australia 1 yacht

America’s Cup: Sinking of One Australia

Published on March 5th, 2019 by Editor -->

The dramatic moments on the 5th of March 1995, when during round four in the round robin stage of the America’s Cup challenger series, and in a match race between One Australia and Team New Zealand, the Australian boat split and sunk within two minutes off San Diego, CA.

This was an unprecedented event, and while it occurred when the internet was new, significant commentary now exists online. Alongside this YouTube video is a post by King Cliff which seeks to offer closure to the speculation on how such a complete failure could happen:

I built this boat. Yes, the primary winch failed and they transferred the load to I think the running back stay winch. I’m not a sailor, just a boat builder. Either way, it’s like trying to break a stick with your hands close together and then moving them further apart. The boat wasn’t designed to take the load applied at such a distance.

Plus, these boats weren’t designed to be in conditions like this (18-20 knots). They are flat water boats. The race should have been called off. If it was flat it probably wouldn’t have broken even with the winch failure.

A design flaw? In a way yes and no. It only had two bulk heads. Mast bulkhead and a keel bulkhead and both were mealy ring frames and not full bulkheads. But that wasn’t the true problem IMO. The boat was as hollow as a drum. It sure was cutting edge but it had no longitudinal strength. No beams running fore and aft to stop it breaking in half.

I brought this up three times but was told I wasn’t being paid to think. All I wanted to do was put two short longitudinal beams running maybe a few meters fore and aft of the keel box. But no. Weight was the key factor and the order of the day. I think if they were in it may not have broken. It certainly wasn’t too thin a carbon layup.

Why did it go down so fast? The hull and deck finished weighed only 1.1 tonnes. Incredibly light for an 80 foot maxi. The mast was 135 feet long and the single longest carbon structure ever produced. The mast had 40 tonnes of load pulling down on the mast bulkhead. But the cause of it sinking so fast was the foil and bulb attached below had over 17 tonnes of metal combined.

The foil was solid stainless steel weighing 5 tonnes alone attached to a 12 tonne lead bulb below it with small stainless steel wings off of it. So a 1 tonne broken cork being pulled down by 17 tonnes of steel and lead. Down she went!

It certainly wasn’t badly built. It was a masterpiece of construction built to incredibly high standards. NASA standards. In fact NASA took interest in what we were doing as it was built to the same layup as the space shuttle and we were treading new ground and finding breaking points with new technology.

Why did the three fellas stay on the front for so long? Because there was confusion as to if someone was still down below. You can see one guy leaning down shouting through the forward hatch. Inside was full of sails and nothing else. Up to two people are down there at any one time feeding sails up through the hatches or dragging them back down below. Throw in a few hundred tonnes of water and a recipe for disaster for anyone below. Once they were somewhat sure no one was below, they jumped off. They had no choice anyway.

But the key point to make is that the Kiwi boat had the boat speed on us from the start. Even if nothing went wrong they were going to beat us hands down.

Tags: America's Cup , One Australia , tragedy

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AUSTRALIA II, the winged keel and more

Australia II has become one of the nation’s most recognisable vessels, thanks to that extraordinary America’s Cup win in 1983. Almost everyone knows about its winged keel that seemed to make it unbeatable. The keel completely spooked the Americans who tried many moves off the water to avoid having to race against Australia II .   However there was much more to the boat than just that keel, because its peculiar advantages allowed other subtle changes to be made that further helped Australia II to dominate many races. Designer Ben Lexcen had trialled endplates and other similar features on rudders, centreboards and keels at different times in his career, starting with a Moth class dinghy in the late 1950s, and then the break-through 18-foot skiff  Taipan in 1959. The focus of his efforts was to reduce the drag and loss of efficiency from tip vortices off these appendages. These experiments met with mixed success but when he returned to the idea again in the 12 metre class, he developed the concept from a different direction.

Twelve metres are designed to detailed rule for their allowed dimensions. They are heavy boats for their length, with a considerable amount of ballast. The draft restrictions and large volume of the hull result in a shallow depth keel, with a poor aspect ratio and poor efficiency. The wings on the keel helped to reduce these inefficiencies in a similar way to the endplates he had experimented with, but he was able to make another bold step in lateral thinking. Rather than just realising the improvements to drag, Lexcen could see other advantages at the same time, and this was characteristic of his ability to think around many things at once.

These two half models in the ANMM collection show a comparison of a conventional 12 metre Australia (1977 and 1980) above with Australia II below.

The wings were made quite large which concentrated more of the lead ballast lower down, an improvement to stability and therefore the yacht’s speed. At the same time Lexcen was looking at an inverted or upside down keel profile, so that the longest chord and greatest mass was now at the base, not where it met the hull. This upside down profile and additional weight in the wings ensured that the ballast keel’s centre of gravity was now significantly lower than a conventional 12 metre design, as well as being a more efficient shape.

Lexcen then optimised the hull and rig proportions around the advantages this keel offered by choosing to design the hull with a slightly shorter waterline and greater sail area than normally used by other 12 metres. Careful manipulation of the hull shape at the measurement points ensured it had a long waterline when heeled to take advantage of the power that was achieved with more sail and more stability than the other designs.

There is a complex set of choices and compromises that have to be made in relation to the best proportions and shape of the keel and hull around the desired hull dimensions and sail plan area allowed by the rule. There are always penalties along with advantages. In this case one of the significant penalties was the greater wetted surface area and resultant drag, coming from the addition of the large wings. With the aid of the tank testing using one-third scale models and computer simulations it was possible to trial a variety of models generated from Lexcen’s basic concept, often making gradual changes as suggested by the testing. When the model with the best ratio of gains to losses was identified, the final design was then able to be drawn.

The final one-third scale tank test model of Australia II , part of the National Maritime Collection and on display in Wharf 7 foyer.

Australia II proved a breakthrough, and a handful as well (at least initially), but not because of any significant errors in the design. While one adjustment shortly after launching was to move the keel aft about 250mm for better balance, the major issue was simply that the proportions and shape gave Australia II characteristics that were new to 12 metres. It was stiffer and could hold on to its sail better in fresh conditions, and was much more manoeuvrable in pre-start situations.

