Multihull Central’s recently appointed Event’s Coordinator enjoys her first Whitsunday Rally as a novice sailor.
Such a fantastic week had up in our very own Australian Paradise. This year we had 30 people across 7 Seawind Catamarans island hopping through the Whitsunday’s over the entire week.
The Whitsunday’s first of all is undeniably beautiful, I was also surprised how pleasant the weather is up there in Winter having never been in season myself before.
The first group dinner at Sorrentos was great to break the ice and meet the teams before we set sail the next morning over the Cid Harbour. Unfortunately the rain set in towards the back end of the race, however once we anchored and after our teams creative sandcastles we saw the light and had a stunning sundowner all onboard the party boat, Reflection!
I might have been a little disappointed by the rain initially but it seemed to come and go with the most intense rainbows I’ve ever seen.
The next race was a long one! Battling unfavourable currents and rain made for a motoring end to the finish line. This put into perspective how sailing isn’t always sunshine and smooth cruising.
I quickly learnt how all these modest boat owners were harbouring a competitive side. These races were serious business to some!
Let the boys have their fun… i soon took up tanning out on the tramps while the sun was out!
Whitehaven Beach never disappoints, sun shining and everyone out for the blind man’s dinghy race fool proof for a good laugh. By this stage everyone was up for the beach cricket and some shocking bowling by yours truly! Sorry guys…
After a few wines on the beach it was back to the boats and a number of mixed boat dinner parties into the night. It was great to see everyone actively engaging in the fun of it all either by swimming, SUP (stand up paddle boarding), kayaking or taking the dingy to join in on lunch, drinks and dinners.
The next day was a short race and my generous skipper anchored up at the one and only Hayman Island’s, Blue Pearl Bay.
What a treat! After hanging out for some tropical snorkelling, this was more than amazing. I found nemo!
After being spoilt with a ray of colours for the best part of an hour, we attempted to join to others in Butterfly Bay. Unfortunately it was a mooring bouy short for us and we had to spend the night around at Maureens Cove. That sounds negative, but by no means was I disappointed… the snorkelling there was just as spectacular!
The second last sailing day we had another long race down to South Mole Island. . After stretching our legs on the beach, we returned to the boats for an onboard party – these catamarans have great dance floors! Drinks and nibbles soon turned into a night full of the Beach Boys and other songs that had my crew up dancing out the back of the boat… I may have joined in on the nutbush.
Last day saw us sail beautifully back to civilisation on Hamilton Island. It was an exciting time for all I’m sure, with the opportunity to replenish the stocks of onboard liquor and sit down for a catered meal .
The last supper for the Rally had each boat nominating another for ‘Nonsense Awards’ a great opportunity to share their funny times had over the week.
Drum roll please for the winner of the regatta…. NIMROD, skippered by David Stratton and Partner Georgina. Well done guys! They enjoyed a luxurious Day Spa treatment at Hamilton Island as first prize.
My ‘Virgin Voyage’ as one crew member put it, was a great experience as a novice sailor. From what I’m gathering, women think the racing side of the rally takes over the fun, which isn’t the case. My advice humour the boys for a little while until all boat talk becomes background noise to a picturesque sunset enjoyed with new friends over a bottle of wine!
