Whitsunday Islands, Australia
We chartered a Bavaria 34" yacht earlier this year through Queensland Yacht Charters (QYC) in the Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia. It was a gorgeous yacht and a magnificient location. This was our honeymoon. We were sailing novices, so we took sailing lessons and did plenty of hours on the water, prior to the charter.
We arrived to 25-30 knot winds that presented some real challenges during our week. It was a true adventure in every sense of the word! Be careful to chose a relatively calm season, and also avoid marine stingers - these can be deadly.
During our charter briefing, numerous safety related items were not covered by QYC staff. Our half-day sail guide left us at a public day mooring, so he could make good time to catch his ferry back to the mainland. He showed little regard for our personal comfort or safety. Our first mooring left us exposed to the elements and we soon discovered, was not suitable for an overnight stay.
Fortunately, we managed to find some inlets that gave shelter during the strong winds and heavy seas. We decided to return to the Marina, prior to the end of charter, and spent the last couple of nights there. Our boat was dived and runabout used by QYC staff (without permission) prior to end of charter. This was ok as far as they were concerned.
We were charged twice for insurance and transfers. We provided transaction evidence and communicated with QYC, but they did not assist us to resolve the matter.
Our recommendation is simple: if safety and customer service are priorities to you and your crew, do NOT sail with QYC, definitely chose another charter.
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Whitsunday Islands Australia
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