Easy like Whitsunday

The Australian Whitsunday Islands are one of the world’s most idyllic cruising grounds, Helen Fretter explored them on a bareboat charter.

Sailing the Whitsundays proved to be a whole lot of fun

I’ve experienced briefings varying from the lackadaisical to the excessively scaremongering

This close to the tropics the temperature rarely dips below the high 70s

The Whitsundays effectively have one giant ‘No feeding the animals’ sign

I popped my mask on and dunked my head over the side to sea what all the fuss was about

Macona is a particularly picturesque spot and a useful anchorage in most wind directions

We popped the sails up and headed north, enjoying some high-speed surfing

If you’re looking for a totally relaxing holiday, the Whitsundays might not be right for you

Australia is a dauntingly long way away for many people