As the crew began to sail the boat in Australia, working on producing the best sails, teamwork and racing skills, they realised there was something special about Australia II , but probably could not have imagined the drama ahead that would be the final race for the Cup on 26 September 1983.

Join us for a fascinating talk about the Australia II America’s Cup win this Thursday 26 September at the museum.

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David Payne

David Payne is Curator of Historic Vessels at Australian National Maritime Museum, and through the Australian Register of Historic Vessels he works closely with heritage boat owners throughout Australia researching and advising on their craft and their social connections. David has also been a yacht designer and documented many of the museum’s vessels with extensive drawings. He has had a wide sailing experience, from Lasers and 12-foot skiffs through to long ocean passages. Since 2012 he has been able to work closely with Aboriginal communities on a number of Indigenous canoe building and watercraft projects.

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Cruising Australia: Everything you need to know about sailing Down Under

• July 7, 2020

From stunning coastal routes to unmissable sailing events, Janneke Kuysters shares her top tips for cruising Australia

Anna Caroline moored with iconic Sydney landmarks in the background

“It doesn’t matter where you choose, you can’t go wrong in Australia. There are so many wonderful cruising grounds,” says Hank Rosendal, a Dutch-Australian sailor. His Amel 53 Tempest is currently moored in Albany, West-Australia. And he’s right: you could sail a lifetime around Australian shores and still not see everything.

So for a foreign cruiser there is a difficult choice: how much time do you want to spend in Australia and what can you do and see? Classically, on a trip around the world , cruisers sail from the islands of the South Pacific to New Zealand for the cyclone season: a tough crossing but with the rich rewards of New Zealand hospitality and boat maintenance facilities.

From New Zealand many go back north to Vanuatu or New Caledonia and then on to the Indian Ocean. For those a short pitstop in Australia in either Cairns, Thursday Island or Darwin is logical. Visits to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef will add the wonderful experience of tropical Australia.

Australia is a vast country: don’t underestimate the distances you’ll sail. From Bundaberg to Sydney is a little under 500 miles; add 628 miles for the trip from Sydney to Hobart. If you go from Hobart to Perth across the Bight, you’ll be adding another 2,250 miles.

East coast cruising

But in the past decade more and more cruisers have viewed Australia as a destination in itself. And that opens up a whole new perspective. The tough 1,000-plus miles crossing from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand is no longer necessary – a downwind cruise of around 700 miles from New Caledonia to the east coast of Australia is much more comfortable.

The boat can be safely left in Australia while you fly home, or you can keep sailing. The most important thing to consider is to stay below 30°S; the official cyclone belt lies to the north of this latitude. Instead of having to wait for the cyclones to pass, cruisers can sail on and explore Australian waters.

There are myriad choices to make depending on the distances you are willing to cover. Two popular options are to make landfall near Brisbane in Queensland and sail south to Sydney and back, or to continue sailing to Tasmania .

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Sailing Tasmania: Bucket list cruising across the Bass Strait

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South African cruiser Brent Grimbeek has chosen this second option: “I love the diversity that the Australian east coast has to offer. Most of the distances between ports are short, so we daysailed our Lagoon 44 Impi from port to port. Crossing Bass Strait is always a challenge, but the effort is richly rewarded by the stunning nature and landscapes of Tasmania.”

His wife Ana adds: “There is the annual Go West rally between New Caledonia and Australia. Although we have made this crossing a few times now, we enjoy participating in the rally: it makes entry into Australia easier and it is fun to meet like-minded people.”

British solo sailor Thom D’Arcy sailed his Vancouver 28 Fathom along the east coast from Bundaberg to Sydney and back up north, all the way to Darwin. “I’m very pleased I took Fathom to Sydney. The sense of achievement on entering such an iconic port is fantastic.”

Thom D’Arcy sailed his Vancouver 28 Fathom along Australia’s east coast

For those with a taste for speed and endurance, sailing south along the east coast of Australia can be ‘spiced up’ by entering the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race . Paul Billingham, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia explains: “We encourage foreign yachts to participate in ‘the Hobart’ as part of their trip around the world and extend all the necessary help and support to make it happen for them.”

There is also a lesser used track to cruise around the south of Australia and up the west coast. After studying the weather patterns closely, we saw that the tough westward crossing of the Great Australian Bight is feasible in the summer months of February and March.

A succession of high-pressure systems chases the prevailing south-westerly winds away and makes for periods of four to seven days of nice easterly winds. A cruise ‘along the bottom’ of Australia not only gives the opportunity to visit Tasmania’s lesser known cruising areas on the wild west coast, but also puts cities such as Adelaide within reach.

The start of the Sydney Hobart Race means a congested Sydney Harbour. Photo: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Bruce Roach, Commodore of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, says they welcome visiting cruisers. “The south coast of Australia is a very rewarding cruising ground, from Adelaide to the natural beauty of the Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf with its many anchorages,” he adds.

During our cruise around the south of Australia we experienced this warm hospitality first-hand: the generosity of the Australians to visiting yachts is one of the rewards of sailing off the beaten track in such a vast country. Once across the Bight, Western Australia offers a whole new cruising experience. Long reefs stretch along the coast, so careful navigation is needed.

Cities like Perth and Fremantle offer all possible facilities to visiting yachts, and from the west coast of Australia there are two options: start crossing the Indian Ocean as early as possible after the cyclone season or sail north to Indonesia.

The Royal Prince Albert Yacht Club in Pittwater

Coastal sailing

In Australian sailing vocabulary, ‘cruising’ doesn’t mean bluewater cruising, but is mainly coastal daysailing from port to anchorage. Coastal sailing in Australia therefore comes with lots of interesting options, often seen as luxuries by foreign cruisers, such as streaming internet up to 25 miles offshore and ample provisioning (around every corner there is a supermarket and an ATM).

