QUEENSLAND YACHT CHARTERS - CHARTER INFORMATION

We can deliver the vessel to Hamilton Island so that you may start and finish your charter from there (for a small fee & subject to availability) or you can catch a Resort Connections ferry straight from the airport marina to Abel Point Marina (QYC Base). See Cruise Whitsunday

CHARTER START/FINISH:
Your charter can start and finish on any day of the week except Christmas Day, New Years Day and Fun Race Day. Check-ins and briefings are at 9.00am unless you have a sleep aboard when the check-in is 4.00 pm. Boats must be returned by 10.00am or later by arrangement. An extensive briefing follows check-in, taking in navigation, anchoring, safety and practical boat handling. On board you will find charts, navigation aids and cruising guide "100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef" by David Colfelt.

HALF PRICE SLEEPABOARD
Arriving lunchtime or late in the day? Then take advantage of our Half Price Sleepaboard option. Boarding time is 4pm (or earlier if available) with a quick boat brief taking place at this time, followed by the full briefing the following day. The sleepaboard option is not available for charters commencing from Hamilton Island.

EXPERIENCE:
Some basic boating experience is essential for your boating holiday. If you do not have a reasonable level, we suggest you try and gain some experience through friends or a Learn to Sail course (please visit our useful links on our site). Alternatively, we can always place a Sailguide onboard your vessel for a day or two from $180.00 for a half day. If chartering the Fountaine Pajot Power Cat, extensive experience is required.

SAFETY/LIFE JACKETS/STINGER SUITS:
Your QYC charter boat meets all safety requirements and has undergone an extensive check before you board. You'll have a ship-to-shore radio on board and will be in regular contact with base for daily check-ins, weather reports and for any local advice we can provide.

QYC recommend stinger suits be worn during our jellyfish season which generally runs from October to May. The thin lycra suits do not need to be pre-booked and are available for hire at our base for $20.00 per suit . We also have available for purchase full length ultra thin suits at $35.00 per suit and in the cooler months have available steamer suits (also for hire) which offer sun protection and extra warmth.

Please note that Queensland Yacht Charters do not provide children's lifejackets as the Queensland Department of Transport does not recognise approved lifejackets for any young children in your group. If you require children's lifejackets, we recommend they be hired from the Dive Shop at the marina.

GOOD NEWS ON STINGERS
Queensland Surf Lifesaving has released the latest data on stingers (jellyfish) and the news is all good! There has been a 75% reduction in serious stings since 2002, with only 10 in Tropical North Queensland in 2004-2005!
With the hundreds of thousands of people holidaying and swimming here over the summer months, this clearly shows that the precautions being taken are working and that there is really no reason to miss out on snorkeling and diving in wonderful warm, clear tropical waters over these months.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND ON BOARD:
All linens, towels, blankets, pillows, well equipped galley with refrigeration, hot and cold water, deck shower, snorkelling equipment, electric anchor winch, deck BBQ, cruising guide, navigation equipment, safety gear, wet weather jackets, CD player, toilets and showers, inflatable dinghy with outboard. Note: Fishing gear is not supplied on board but a complete pack can be hired from $12.00 p/day.

INCLUSIONS:
Your boating holiday is fully inclusive in the price except for fuel which is a simple "pay as used" basis and applies to all sail and motor boats. You can expect to pay around $80.00 to $120.00 per day for motor boats & around $20.00 per day for yachts. Dinghies include one full tank of fuel.

SNORKELLING, FISHING & SCUBA DIVING:
The Whitsundays form part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Excellent snorkelling and fishing sites are found throughout the islands. Although fishing equipment is not included in your charter rate, fishing is permitted in appropriately zoned areas. Spear guns are not encouraged. Quality snorkelling gear is included on board. Certified divers can hire equipment prior to arrival and can visit www.aquadive.com.au for further information and prices.

DEPOSIT & CONFIRMATION:
Your $550.00 deposit received within 7 days confirms your booking. On receipt we will send you a pre-charter kit with island chart, area information and comprehensive operations manual.

BALANCE OF FEES:
Due 60 days prior to departure and you will receive a reminder letter at this time. We do recommend purchasing a copy of the 100 Magic Miles of The Great Barrier Reef to assist you in planning your holiday. Please contact us either on our toll free number 1800 075 013 or via email reservations@yachtcharters.com.au for costs.

DAMAGE WAIVER:
We will request payment of a Damage Waiver being $25.00 p/day up to a maximum of 10 days. This is non-refundable and covers minor loss and damaged items on the vessel. A security bond of $2000 is lodged on your arrival to our office and fully refundable within 7 days completion of your charter. The security bond covers for insurable incidents. *Please refer to clause 3.3 and 3.4 in your Charter Agreement. Also payable on arrival is a Marine Park Fee (reef tax) of $20.00 per person per charter from 31 March 2008.

CANCELLATION:
Fully refundable less $110 administration fee if cancelled more than 60 days prior to departure. Non refundable if cancelled within 60 days of departure unless a substitute booking is obtained.

INSURANCE INFORMATION:
Your boat is fully insured for loss or damage, however we recommend you consider taking out the following insurance to cover for other events:
Click here for insurance

INTERNET CONNECTIONS
QYC can now offer you wireless internet access on board your boat in Abel Pt Marina and Hamilton Island Marina. You will need to log onto Marinanet and sign in for the package you need.

MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE
Coverage is limited in most anchorages around the islands, although getting better with next/3G and Telstra does have an advantage. On the outside (eastern sides) of the islands there is limited to no coverage. Inside the islands and from some northern anchorages there is some coverage.
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