Sailing Whitsunday Islands, Solway Lass 6 Days & 5 Nights

Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands offers a treasure-trove of colourful sights, scenes and activities, nestled right in the centre of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The marine park is home to 1500 species of fish, 400 species of corals, 6 species of turtles and 215 species of birds. Between July and October, humpback whales make the Whitsunday Islands home. Solway Lass is a two-masted topsail schooner built in Holland in 1902 offering Whitsunday Island cruises. This magnificent tall ship is maintained in beautiful condition and reflects the crew’s love and respect for this traditional, century-old sailing vessel.

Life on board is fun, and you may even find the crew dressing as pirates. Solway Lass is square rigged with 11 sails, 11 air-conditioned cabins appointed in oak and cedar with brass lamps, double beds or single bunk beds with personal reading lamps, separate male/female bathrooms with vanities, large mirrors, 240 volt power and hot showers. Comfortable bar and lounge area, mid ship shaded dining/viewing deck, bow net to lay in and listen to the water lap the bow as we sail peacefully along, tarzan rope swing, for those feeling courageous. Professional crew will prepare fresh, healthy and plentiful meals. Solway Lass provides guests with the opportunity to experience sailing as it was a century ago with the 11 sails and 5500 square feet of sail area. Guests are welcome to assist the crew hoist the sails and steer the ship, or otherwise just relax on the huge decks and take in the views the barrier reef provides. Lay in the bow net while the water washes 12ft below and onto the bow. Relax in the bar area, read a book, make new friends, enjoy an icy cold drink. When at anchor, have a swing on our 50ft Tarzan Rope....Ahhhhhhh! A unique way to enter the water.

Day One - Airlie Beach Arrive at Airlie Beach (own meals), check into hotel. Free time to explore the village of Airlie beach and visit the town office for pre-departure briefing. Overnight private accommodation at Airlie Beach.

Day Two - Check out of accommodation at 10am. 6.30pm transfer from Wanderers Resort to the Marina for a 7.30 departure aboard the Solway Lass. Depart for your sailing experience around the island. Overnight aboard the Solway Lass with shared accommodation.

Day Three/Four - Sail the Islands Continue to explore the islands, sailing and anchoring at great locations. Opportunities to snorkel, go across to the islands, swim, sun bake etc. Overnight aboard the Solway Lass with shared accommodation.

Day Five - Airlie beach Sail back to Airlie Beach Marina. Overnight Airlie beach private accommodation.

Day Six - Airlie Beach Check out of accommodation. A typical day starts at around 8.00am with breakfast, then a swim, followed by 1 - 2 hours sailing to a snorkelling, diving or beach destination. Time to explore the coral reefs before lunch and at 2.30pm another sail around the islands arriving safely in and overnight anchorage by 5.30pm. Just in time for one of our other yachts to anchor beside your yacht where guests can mingle, enjoy a drink or two, exchange sailing stories and watch the sunset over the islands. By 7.30pm dinner is served then it's your decision whether to party on with a few drinks under the stars or crash out in your berth.

This itinerary is an example only, and on most tours you will find that there should be more stops. On almost every tour we will spend a few hours at Whitehaven Beach, an important feature of a Whitsunday Visit. Tours are subject to weather and tidal conditions and the Captains professional judgement. The Ship takes a maximum of 32 guests and 6 crew.