In the ol days I remember a Freesail article about a sailing trip to Musgrave Island, certainly looks like great potential on google maps and on website.
But massive effort to get there.
The southern reef islands get plenty of wind, more so than in SE Qld, especially as they are so exposed and some have 'lagoons'.
Wondering if we can start a thread on 'experience' with any of these places, has anyone sailed them, can they be sailed, too hard to get geat there (eg Elliot is arrive by plane only!), the idea being that its not too long a drive from Brisbane.- reefs will be a factor in sailability.
There's a few in the Capricorn group also look good, but tricky to get to too.
Perhaps, there are options closer to home, Moreton island works well in SW/W winter winds?
I remember years ago there was once this organised windsurfer week long sailing trip called the Whitsunday Wander. It was based around the idea of a large charter vessel supporting a casual sail along the length of the Whitsunday passage. I knew a couple of people who went on it and, although quite costly, said it was the very best sailing they had ever done- if you got tired you just got back on the charter cat and could have a cold beer or a few prawns, bit of rest or take out a different sized sail. Water was warm, and the boardies were colourful and the bikinis were small. Ah the good old days.
There was also a HIHO in the Brittish Virgin Islands that NP used to do (may still do?) sail from one island to other, everyone on the same gear, big boat following, better halves living it up on deck, party at each island each night and do it all again the next day!
Dont know if that exists, was $$$$ used to be in the USA mags all the time.
There was also a Arlie Beach to Hayman in the 80's I have heard whispered.
The Whitsundays lend itself to this the best, as reasonably smooth waters between islands and good winds (in the season).
I sailed from Long Island ot Shute Harbour with about 100 gybes in my day, no phone, no radio, no flares, no Life Jacket...no brains!
On a Tiga 275 and 6.5m NP Mk III!- custom alloy fin to smash and coral bomies in my way!
Don't know about any of these places...
But the HI-HO still exists! I think it starts next week... lot's of people going. Pretty awesome event. www.go-hiho.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=hiho.main
Lady musgrave at low tide the coral ring is exposed and the water is calm regardless of wind strength. High tide gets a bit bumpy on the boat even in low wind. You can camp on the Island but you have to bring everything. The lagoon is huge. The snorkling is great. It took me all day to get there from Bundy in a yacht doing about 5 knots. There was no wind when I was there. (rare)
thanks for the HIHO link, certainly not as big as it once was but still looks like a great week, imagine doing that in the Whitsundays! Have added it to the To Do List!