We joked how cruising the east coast is ‘sailing with a watch in your hand’, as a lot of the entrances are river mouths with sandbars across them, requiring careful calculation to cross the bar at the turn of the tide. The navigational challenges can be roughly summarised in three words: current, depressions and sea breeze.

First the current. Along the east coast of Australia there is a southbound current of up to four knots which makes for fast sailing to the south, but rather tedious work when sailing up north, unless you use the countercurrent close inshore. Along the south coast the Leeuwin current flows east at a rate of 0.5 knots. On the west coast the Leeuwin current is stronger and flows south at a rate of about one knot.

Cruising in Pittwater and Broken Bay, north of Sydney

The second challenge is the depressions. They flow in a steady succession from west to east, bringing troughs and fronts. The quality of the available forecasts is high, so you can make good use of the wind the depressions generate to propel you in the right direction. Going against the prevailing winds makes for tough conditions though, because in the shallow coastal areas steep wind-waves build up very quickly.

Australia’s hot interior generates sea breezes. Again, if you study them and use them to your advantage, it can make for some fine passages. But you need to be careful. Sea breezes can easily last for 12 hours and reach over 25 knots on top of the prevailing winds.

Timing and distances

The cruising season in southern Australia is at its best in January, February and March. That means that you can sail to Australia from, for instance, New Caledonia in September. This gives you the time to cruise at leisure down the coast and make some trips overland too. We went to Ayers Rock/Uluru.

You can spend the summer in Tasmania and sail back up in March, to be in time for the end of the cyclone season by the time you reach Queensland again. If you decide to go along the Bight, you need to leave Tasmania at the end of January to time your crossing of the Bight in February or March.

Cruising Australian shores has been very rewarding for us: the wildlife, nature, diversity and hospitality left us in awe.

Entry in Australia

Australia has the reputation of being a tough country to enter. In reality, if you prepare yourself and your boat, there is no need to worry. The process is fairly straightforward and all necessary information is easy to find on the government websites.

Before arriving in Australia, every crew member needs to have a visa. There are two types. The e-visitor visa which is valid for three months. It is free of charge and can be extended. The other type is valid for one year (multiple entry) and costs AU$140. Both can be applied for online.

When you have been in certain countries in the Pacific for more than three months, you will need to have a chest X-ray before you arrive in Australia. Check the online forms carefully for the conditions.

For your boat there are two important steps. First, the cruising permit. This is issued on arrival and is valid for one year, with the option of extending it to three years. With this cruising permit as proof of being a ‘yacht in transit’, buying parts for the boat or having repairs done is exempt from sales tax (GST in Australia).

The second step is the biosecurity inspection. Fresh fruit, meat, dairy and eggs are not allowed. Importantly, the boat also needs to be without any pest infestation, such as fruit flies, termites, or growth on the hull. Australian agri- and aquaculture is strictly protected and the inspections are thorough.

At AU$60 per 15 minutes increments, it pays to prepare the boat in the port of departure, cleaning and making all surfaces accessible makes for a quick inspection. On average, the cost is AU$300 for the inspection.

Where to enter? There are roughly three options, depending on your cruising plans. If you want to do ‘Australia light’, the port of Bundaberg is the best. It is just below latitude 30°S, so you can wait for the cyclone season to pass north of you before you head to Cairns or further north.

If you want to cruise the east coast, ports further south such as Brisbane, Southport or even Coffs Harbour are attractive. If your focus is on Tasmania, you could even choose to enter in Sydney.

About the authors

Dutch couple Wietze van der Laan and Janneke Kuysters are sailing around the world in their Bruce Roberts 44 Anna Caroline . They love high latitude cruising and exploring areas which are slightly off the beaten track.

First published in the August 2019 edition of Yachting World.

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Australia Wins SailGP, the Formula 1 of Yacht Racing, in Dramatic Fashion

Boat collisions, brutal winds and a whale wandering into the racecourse. in the end, the aussies won sailgp glory and the $1 million prize., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

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SailGP, the extreme Formula One version of yacht racing, ended its second season yesterday, with the Australian team claiming the championship over teams from Japan and the USA. The final weekend of the series involved multiple collisions, challenging winds and even a whale on the racecourse that forced a restart to the championship final race.

SailGP uses 50-foot foiling F50 raceboats that can reach speeds of 61 mph. Add in the boats’ pinpoint turning abilities, athleticism of the five racers who have to leap across the boat at 55-plus mph, white-knuckle race maneuvers and crashes, and the sport has attracted gatherings of thousands of spectators during its 10-race series around the world.

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The SailGP series was set up as an alternative to the much slower sport of monohull racing, modeled after other professional franchise sports like the NFL and MLB with dedicated teams from different countries.

In the winner-take-all season finale, the Aussies emerged victorious over teams from Japan and the USA.  Courtesy SailGP

Despite the teams accruing points all season, last weekend’s series was a winner-take-all event.

After two days of racing, Tom Slingsby’s Australia SailGP was victorious. The lead up to the final race was defined by two dramatic collisions: Rookie Spanish driver Jordi Xammar crashed into the stern of the US team’s catamaran and tore a hole in it. That forced the US team to attempt frantic, on-water repairs before the Grand Final. In another race, the teams from France and New Zealand also collided.

“They can sail four times faster than the wind,” America’s Cup guru and SailGP founder Russell Coutts told Robb Report recently . “There’s an element of danger we’re not trying to disguise.”

The team from Spain crashed into the stern of the US team during the first day’s racing, prompting the Americans to perform a frantic, on-water repair for the finals.  Courtesy SailGP

In the final race, the US team took an early lead, but the race was abandoned after a whale was sighted on the course. In the restart, Australia took the lead and dominated throughout. The team claimed a $1 million prize for the season. “More important than the money is that Australia came out on top and we can call ourselves the best in the world,” said Slingsby after the race. “Money comes and goes and glory lasts forever, I know that’s a saying, but we really feel it right now.”

