Considerations: The plan is to leave Cid Harbour late morning (about 10.30 to 11.00am) and travel north up the west side of Whitsunday Island against the last part of the flood tide.

This will take them past Hook Observatory and through Hook Passage on the top of the tide. Once they round the top of Whitsunday Island they'll be into the wind and an ebbing tide for about 5.0 nautical miles before dropping anchor early afternoon at Tongue Bay... A large anchorage well protected from the SE to NW winds expected. Tongue Bay is well positioned to let them explore Hill Inlet or laze about (away from the crowd) on the northern end of Whitehaven Beach.

Considerations: Weather conditions at the time will dictate their anchorage... If the winds are right Chalkies (Stockyard) Beach is the preferred option, as snorkeling is good at the northern end of the beach and tides will still be low enough for a mid-morning snorkel before leaving for Gap Beach on Lindeman Island where they plan on spending their 4th night.

Considerations: Depending on wind conditions a decision will be made about the best time to cross the open passage between Whitsunday and Lindeman Islands.

The tide will be flooding south up to 1.11pm and after that will turn and ebb north. But if, as expected at this time of year the winds drop in the afternoon to 10-15 knots, it should be a pleasant passage heading into a light wind and sea after the tide turns just after 1.00pm.

Gap Beach has beautiful views towards Pentecost Island and the main islands of the Whitsunday Group.

Considerations: The plan (and preference) is to anchor at Plantation Bay, a lovely anchorage with a delightful beach and excellent swimming... a change to Neck Bay would only be made on a strong (up to 25 knots) SE wind forecast .

If conditions are favourable it's planned to anchor at Plantation Bay by 9.30 - 10.00am and take the tender into the Club Med Resort for lunch... After anchoring at Plantation Bay, Club Med will be contacted by radio to make reservations. If conditions are not favourable (for the dingy trip) the other option is take a day mooring from 11.00am - 3.00pm at the resort, then move after lunch to the planned overnight anchorage at Plantation Bay, which is only a short distance away.

Considerations: This is a lovely anchorage and well protected from a stiff SouthEasterly blow.

The northern shore of Burning Point has a broad sand beach and sand flat so it's planned to get in a bit of sunbathing. The well developed fringing reefs running the length of the northern side of the island will provide some good snorkeling and bottom fishing before leaving for Gulnare Inlet the next day.

However if everyone likes the anchorage they might stay a second night and leave early on the morning of Thursday to arrive at Hamilton Island for their boat debriefing, and in time to make their flight out at 11.45am.

Considerations: If the decision is made to leave the Burning Point anchorage for Gulnare Inlet on Wednesday... It's planned to leave when wind and tide are in the same direction with the tide dropping and ebbing north about 9.30 - 10.00am. Taking the passage to the north-east side of Henning Island its planned to anchor, have lunch, (and if the southerly is light) get in a last snorkel on the coral reef that extends west from the northern tip of Henning.

Around 2.30 - 3.00pm its planned to enter Gulnare on the rising tide (being careful to use a back bearing on Dent and Pine Islands to find the entrance). After anchoring its intended to explore up Gulnare by dingy, and find the old logging tramway that runs off the right side of the inlet.

Leave Gulnare early at about 6.00 and no later than 6.30am (before the 8.00am radio skeds), while the tide is still high (high tide at 5.42am) and make passage for Hamilton Island Marina... After clearing Gulnare, it's planned to re-anchor and have breakfast.

Pre-arrangements for a Hamilton Marina berth will have been made, and when in line of sight will call the Harbour Master on VHF 16/68 to confirm the berth.

After the boat debriefing, catch the late morning flight to Sydney.