• Services of  Professional Captain and Crew
• All Meals ON TOURS
• BYO
• Wet Suit Hire
• Local Marine&National Park Fees
• Snorkelling Equipment
• Guided walks on islands.

What to Bring
We appreciate that you limit the amount of luggage that you bring on board.
Please bring along soft sided luggage as it makes it much easier for storage.
Togs
Towel
Sunscreen (recommended SPF 30+)
Hat
Sunglasses
Camera
Sandals
Walking/Running shoes for bush walk
iPod or MP3 player
At least one warm jumper/jacket for cooler evenings.

Please Note: if you have larger luggage, storages faciliities are available at most accommodation houses in Airlie Beach. Alternatively, there is a store across the road from the checkin office.

Optional Extra

Rendezvous Dive
AU$75.00 for both Certified and Introductory dives, this includes all the equipment. We meet up with our own dive vessel for this option to give you a memorable experience. Please indicate this in the extras section when you make your enquiry.

Please Note: as a pre-safety check we recommend that you refer to the medical checklist in the terms and conditions.

Typical Itinerary

Breakfast
8am Breakfast followed by a swim or a bushwalk

Sailing
Approximately 1hour of sailing to a snorkelling, diving or beach destination.

Exploring
1.5 hours of exploring the coral reefs, swimming and/or relaxing at the beach.

Lunch
1pm

Sail the Whitsundays
2:30pm Sail around the Whitsunday Islands and arrive safely at an overnight anchorage.

Socialise, Relax and Enjoy!
from 4:30-5:30pm whilst at anchor, we will meet up with guests from our other yacht charter. You can mingle, enjoy and drink or two, exchange sailing stories and whatch the sunset over the islands.

Dinner
7.30pm dinner is served. Afterwards its your decision whether you want to party on with a few drinks under the stars or call it a day.

ORIGINAL OWNER Southern Cross was built by Perth entrepreneur Alan Bond for the Americas Cup. DESIGNER Southern Cross was designed by Australia's famous yacht designer, Ben Lexcen.

SPECIFICATIONS Built in Perth Western Australia of aluminium, weighing 32 tonnes with a single mast which is 97 feet high. Southern Cross was built to the Americas Cup 12 metre rule specification and is 68 feet in length.

* WINNER OF THE LOUIS VUTTION CUP * by successfully defeating the French, Swedish & British challenging syndicates to make it to the final of the America's Cup against the USA.

RACING HISTORY Southern Cross was built for wind conditions of 10 - 18 knots, which is perfect sailing the Whitsunday Islands. When Southern Cross competed in the Americas Cup in Newport Rhode Island the races that year were in light conditions of less than 10 knots.

Prince Philip sailed on Southern Cross for 3 hours during which time he took the Wheel. He later announced 'Southern Cross is a right royal piece of equipment'.

WHITSUNDAY CHARTERS Southern Cross's conversion to an overnight charter vessel was extensive and included new cockpits, new coach roof, new diesel engine and cabin fit out downstairs to make her into a comfortable yacht for overnight sailing charters.

Southern Cross has single berths and three double berths. All double berths have curtains for privacy. Southern Cross provides 3 day 2 night sailing adventures in the Whitsundays. Each trip takes up to 14 guests on the adventure of a lifetime. Guests are welcome to assist sail Southern Cross, including hoisting and trimming sails, or taking the helm to steer her around the islands.

Southern Cross being the smaller vessel in the fleet is ideal for private group charters of 6 to 14 guests.
 

Location Direction

By Air: To Whitsunday Coast Airport and then take "Whitsunday Transit" coach (own expense) to Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Alternatively, fly to Hamilton Island Airport and take Cruise Whitsunday's (own expense) to Abel Point Marina in Airlie Beach. Island Air Taxis also offer a beautiful scenic connecting flight from Hamilton Island to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, from which its just a short taxi fare to Airlie Beach.

Virgin Blue services Whitsunday Coast as well as Hamilton Island Airport.
www.virginblue.com.au

Jetstar airlines service Hamilton Island airport, with flights daily from Sydney and Brisbane.
Jetstar also services Whitsunday Coast airport, with flights daily from Brisbane and twice per week from Sydney.
www.jetstar.com.au

By Coach: A number of express coach companies offer multiple daily services from most major cities to Airlie Beach, Whitsunday's. See www.greyhoundaustralia.com.au and www.premierms.com.au
Oz Experience has a number of great packages to show you the highlights of Australia. See www.ozexperience.com for further information on packages.

By Car: Driving south from Cairns and north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, turn off at Whitsunday Coast and follow the signs 26 km to Airlie Beach.

By Rail: Whitsunday Coast (26km inland of Airlie Beach) is the rail link to the Whitsundays and Queensland Rail operate regular services. The new high-speed tilt train will service the Whitsunday region three times a week in a north and south-bound direction. Call 13 22 32 for further information.

Choose a  yacht to suit your desires and experience a sailing and diving adventure of a lifetime amongst one of the worlds most unique aquatic playgrounds.

Company Profile

The Operator has been operating crewed charters in the Whitsundays for more than 15 years. Over these years the Operator has won many Tourisim awards and been leaders in the marketing and operation of the crewed charter fraterinty in the Whitsunday's.
The Operator is currently focusing on the core product "Maxi Sailing" and 3 major boats 'Condor', Broomstick' and 'Hammer of QLD'.