Jimmy Spithill, leader of the US team, was disappointed but gracious. “At the end of the day you really have to credit the Aussies. They have been the benchmark team all season and to come back and do it back to back. It’s very impressive, they deserve the win,” he said in the post-event press conference.

Part of SailGP’s mission is to promote ocean protection—hence, restarting the race when the whale appeared—and sustainability. An important, secondary contest that took place during the season was the Impact League, which measured sustainability efforts by each team, from the carbon footprint of their boats, to how they travel to events, to measuring use of plastic.

The US team had the lead in the final race, but a whale swam into the racecourse, forcing a restart. In the second version, the Australian team dominated.  Courtesy SailGP

New Zealand’s team claimed the Impact League title, handing over the $100,000 prize to the Live Ocean foundation. Great Britain and Australia won $35,000 and $15,000 respectively for second and third place, and donated the money to their Race to the Future partners.

Season three of SailGP will begin in Bermuda on May 14 and 15. Ten teams, including newcomers Switzerland and Canada, will take part in the third season. Events in Chicago, Plymouth, Copenhagen, Saint-Tropez, Cádiz-Andalucía, Dubai, Christchurch have been scheduled, with the final happening again in San Francisco.

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Guide to Australia

A spectacular canvas of nature’s finest work

Discover a place where proud Aboriginal heritage and rugged outback life meets modern metropolises and thriving underwater worlds. Australia’s vast open plains of arid desert contrast with lush forests and snow-cloaked mountains whilst its crowning glory, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef creates the perfect concoction for a hedonistic and unforgettable vacation.

With over 50,000 km of coastline linked by more than 10,000 beaches boasting world-class marinas and ports, choice and diversity is a strong theme of any luxury yacht charter adventure Down Under. Sydney ’s fantastic natural harbour offers a gateway into a melting pot of experiences within this dynamic city, from the Sydney Opera House to a myriad of chic bars and boutiques. Watching the kaleidoscopic fireworks dancing over the Harbour Bridge with family and friends from the comfort of your superyacht is a truly unbeatable way to see in the New Year.

Justifiably one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is unrivalled in oceanic phenomenon. An afternoon’s helicopter ride over the reef will leave you awe-struck by the breath-taking aerial views showcasing it in all its glory. Scuba-divers and snorkellers can take to the warm waters to experience the mesmerising coral formations teeming with marine life close-up.

Set off the coast of Queensland, the idyllic Whitsunday Islands lie within the Great Barrier Reef, shimmering with secluded retreats. Ancient granite peaks encompassed with water form eerie and exciting dive sites and safe swimming waters surrounding the mostly uninhabited archipelago. Flora and Fauna scatter the wild landscapes and the welcoming hospitality of the locals.

The largely uninhabited north-west coast of Western Australia is home to the remote, pristine Ningaloo Reef – one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks – who arrive in large numbers every year. The City of Light, Perth, attracts visitors to its boutique hotels. South Australia is renowned for its cultural diversity, winelands, fine wines, arts, world-class restaurants.

Watch turtles nesting on the Sunshine coast, sample fine wines amongst the tumbling winelands of the Mornington Peninsula and go in pursuit of the Tasmanian Tiger in the wild and rugged terrains of Tasmania. Proud native cultures and mythical ancestors, home to some of the world’s largest world heritage sites.

If you are interested in a luxury yachting vacation in crystal waters of the Australia view all Australia Charter Yachts which are available to rent.

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Australia’s Domestic Superyacht Industry Doubles In Size

By George Bains

Back in January 2020, Superyacht Australia CEO David Good spoke to Superyachts.com about the potential to double the domestic superyacht industry on the back of the new Special Recreational Vessels Bill. Few could have predicted the challenges that would unfold around the globe shortly thereafter, yet just over a year later the vision for a thriving industry Down Under seems to have been realised in even the most difficult of situations.

Australia is experiencing a superyacht boom, with vessels attracted to Australia and its buoyant domestic charter market. Australians normally spend A$65B annually on international travel and with borders closed many superyachts have moved to Australia to offer a luxury alternative to overseas travel.

The increase in charter activity in Australian waters provides a huge economic lift, with vessels spending around 10-12% of their value in operational expenditure annually, making every 50m vessel worth between A$5-6M in economic spend into a region per year.

This increase in vessels has a direct correlation to the new charter legislation passed by the federal government in December 2019. The passing of the Special Recreation Vessels (SRV) Act, coupled with the closure of international borders, have contributed to an accelerated growth of the industry, drawing larger superyachts to be based in Australian waters.

The SRV Act removed red tape restrictions on superyachts operating commercially in Australian waters. Prior to this Act becoming law, the largest domestic charter yacht was 42m, and now the largest Australian based superyacht is 74.5m – one of eight vessels over 50m now based in Australia since the passage of the Act.

This should only be expected to increase further when international borders reopen, with internationally flagged superyachts heading to Australia to take advantage not only of the new charter opportunities but also of a safe region with world-class marine infrastructure.

The opening of a new Superyacht Yard at The Boat Works and a mammoth new Travel Lift at Austal are two significant additions to the infrastructure in recent times. Significant expansion works are already in place or planned elsewhere around the country, notably a new 150m+ berth at Southport Yacht Club and a $250M expansion plan at the renowned Rivergate Marina and Shipyard .

Western Australia is home to Australia’s two large superyacht manufacturers – Silver Yachts and Echo Yachts . Both yards have recently produced superyachts in excess of 83m each, and are world leaders in innovative superyacht constructions.

“We look forward to having more Australian built superyachts based here in Australia,” commented David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia. “With such spectacular cruising grounds and two of the world’s best superyacht manufacturers, it’s only a matter of time before we will see a large Australian-built superyacht chartering here and showcasing the absolute best of Australia.”

Before anything else, Australia is a country with infinite cruising possibilities. An all-year-round cruising calendar can be made up of visits to diverse locations from the rugged Kimberley to the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef and lively cities such as Sydney . With the continued global growth of the superyacht industry, new legislation allowing foreign-owned vessels to charter in Australia provides an enticing opportunity for owners, captains and charterers.

