strongly recommends you cover your prepaid yacht charter fees against cancellation due to circumstances beyond your control. The Operator's Reservations Team can supply you with information on insurance policies available.
Careful provisioning is an important part of the preparation for your sailing holiday. By pre-arranging your provisioning, your vessel will be fully stocked with the type of catering you require prior to your arrival. Should you prefer to order specific provisions but wish the Operator to do your leg work, the Operator's Self Select list has been prepared for your convenience. Sailing can be very thirsty work. The Operator can stock your yacht with a range of beer, wine, spirits and cold drinks so you will never run dry!
Not very much! Each Supplier yacht is fully equipped for charter from every imaginable viewpoint. Apart from your personal possessions, you should bring your own...
- beach towels
- sunscreen
- swimwear
- polarised sunglasses (essential for seeing fringing reefs and can be purchased from the supplier on arrival)
- footwear – good solid footwear is advisable (an old pair of sneakers are ideal)
- broad brimmed hat
- light clothing that will provide protection from the sun and a tracksuit or warm clothing for the evenings
- Soft luggage where possible
Moorings information
The Operator operates their yacht charters and sailing holidays in The Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, which is a World Heritage National Park. The Whitsundays are situated on the north east coast of Queensland, Australia, inside the Great Barrier Reef, between latitude 20° and 21° south and longitude 148° 48’ and 148° 30’ east.
The Operator's cruising area is three times larger than other Whitsunday yacht charter companies, meaning you have the freedom to explore hundreds of islands and inlets between Bowen and Mackay. In addition, the Operator's sailing hours are longer, extending from an hour after sunrise to an hour before sunset.
No other yacht charter company gives you so much room - or time - to lose yourself in this seventh heaven. Explore deserted islands, sandy beaches or simply relax aboard your yacht as you soak up the sunshine in this aquatic wonderland. With so many islands and anchorages, you will need to return to the Whitsundays many times before you think you have seen it all!
The Charter Base
The charter base is located on Hamilton Island - the heart of the Whitsundays and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
With its own jet airport, 10 cosmopolitan restaurants, an expansive range of resort and self-contained accommodation and a tonne of activities, Hamilton Island is Australia's largest and most popular island holiday destination.
A multitude of activities will keep you entertained before you set your sails, such as
-
a golf driving range
-
mini-golf
-
go-karts
-
a health club
-
a unique Wire Flyer
A friendly representative greets every party upon arrival and transfers them to the base, so they can start their sailing holiday as soon as possible!
The charter base for this vessel is located in the Marina Village, just a short drive from the island's jet airport.
Upon arrival at either the airport or marina (if arriving by ferry), a representative will greet you and transfer you and your luggage to the supplier base. So don't forget to provide all of your arrival and departure details to the supplier team before your holiday!
At the base, at least one member of your party will undergo a yacht charter briefing with staff member. This is an important opportunity to learn about the yacht and the local cruising area.
Thevery close to all of the conveniences in the Marina Village. There are shower/toilet facilities for guests, and the village also has a grocery store, National Australia Bank, post office, TAB, medical centre, bottle shop, bakery, souvenir store, newsagents and much more!
The Whitsundays are located just off the Queensland Coast of Australia with the closest mainland port being Shute Harbour. the supplier Whitsundays is conveniently based on Hamilton Island which is located in the heart of the Whitsundays and is the perfect location to start your yacht charter holiday.
Getting there
It has never been easier to get to the Whitsundays...
By Air
Hamilton Island is only a 1.5 hour direct flight from Brisbane, 2.5 hours from Sydney and 3.5 hours from Melbourne.
Fly Directly to Hamilton Island:
Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Blue all offer direct flights to Hamilton Island's jet airport from most Australian capital cities.
Fly to to Proserpine Airport:
Fly Jetstar, Virgin or Qantas to Proserpine airport (Whitsunday Coast airport), which is located on the mainland. Proserpine is a 30 minute coach ride to Shute Harbour followed by a 40 minute ferry to Hamilton Island. Alternatively you can fly in a light aircraft from Proserpine airport to Hamilton Island airport.
Fly to Mackay Airport:
Fly Jetstar, Virgin or Qantas to Mackay airport which is also on the mainland. Mackay is a 120 minute coach ride to Shute Harbour followed by a 40 minute ferry to Hamilton Island. Alternatively you can fly in a light aircraft from Mackay airport to Hamilton Island airport.
By Road:
If you are driving or catching a coach to commence your Whitsunday sailing holiday, you need to drive to Shute Harbour which is located 10 minutes past Airlie Beach. On arrival to Shute Harbour you can lock your car up in the nearby security car parking facility and catch a ferry to Hamilton Island.
Airlie Beach (Abel Point Marina) starts:
For a delivery fee of $220 each way the Operator can deliver your yacht to Airlie Beach so you can commence your charter from the mainland, instead of Hamilton Island.
Suggested Whitsunday Itineraries
You are free to explore the Whitsundays at your leisure during your sunny sailing holiday. However, the Operator has compiled two suggested itineraries for those who would like some advice on getting the most out of your cruising getaway!