All 3 boats have had a major refit and refurbishment over the last 12 months and the Operator look forward to customers appreciating the upgrades of facilities offered. All boats have had new galley's installed (in line with the new food handling regulations), new upholstery and new engines to keep the boats running smoothly and looking fresh.

The Operator is proud to be reusing and recycling the discarded toys of the rich and famous!

As long time members of the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association the Operator has always agreed on standards and codes of conduct to better the industry and the collective aim is to even further go ahead of the competitors in terms of quality, customer service and value for money

Indulge on a Whitsunday Sailing adventure!
The Operator offers you the opportunity of sailing the Whitsunday's aboard one of the crewed maxi sailing yachts. Or explore both above and below the tropical waters of the Whitsunday Islands aboard a crewed luxury vessel. As Australia's number one crewed yacht charter company, The Operator offers you the ability to charter a sailboat that suits not only your time schedule but also your personal sailing desires.

Whether you are looking to charter a luxury yacht, be crew on a famous Maxi yacht or organise a corporate yacht charter for a memorable sailing vacation in the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Operator can cater for your every sail holiday desire!

The Operator prides itself on providing guests with an experience to be remembered for a lifetime. Guests are ensured great value for money, fresh gourmet meals, genuine hospitality, fun and friendly crew as well as a high standard of vessel presentation, equipment and service. You have the opportunity to get involved with the sailing or just relax as you enjoy the magic of the Whitsunday Islands and its abundant sea life.

Your adventure begins the moment you step aboard one of the crewed sailing charters at Airlie Beach - gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Not even the Caribbean presents an image of such a densely massed group of coral reef, lush rainforest, velvet green covered peaks and uninhabited tropical islands shimmering in an azure sea and all concentrated into an area of only 100 nautical miles. You will sail leisurely past the lush tropical islands, snorkel the many spectacular coral reefs, laze on one of the world's best beaches and personally meet an extravagant array of sea life. You will explore the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in comfort and style aboard a professionally crewed and catered sailing vessel, whilst the multi award winning crew ensure this charter is remembered.

Throughout your Whitsunday sailing cruise you will journey amongst the 74 Whitsunday Islands, snorkel over some of the 3,000 reefs on the continental shelf, swim amongst the 400 different types of coral and meet around 1,500 species of marine life including many turtles, dolphins and much more. The Operator even has the humpback whales visit the Whitsundays from July to September.

As a multi tourism award winner the Operator prides itself in providing a high quality, value for money cruise aboard a superior standard of vessel with professional and experienced crew dedicated to ensuring you return to shore with a great big smile and a memory to last a lifetime.

Over 90% of clientele state that sailing the Whitsundays with the Operator was the highlight of their trip to Australia!

70% of the World is Water.............Race you for it!!!

Testimonials:

8th July 2008, CONDOR
Lot's of lovely food,friendly and helpful crew.
Avery good experience. I had no idea sailing would so much fun. We met some lovely people seen fantastic sights and had a brilliant time.
Thanks a million! Shauna (Irish)

Would highly recommend this to anyone travelling to Airlie Beach Australia. Lovely way to spend Canada Day in wintertime! A+
Kip (Canadian)
2nd July 2008- Broomstick.

Amazing Experience! Can't wait to do it again. Thanks
Irena (Israei) 2nd July 2008 HAMMER!

Had the best 2 days of my whole 10 months in Oz!! Couldn't fault the cruise, just wish it could've been longer!! Thanks

Had a fantastic time! Much better than expected and would definintely do again! Beautiful scenery and snorkelling spots, crew definitely knew what they're talking about. Fantastic crack with everyone on board too. Cheers guys!

Haven't been on any other boat, however why would you bother paying for more expensive cruises when everything you want was on this package. Cheers guys!

- Whales, turtles, dophins, flying fish
- Great weather conditions
- wonderful snorkelling trips
- wonderful nights on the boat
- fantastic crew
Thanks Guys

Thanks a lot for the 2 beautiful days! It was a perfect tour with a great crew! Amazing places and sailing. I'll never forget the wonderful days at Whitsundays with you!!!

Awesome time, great snorkelling, fun and happy crew. Overall a great time and beautiful weather.
Wicked good time!!
Ben - Broomstick 23rd January 2008

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

On departure day, before you commence your trip, you may be required to sign a rental agreement (in the case of boat charters) with the supplier of the vessel. Your rental and use of the vessel will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vessel. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vessel. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking, you must complete our no-obligations reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct - and discuss payment options. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

Please note we accept Visa and Mastercard and the credit card fees are: 
1) 1.75% for the deposit amount.
2) 1.75% for the balance of payment.

If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions of your selected sailing adventure. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental, trip or charter services.

Amendments
Please check the terms of each vessel to see whether amendment fees apply. Please also note that for some vessels an amendment is treated as a new booking and the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). In the case of boat rental/yacht charter, if the hire or number of days is increased, an additional deposit may be required, while reduction in rental periods or price may reduce the total, but the deposit amount will remain unchanged.

Vessel Capacity and fitness to charter (for Bareboats only)
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vessel you charter is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of passengers allowed is indicated next to each vessel on this website. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A boat or trip supplier can refuse to hire a vessel to any person who is in their opinion unfit to skipper or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.