"We look forward to having more Australian built superyachts based here in Australia." David Good, CEO Superyacht Australia

"We look forward to having more Australian built superyachts based here in Australia."

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Yacht Charter Australia — Try Sailo's Luxury Yacht Hire in Australia!

Australia luxury yacht charters.

The sheer size and vast expanse of coastline that Australia has to offer makes it perfect for a luxury yacht charter vacation. Renowned for its abundance of watersports opportunities, from action-packed jet skiing and water skiing to scuba diving in the vast underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, it is one of the most comprehensive and exciting cruising destinations in the world. 

Australia Luxury Yacht Charter Guide

There are a number of different charter itinerary options available for an Australia luxury yacht charter which could include a variety of spectacular locations such as the idyllic Whitsunday Islands, the rugged island of Tasmania and the architectural and cosmopolitan highlights of Sydney. Step ashore and charter guests can explore vast wine lands, fascinating cities and a diverse mixture of native and modern cultures.

Yacht Charters in Australia

A fantastic all-round luxury yacht charter destination, different areas in Australia are best for different months of the year. For example, the Great Barrier Reef boasts ideal y sailing conditions between April and November before the ‘wet season’ kicks in from December to March. Both the Kimberley and Queensland coastlines are a perfect choice between the months of November to late October while Sydney’s dry season runs from November to January.

Renting a Private Charter Yacht in Australia

There are an abundance of beautiful luxury yachts that head to the cruising grounds of Australia every year that offer something for everyone. An Australia private yacht vacation can be perfect for a Christmas and New Year charter where you can enjoy some winter sun while enjoying festivities such as the fireworks over Sydney Harbor Bridge.

For more information about renting a private luxury charter yacht in Australia please contact your preferred Yacht Charter Broker, they can help you plan your perfect yachting vacation itinerary, combining your party's needs with recommendations about the best time to visit each area.

From arid outback to the biggest natural harbour in the world, Australia is a country of diversity. Yacht charter in Australia could take you to the shining metropolis of Sydney with its world-famous beaches, a private island surrounded by the incredible Great Barrier Reef, or diving with pelagic creatures off the wild and rugged coasts of Western Australia. Yacht charter is undoubtedly the best way to experience what this incredible country has to offer – in the Great Barrier Reef alone you’ll find thousands of reefs, over 900 islands and endless anchorages. Whether you are seeking a tranquil escape to secluded islands in tropical waters, fine wine and dining in unspoiled coastal towns or a week sailing alongside the finest yachtsmen at a Sydney regatta, Sailo can design the perfect luxury yacht hire itinerary for you.

When & how to charter yachts Australia for a great sailing cruise?

Best Time To Visit : Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef are best visited in winter (April – November), Queensland and Sydney are best from November to late January.

Key Cruising Areas : The east coast offers many itinerary options - see beautiful beaches and iconic Australian landmarks in Sydney, or head north to the Great Barrier Reef. On the wild west coast see incredible wrecks, rare species such as dugongs and whale sharks, and excellent wine regions.

Don’t Miss : Take a charter from Cairns to see why the Great Barrier reef is one of the seven wonders of the world. With a private Great Barrier charter you can escape the commercial dive areas and explore the quieter ribbon reefs and private island resorts. Dive and snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of marine life, partake in some game fishing, and enjoy BBQ dinners under an incredible night sky from the deck of your yacht.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining : The gorgeous area of Margaret River is famous for its boutique wine producers. Here you can hop from vineyard to beach to ancient forest, and be back in town in time to dine at one of the many award winning restaurants. Try the marron at Cape Lodge, paired with a glass of local chardonnay.

Best Local Dish : “When you see the sea, eat fish”. In the heart of the barrier reef on Lizard Island, heed this advice and dine at the exclusive Salt Water Restaurant. Enjoy local produce with incredible views of blazing sunsets.

Local Culture : Visit the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to see the world’s most concentrated area of significant Aboriginal Heritage sites, complete with a traditional lunch of emu and kangaroo! Sail to an exclusive anchorage within the park to swim, fish or hike to spectacular waterfalls.

Best Beach : Set in incredible lazuline waters and surrounded by coral reef, the powder-soft white sands of Whitehaven beach are hard to beat. Stretching over 7km, even in peak season you can still feel like you’ve found a private paradise.

Sailo recommends : The fireworks of Sydney are second to none. Venture Down Under in December to watch the harbour light up under a myriad of colours, from the comfort of your superyacht, for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.

Destinations where you can charter yachts in Australia from Sailo:

Whitsundays.

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Australia Yacht Charters

Australia yacht charters are an adventure of a lifetime. From diving the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, to hopping from island to island in the Coral Sea, boat rentals are jam-packed with one-of-a-kind experiences. Looking for reasons to consider a private yacht charter in the land Down Under?

Discover Breathtaking Australia on a Luxury Yacht Charter

Whether you enjoy soaking up the sun at a hidden beach, or ATV-ing through the rainforest, crewed yacht charters in Australia provide guests the best way to experience the country’s splendors. Plus, you will have the chance to see some of the world’s most unique natural wonders – from the Great Barrier Reef to beach kangaroos.

Australia Yacht Charter Highlights

• Amazing diving and snorkeling in The Great Barrier Reef
• White-sand beaches of The Whitsunday Islands
• Abundant marine life and incredible wildlife
• Exceptional coral creations and unique landscapes

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Australia Yachting Season

May through October are the most popular months for yacht charters , with the famous sailing race in August (Audi Hamilton Island Race Week)

December will cater to some great yacht rentals, including Christmas and New Years’ and into January. The weather is very stable, winds are low, rain is generally not prominent, and the water is warm.

Australia Area Guide: Yacht Charter Areas

There are many places to explore on your Australia yacht charter. However, there are two locations that are the most popular and offer the best experience:

• The Great Barrier Reef – this is a popular charter destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. The focus of charters in that area is the underwater world.
• The Whitsunday Islands – this is a popular honeymoon destination. It is also a family-friendly destination with a mild climate and gentle breezes. if you enjoy miles-long sandy beaches and crystal clear water, this is the destination for you.

