Book Direct with the Owner at Whitsundays Sailing Experience On America's Cup Yacht Southern Cross in Airlie Beach with Accommodation Ballina for all your restaurant and entertainment needs.
Whether traveling alone, part of a group or with your family, this sailing experience suits those looking to experience the beaches, islands and reefs of the Whitsundays. There is space on board to relax on the deck, or take a seat in the shaded cockpit.  For guests interested in helping to sail, the crew ask for volunteers to help hoist the sails, or you can just simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Southern Cross is a racing legend, being built for the America's Cup as Australia's 4th Challenger, with sail number KA4 and beating the competing nations to win the right to race against the American's at Newport Rhode Island. Today, while Southern Cross still holds the spirit of a racing yacht, modifications have been made to make it comfortable for guest charters, with features such as a shaded cockpit, downstairs lounge area, dining table and guest bathroom.
Departs 8am returns 5:15 to 5:30pm. Please check in the day before departure to select pick up time and location!
With a coach pickup from your accommodation house to the marina, we depart from Abell Point Marina at 8am.
Enjoy morning tea and crew commentary of the surrounding islands, then before you know it, we have arrived at our first destination, Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island.
Using the tender, guests transfer in groups over to the beach, and then one of the crew will guide guests along the path to the Hill Inlet Lookout. Here guests take in the spectacular view of Australia's number one beach, marvel at the shimmering swirling sands covered by crystal clear waters. Â Don't forget to ask the guide to take pictures of you with this famous background.
You will then have time to explore the beach, before being welcomed back onboard with a delicious lunch. Setting sail once again for the voyage to our snorkel location. Snorkel equipment and stinger suits will be issued, before the crew provide a snorkel briefing and instruction on the snorkelling site. With temperatures rarely dropping lower than 21°C, this is a very comfortable snorkel location, with tropical fish and corals blanketing the ocean floor, the odd turtle and dolphin also can’t resist saying hello.
Around 3:30pm we set sail for Airlie Beach, switching off the engine and by the power of wind sailing across the Whitsunday Passage. Â The crew will serve afternoon fruit and cheese platters. Â Arriving back in Abell Point Marina between 5-5:30pm, and our courtesy coach will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation.
Please be aware, this itinerary may change if the winds are strong. Â While most of the year we enjoy prevailing S.E trade winds, sailing is also dependent on the winds.