Please note that all sailing itineraries for the Whitsunday Islands are subject to prevailing weather conditions.
During your briefing the Operator's crew will assist you in planning your sailing itinerary to ensure you see and do everything you want to in safety, comfort and style.
1 Week Suggested Itinerary
|
Day |
Destination |
(nm) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Hamilton Island to Cid Harbour, Whitsunday Island |
8 |
|
2 |
Nara Inlet, Hook Island |
12 |
|
3 |
Lunch at Blue Pearl Bay off Hayman Island |
9 |
|
4 |
Butterfly Bay |
4 |
|
5 |
Cateran Bay, Border Island |
15 |
|
6 |
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island |
12 |
|
7 |
Hamilton Island |
6 |
2 Week Suggested Itinerary
|
Day |
Destination |
(nm) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Hamilton Island to Billbob Bay, Shaw Island |
13 |
|
2 |
Thomas Island |
4 |
|
3 |
Neck Bay, Shaw Island |
11 |
|
4 |
White Bay,Haslewood Island |
11 |
|
5 |
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island |
6 |
|
6 |
Whitehaven Beach |
|
|
7 |
Cateran Bay, Border Island |
9 |
|
8 |
Butterfly Bay, Hook Island |
10 |
|
9 |
Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island |
4 |
|
10 |
Airlie Beach |
16 |
|
11 |
South Molle Island |
9 |
|
12 |
Nara inlet, Hook Island |
9 |
|
13 |
Palm Bay, Long Island |
13 |
|
14 |
Hamilton Island |
8 |
The most informative cruising guide for the Whitsundays is "100 Magic Miles" by David Colfelt. This book clearly outlines all islands, reefs and features in the sailing area making navigating through the Whitsunday Islands a breeze.
The book also details fishing guidelines and snorkelling spots plus has loads of information on the local area and individual destinations.
All the Operator's vessels have this guide onboard, but the Operator does recommend you purchase and read the book prior to your charter.
The book can be selected at the time of booking.
Weather and Sailing Conditions
Sheltered by the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays offer smoother seas for spectacular sailing all year round.
With line of sight navigation, the islands of the Whitsundays are ideal for novices and experienced sailors alike.
The region's tidal nature means that you should consult the tide tables prior to planning each day's itinerary.
Wind direction from March to September is generally south-east to east, while September through February brings more north-easterly winds.
Wind Strength
Incidence of winds in given range, 1500 hours,
Hayman Island (observations over 15 year period)
|
Month |
0-11 kn |
11-16 kn |
17-22 kn |
22 kn+ |
|
Jan. |
55% |
29% |
9% |
6% |
|
Feb. |
42% |
34% |
19% |
6% |
|
Mar. |
47% |
29% |
16% |
8% |
|
Apr. |
44% |
28% |
20% |
8% |
|
May |
47% |
33% |
15% |
5% |
|
June |
64% |
25% |
9% |
1% |
|
July |
65% |
27% |
6% |
1% |
|
Aug. |
61% |
26% |
10% |
2% |
|
Sept. |
63% |
22% |
12% |
3% |
|
Oct. |
54% |
33% |
11% |
3% |
|
Nov. |
56% |
28% |
12% |
4% |
|
Dec. |
54% |
30% |
12% |
5% |
Wind Direction
Incidence of winds in given range, 1500 hours, Hayman Island (observations over 15 year period)
|
Month |
Calm |
N |
NE |
E |
SE |
S |
SW |
W |
NW |
|
Jan. |
2% |
7% |
22% |
31% |
21% |
2% |
1% |
4% |
10% |
|
Feb. |
2% |
5% |
11% |
32% |
33% |
6% |
1% |
2% |
8% |
|
Mar. |
1% |
2% |
13% |
35% |
37% |
6% |
1% |
* |
5% |
|
Apr |
3% |
1% |
6% |
30% |
46% |
7% |
* |
3% |
4% |
|
May. |
4% |
* |
4% |
24% |
46% |
18% |
1% |
2% |
1% |
|
June |
3% |
1% |
3% |
14% |
41% |
25% |
4% |
5% |
4% |
|
July |
3% |
1% |
6% |
23% |
40% |
16% |
5% |
3% |
3% |
|
Aug. |
3% |
4% |
13% |
26% |
35% |
5% |
1% |
4% |
9% |
|
Sept. |
2% |
5% |
19% |
33% |
25% |
2% |
2% |
5% |
7% |
|
Oct. |
* |
6% |
20% |
32% |
21% |
2% |
* |
4% |
14% |
|
Nov. |
1% |
10% |
22% |
27% |
16% |
1% |
* |
5% |
18% |
|
Dec. |
* |
10% |
21% |
29% |
17% |
1% |
* |
5% |
16% |
Temperature Chart
|
Whitsunday Weather |
Jan |
Apr |
July |
Oct |
|
Av. daily high temp. |
31°C |
28°C |
23°C |
28°C |
|
Av. daily low temp. |
25°C |
23°C |
17°C |
21°C |
|
Mean sea temp. |
27°C |
26°C |
22°C |
24°C |