Australia Yacht Charters: What to See & Do

Australia is home to every type of landscape you could imagine. From coastal rainforests to arid deserts. When you rent a crewed yacht in Australia, you will find many hidden gems off the coast of Queensland near the Great Barrier Reef. Unique and awe-inspiring ports of calls and stunning tropical environs await. Just be sure to pack the sunscreen and sunglasses.

Experience the Amazing Wildlife Here’s an interesting fact about Australia: Nearly 80 percent of the wildlife found here isn’t found anywhere else in the world. That means one thing for yacht charter guests: one-of-a-kind encounters with unique critters and landscapes.

Where else in the world can you see a kangaroo hopping along the beach? Head to Camp Hillsborough near the Whitsundays, where the kangaroos hang out alongside beachgoers. Where else could you cuddle a Koala bear? Try Great Sandy National Park and Noosa National Park to get up close and personal with Australia’s unique cuddly creatures.

World-Class Snorkeling Is there a better snorkeling destination in the world than the Great Barrier Reef? Nothing compares. The Great Barrier Reef measures nearly half the size of Texas and encompasses more than 2000 individual reefs. For snorkelers, that means one thing: Adventure around every corner.

Check out the Ribbon Reefs, a network of reefs teeming with tropical fish, aquatic mammals and sea turtles. Lady Elliot Island is another popular destination, known for its large sea turtle populations. And the coral gardens of Butterfly Bay offer the chance for beautiful snorkeling in the shallows.

Unique Diving Locations The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s top diving destinations. That makes sense. Diving provides a chance to explore more of the reef’s incredible corals. Many charter guests head to Heron Island, a secluded coral island in Australia’s Fraser region. The island offers more than 20 diving spots, each offering an adventure.

Plus, the reef is home to numerous unique dive sites. From hidden bommies to intact shipwrecks. Head to the site of the SS Yongala, one of the country’s most famous wrecks which is now a reclaimed coral garden. The Yongala attracts almost all of the reef’s Great 8 species, making this one of the best dive spots to see it all.

Beaches and Swimming Australia is home to some of the world’s most majestic, untouched, and secluded beaches. In fact, the country might be the best destination in the world for lazy beach days. Where should you go?

Australia offers so many options, from lively beaches where you can sip cocktails in the shade, to massive stretches of sand perfect for shelling. Whitehaven Beach – named Australia’s best beach – is a must-visit. Located in the Whitsundays, Whitehaven offers warm waters and soft sand (and incredible sunset photos). Catseye Beach is another nearby favorite, which is perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.

Explore the Coastal Rainforest The northern coast of Queensland – one of the most popular yachting grounds – is home to some of the world’s most pristine rainforests. On your private yacht charter in Australia, head to Daintree Rainforest. It is one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and Daintree is a natural wonder.

Visitors come to view nature up close. It’s a popular birding and whale watching destination (particularly May through November). Plus, there are numerous ways to explore the rainforest. Hiking is popular, and Daintree is home to some of Australia’s best zipline courses, as well.

Helicopter Reef Tours After you experience the reef by the sea on your luxury superyacht charter, explore it by air. All along the Queensland coast, especially in Cairns and the Whitsundays, you’ll have access to exhilarating helicopter tours.

Helicopter tours are the perfect way to experience the sheer magnitude of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll see the reef and sparkling sapphire waters for as far as the eye can see. Plus, if it’s whale watching season, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of pods of orcas, humpbacks, and Bottlenose dolphins.

Whale Watching The coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef are two of the best whale-watching destinations in Australia. During winter (July to September), several whale species flock to the warmer waters to mate and give birth. And the whales put on a show.

The best spots for whale watching while on charter are the Whitsundays. The waters around the islands are common breeding grounds for humpback whales. Plus, other species like the Dwarf Minke whale, bottlenose dolphin, orca, and even the giant blue whales also come here to breed.

Island Hopping The Great Barrier Reef is dotted with hundreds of islands and island chains. Australia yacht charter guests are guaranteed to explore the best. The Whitsundays – a network of nearly 70 islands – offer a playground for exploration. Some of the best beaches in all of Australia can be found in the Whitsundays, and each island offers incredible snorkeling, diving and hiking adventures.

Yet, across the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find truly spectacular, uninhabited islands. Lizard Island, for example, is a popular northern GBR charter destination. Home to a top luxury island resort, Lizard is a secluded and ultra-exclusive haven that’s ideal for beach days. Lady Elliot Island, a coral island in the GBR, is another beautiful destination, offering some of the best diving and snorkeling in Australia.

Watersports Galore In Australia, the water is balmy year-round. That makes it a popular destination for boat charters, no matter the season. And when on charter, you’ll want to spend as much time in the water as possible. Beyond snorkeling, though, there’s an endless list of incredible water-based adventures to partake in.

Try windsurfing in the Whitsundays. There are numerous windsurfing schools that can show you the ropes. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also great ways to explore the corals and hidden bays of Australia. Or if you’re looking to go fast, jet skiing and tender rides are another favorite way to pass the time, when on yacht charters in Australia.

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Yacht Charter in Australia

Australia yacht charter

Australia is blessed with some of the most beautiful yacht charter destinations in the world. Located in the South Pacific, with the Indian Ocean to the west, and the Pacific to the east, Australia is a yacht charter paradise. The Great Barrier Reef offers the Australian northeast coast with endless opportunities for yacht charters. With some of the world's best dive spots, uninhabited islands featuring secluded bays, pristine white sand beaches, and a world of peace, serenity, and tranquility, the world's biggest coral reef system is the most beautiful attraction for yacht charters in Australia.

How much to charter a yacht in Australia?

