We paused our road trip to do something I have wanted to do for a long time: go sailing around the Whitsundays.

I had booked a 3 night cruise on the Whitsunday Blue, a catamaran that sleeps 8 people plus two crew.

After much anticipation, the afternoon finally came and our captain, Kevin, and host Jenna met us at the harbor. Jenna told us it was her first time doing the job.

We had the usual sort of awkward introductions with the 6 other guests. We’ve done two other group tours in the last two years and I have found it always starts the same way. Kind of quiet and awkward and by the end people are having fun and hanging shit.

We admired the moored yachts as we walked towards our home for the next three nights – the Whitsunday Blue.

It was a bit more modest than the others we walked past and perfect for our 3 day sailing trip.

We were shown our rooms, which even though small, had a huge bed and an air conditioner and fans and ensuite (the photos were taken at the end of the holiday beds were not rumpled on arrival).

Captain Kev gave us a stern talk on how to use the marine toilets. I was suitably scared and hoping not to have to use.

We were off. I realised how new Jenna was when Kevin was directing her around telling her what to do with ropes etc as the yacht left the harbour. Poor Jenna I think she was terrified but what a superstar. We could not have asked for a better host. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She did everything possible to make sure we all had a wonderful time. As a non boat person who has been on boats and asked to grab this, pull that, flick this I felt for her.

We sailed for a couple of hours and reached our overnight location. Jenna brought out a massive plate of nachos to snack on and we had drinks and got to know our boat mates.

As the sun went down I did private toast to Gloria Eckel who passed away that day. RIP beautiful Gloria it was a privilege to know you. I will remember your wisdom and your humour and your laugh.

Dinner was salmon cooked by Kevin on the BBQ and asparagus and sweet potato mash followed by cheesecake. How lovely not to have to worry about cooking or cleaning up after. I felt guilty being waited on but totally loved it at the same time.

Day 2

Chris and I got up at 5.30 to see the sunrise. We were a bit late it was already quite light. No one else got up so it was a peaceful start to the morning.

Jenna made us plunger coffee and we had breakfast.

First stop was Whitsunday Island where Whitehaven beach is. We jumped onto the rubber dinghy to get there. I had heard so much about Whitehaven Beach and wondered if it was overrated. I didn’t think it was. And it was way bigger than I thought it would be.

Kevin picked us up in the dinghy and Jenna had lunch ready for us – hamburgers in buns. We travelled for a couple of hours and moored at our overnight location.

We got the last buoy. It seemed to be a race with another boat to get it. There are limited numbers at each location it seems.

We suited up for some snorkelling, jumped on the rubber boat to get closer to shore and the reef.

We came back our afternoon snack was ready – bruschetta washed down with some bubbles. This is the life.

We were all in bed at 8.30.

Day 3

I got up alone earlier at 5am to watch the sunrise. It was still dark when I crept up to the deck with my blanket. The stars were out. It wasn’t as flat as the day before so there was some gentle banging of the boat. I watched as the sky changed colour and stars slowly disappeared and people started to rise and coffee was made.

After breakfast (pancakes, fruit and yogurt) it was time to try paddle boarding.

I’ve never paddle boarded and honestly thought it looked a bit boring. Balancing was way harder than I had thought. I think I was on / off about 20 times before I completely surprised myself (and Chris) by getting the hang of it. I loved it!

Annoyingly Chris got it straight away pretty much. That was predictable but I do wish he would find one new activity tricky.

Time for morning tea and coffee and then we were off to a new snorkeling destination at Cockatoo Point. There was quite a strong current so we hardly had to swim. We drifted along and Kevin floated along in the rubber dinghy to pick us up when we were ready. We saw so many fish. I don’t have a waterproof camera so just memories.

Time for lunch.

Then off to our overnight destination. Another snorkel – this location had a giant drop off from the reef into the ocean. The water currents went from really warm to quite cool.

Time for drinks and afternoon snacks. Are you seeing a theme here?

Parked on the buoy next to us was a $100 million luxury yacht. We googled it. It cost $150,000 a week to rent, plus 30% some sort of charge plus food and drinks so $200k week. Slept 10, and came with 7 staff.

Most of our group were spying and taking photos it was pretty funny. Kevin reminded us they do exactly the same things on the reef that we do. So true! I was happy to save about $198k.

As the sun got lower, more drinks and chats.

One couple snuck to the front of the yacht and came back engaged!

We were all in bed by 8.30.

Day 4

It was sad to wake up to our last day. 

Some of us went paddle boarding off the back of the boat. We were camped next to Hook Island and there are wild goats living on island. We paddled close to the island and the goats came down the mountain onto the beach baaing at each other. It was very cute.

Back on the boat and time for morning snack – banana bread and coffee.  And sadly time for the trek back to Airlie Beach.

Definitely won’t be my last sailing trip. Thank you Kevin and Jenna and the owners of Whitsunday Blue. Nothing was too much trouble and we felt totally spoilt. We loved your yacht and the sailing experience.

Here is the link if anyone wants to check it out: https://sailing-whitsundays.com/whitsundays/whitsunday-blue-3d3n?srsltid=AfmBOop5AC0lmHF4BbpCQV6Ntz0NNH8R7BY8oHNMq-LUbmxUpN4QYOIg

Totally unsponsored but I’m open to offers haha.