Every imaginable yacht can be found cruising along the coast and waters of Australia. At different price points, varying amenities, sizes, and purposes, you can find every kind of yacht that suits your needs. A 50-foot sailing yacht with four cabins can cost around $6,500 for a week's rent. An 82-foot catamaran, on the other hand, can cost around $60,000 for a week's rent; while a 119-foot motor yacht with five cabins costs around $110,000 for a week's rent in Australia.

What are the most popular yacht holidays in Australia?

With so many beautiful coastal cities, nearby islands, and over 200 marinas located all over the country, it can be a little daunting to find the best yacht charter holidays in Australia. However, if you want to discover the top sailing destinations, these spots are the Whitsunday Islands, Moreton Bay, and Sydney. The Whitsunday Islands is located in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, and it's no wonder the group of islands is the most popular yacht charter destination in the country. There are 74 islands in this island group, with only six being inhabited. This means there are 68 islands to explore with no crowds, no structures, and very little development. With pristine white sands, crystal clear waters, a subtropical climate, and the most exotic underwater marine life, the Whitsundays top the bill for the most popular yacht charter destination in Australia.

On Brisbane's doorstep, Moreton Bay is another yacht charter destination that boasts of beauty and allure. Moreton Bay itself is the route of migratory humpback whales in the summer, where you'll also get to see dolphins and much other marine life in its waters. Moreton Island is also a stone's throw away from Brisbane, featuring beaches and wildlife. The North and South Stradbroke Islands are popular spots for locals and visitors, while Fraser Island is a definite must for yacht charters for its famous white-sand dunes and freshwater lakes. Dive enthusiasts will also take pleasure in the abundance of marine life in Moreton Bay, especially the shipwrecks that number to over 100.

The Sydney Harbour and Pittwater Bay are popular yacht charter destinations in the country. Cruising along the Harbour presents yachtsmen with beautiful views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Located to the north of Sydney is Pittwater, offering little swell and reliable winds. There are three national parks inland, which make for a beautiful day excursion. Furthermore, the Hawkesbury River in Pittwater offers spectacular sandstone cliffs, uninhabited islands, and small towns worth discovering.

Where to go on a luxury yacht charter in Australia?

With more than 290 marinas found in Australia, a luxury yacht charter is easy to find. You can find a plethora of superyachts cruising along the Harbour in Sydney's Port Jackson, offering sunset cruises, corporate yacht parties, and even weddings onboard the most luxurious yachts you will ever see. About 2 hours away, Port Stephens features the Soldier's Point Marina, which has been awarded the Marina of the Year Award in 2007 and proclaims itself as a Four Seasons resort. Dubbed as "The Blue Water Paradise," Port Stephens has 19 miles of clean, white, sandy beaches and a bay that offers perfect sailing conditions.

The Gold Coast in Queensland is another yacht charter luxury destination due to its marine boat building industry. The coastal city is the headquarters for many internationally recognized marine brands, making it the first spot in the world to witness the most beautiful and most luxurious vessels to ever cruise on water. Home to nine luxury marinas, The Gold Coast is where you'll find mega yachts cruising on the Bay, and luxury yachts casually cruising on its famous Broadwater.

Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, is another luxury yacht charter destination. Tourists who want to visit the Whitsundays head to Airlie Beach, which is in itself, a beautiful coastal location with stunning beaches and world-class resorts. Australia is home to some of the world's best yachting destinations. With a lifestyle that includes spending time outdoors as a daily activity, a yacht charter in the land Down Under is simply the best way to truly experience this stunning country.

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Yes, daylight saving time has ended in Australia. Clocks should have gone back by an hour, but not in every state

Millions of Australians went to sleep in one time zone last night and woke up this morning in another. 

That's because daylight saving time ended (not forever, though, just for the next few months).

So as of today, Australia has three major time zones instead of the five we had yesterday.

Here's how to get your head around the change. 

When does daylight saving end in Australia?

It's already ended! 

Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of April every year — but only in the states and territories that observe it.

This year, daylight saving ended at 3am on Sunday, April 7.

Are the clocks going backwards or forwards?

Backwards . 

Clocks in states observing daylight saving should have moved back by a hour — but you may have clocks that need to be manually adjusted.

So if you're in a daylight saving state or territory, that may have translated to an extra hour's sleep-in.

Which states and territories have daylight saving time?

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• South Australia

Norfolk Island also observes daylight saving time.

Which states and territories don't have daylight saving time?

• The Northern Territory
• Western Australia  

Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands do not observe daylight saving time. 

What are the time zones in Australia?

As of this morning, Australia has three major time zones:

• AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time:  ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria
• ACST - Australian Central Standard Time: Northern Territory and South Australia
• AWST - Australian Western Standard Time: Western Australia

But up until this morning, the country had five time zones:

• AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight Time: ACT, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria
• AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time: Queensland
• ACDT - Australian Central Daylight Time: South Australia
• ACST - Australian Central Standard Time: Northern Territory

And, while we're on the topic of time zones, there's actually a section of Western Australia that runs on a different time zone to the rest of the state, affectionately known as "Eucla Time" . 

It's 45 minutes ahead of the rest of Western Australia.

During daylight saving time, it's 1 hour 45 minutes behind South Australia.

It's called the Central Western Time Zone and it covers a small area of the Nullarbor that stretches from the eastern side of Caiguna to Border Village.

The zone is marked in purple on this map:

Do I have to change the time on my phone?

Probably not, because most smartphones tended adjust to time zones automatically.

Here's how to check if your smartphone does this:

• Android : Go into the Clock app, tap More and then go into Settings. Then go into Change Data & Time, selected Set time zone automatically and then select Use location to set time zone
• iPhone : Open Settings, select General, to go Date & Time and make sure Set Automatically is turned on
• Samsung : Open Settings, go to General management, selected Date and time and then make sure Automatic date and time is turned on

This should mean your phone will automatically reflect the time depending on which state or territory you're in.

When does daylight saving time start again in 2024?

Each year, daylight saving time begins on the first Sunday of October.

This year, that'll be  October 6 .

Why do we have daylight saving?

The purpose of daylight saving is to  make the most of the hours of daylight some states experience thanks to the changing seasons .

The tilt that the Earth sits on gives us our four seasons, but it also means that Australia is  exposed to more sun during the summer  and  less during winter .

But this is more pronounced in southern states, because of how far away they are from the equator. 

So, when summer kicks in and the days get longer, these states set their clocks back an hour to make the most of the sunlight and higher temperatures.

It effectively means they get an extra hour of sunlight once they're finished work or school.

Typically, that means more daylight for their free time after work or school . 

On the flip side, when we're coming into winter – like we are now – the Earth's tilt means they get fewer sunlight hours.

Why doesn't all of Australia observe daylight saving?

Because daylight saving is imposed at a state level, meaning it's up to state and territory governments to decide if they want it or not.

For a time in the early 20th century, all of Australia did follow daylight saving, but since then some states and territories have dropped it to suit their climate .

Because while we're the one country, we don't all experience the same climate. 

Southern states have cooler climates to northern states.

Typically, it's quite pleasant temperature-wise to be out enjoying the early afternoon sunshine in states like Victoria and Tasmania in the middle of summer.

But it's usually quite hot further north in Queensland or the Northern Territory, where it might make more sense to stay indoors until later in the afternoon to keep out of the heat. 

And, as we pointed out above, the change in daylight hours is more obvious in southern states .

When does winter start in Australia?

Officially speaking, winter doesn't start until June 1 — so that's still a few months away. 

Some people may think of daylight saving time as shorthand for summertime and standard time as wintertime.

But the end of daylight saving time doesn't signify the end of summer or the start of winter.  

Our seasons are a little looser than that. 

Generally speaking, the northern parts of Australia experience wet season and dry season. 

Further south, people tend to think of seasons in the European or North American sense — summer, autumn, winter and spring.

And for these chunks of Australia, the seasons change on the first day of March, June, September and December.

This is known as observing  meteorological seasons .

But some countries observe the astronomical seasons , which means the beginning of each season aligns with the summer and winter solstices, and the spring and autumnal equinoxes.

So that's why you might see some people in the UK, for example, marking the beginning of a new season at a different time to what's on Australian calenders. 

But it's also important to point out differing definitions of seasons within Australia, because conditions will be different depending on where you are in the country. 

And you can see this variation clearly when compare Indigenous seasonal calendars.

Compare the  Tiwi calendar and the  Gariwerd calendar — which describe the seasons experienced at opposite ends of the country. 

And remember that, in Australia, it typically gets hotter as you go north and cooler as you go south.

The Tiwi calendar describes three major seasons:

• Jamutakari: Wet season — December through February
• Kumunupunari: Dry season — March through August
• Tiyari: Hot and wet season — September through November

The  Gariwerd calendar describes six seasons:

• Kooyang: Late summer — January through March
• Gwangal moronn: Autumn — March through May
• Chunnup: Winter — May through July
• Larneuk: Pre-spring — July through August
• Petyan: Spring — September through November
• Ballambar: Early summer — November through January

You can read more about Indigenous seasonal calendars on the Bureau of Meteorology's website . 

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Daylight saving time is ending for parts of Australia. When and why do we turn back the clock?

Clocks will move back an hour for residents in Victoria, South Australia, NSW, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory

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Millions of Australians will gain an hour when daylight saving time for 2024 ends this weekend.

Clocks will go back to standard time, giving residents in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia , Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory an extra hour of sleep this weekend.

Here’s what you need to know.

When does daylight saving end?

Daylight saving time for 2024 will end this Sunday 7 April, at 3am. For states and territories using daylight saving, the time will immediately jump back to 2am.

Clocks always swap back to standard time on the first Sunday of April.

Do clocks move forward or back?

Clocks move back by an hour when daylight saving ends.

Digital clocks should move back automatically early on Sunday morning, but you’ll need to set your analogue clocks an hour earlier when you wake up. A daylight saving-set clock showing 7am time should be adjusted back to 6am to align your clock with standard time.

Which states have daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time applies in NSW, SA, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania. Residents in those states will be setting their clocks back an hour this Sunday.

Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory don’t observe daylight saving, so they won’t gain or lose an hour.

Queensland will finally be back on the same clock as the rest of the east coast by Sunday morning, after spending the past six months running an hour earlier.

Why do we have daylight saving?

Australia first adopted daylight saving time during the first and second world wars, hoping to reduce energy usage.

Then Tasmania permanently introduced daylight saving in 1968, while NSW, Victoria, SA and the ACT adopted it from 1971.

The shifting hours give Australians extra evening sunlight for social activities and exercise after work or school.

Daylight saving also helps reduce the change of energy outages, according to associate professor Virginie Masson. “It spreads the load of networks, rather than having peak times where you could potentially have issues with excess demand for your electricity,” she said.

Queensland and Western Australia have dumped the practice due to its unpopularity while the Northern Territory never tried it again after the second world war.

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Australia’s north gets more sun later in the day, even without daylight saving, because it’s closer to the Earth’s equator.

Is daylight saving bad for your health?

While there are mental health benefits to having extra sunlight, moving in and out of daylight saving time is bad for your health.

“It’s confusing our body clock, which is disrupting all kinds of functions throughout the body,” said Dr Jacob Crouse, research fellow at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre.

Crouse is one of many body clock scientists who say Australia should permanently stick to standard time throughout the year.

Our sleep, stress levels, immune system, appetite regulation (feeling hungry or full), and hormone production can all go “out of whack”, he said.

In the worst-case scenario, research has found daylight saving time also increases the risk of heart attacks and infectious diseases.

Do you get paid for working daylight saving time?

Workers on early Sunday morning shifts may lose an hour of pay when clocks move back at 3am.

Some employment agreements have specific rules about daylight saving pay but workers without specific rules will only be paid by the clock .

When will daylight saving time start again?

For those who like having a bit more daylight in their evenings, you’ll need to wait until the first Sunday in October. In 2024, that falls on 6 October.

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• New South Wales
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

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