Considerations: Because the morning will be largely taken up by a boat and area briefing, they couldn't plan on getting away from Able Point Marina until approximately midday.

It could be a slow trip sailing across Whitsunday passage because it could be against wind and tide (i.e. tide is falling and ebbing north towards Bowen with the probability of 10-15 knots E to NE winds at this time of year.)

Nara Inlet is a fiord-like inlet providing a calm all-weather anchorage close enough to Able Point Marina (13 nautical miles) that even if a little delayed in leaving the marina they will still have no difficulty making a Nara anchorage by 4.00pm.

Considerations: Before leaving Nara Inlet its planned to take the walk up to the Aboriginal cave site (with paintings), located towards the northern end of the inlet.

The plan is to leave Nara Inlet in sufficient time to pick up a public mooring on Langford Reef off Langford Island (adjacent to Hayman Island)...a sailing distance of (8)miles by about lunch time, planning to arrive at the middle of the tide (around 12.30 - 1.00pm)... Then spend some time snorkeling before shifting for the evening to another public mooring at Stonehaven Anchorage between Anchor Point and Ian Point where there will be good protection overnight from the expected NE to S winds.

Considerations: Depending on sailing conditions its planned to leave early, take a short sail around to Blue Pearl Bay (map ref: C13a), to arrive at the top of the tide around 10.30 - 11.00am, then stay on and snorkel on the dropping tide, around Castle Rock in the southern bay... This location has some of the best snorkeling in the Islands.

It's planned to leave Blue Pearl Bay in time to make one of the public moorings at Butterfly Bay by 3.00 - 3.30pm... And because the tide will be dropping until 5.00pm, some good snorkeling will still be had.

The moorings directly south of Alcyonaria Point offer the best protection... Particularly from swell in north-east weather.

Considerations: The plan is to spend an easy day exploring the bays across the top of Hook Island - Maureens Cove, Luncheon Bay and Mantaray Bay, then returning to Butterfly Bay to again pick up a protected evening mooring.

Alternate: If there is a wind change to the SW to E, it is planned to sail to Border Island and spend the night at Cateran Bay, this 'outlying' island has one of the most delightful anchorages in the islands but can be swelly in an East wind... Snorkeling is best when the winds are from the south.

Considerations: A good days sailing is planned with an early start to take advantage of the flood tide running south towards Mackay down the eastern side of Hook and the Whitsunday Islands. The probable 10-15 knot North Easterly will also provide the wind for a brisk passage.

It's planned to anchor along Whitehaven beach for the day and just enjoy this magnificent beach with its 6 kilometres of pure silica sand...but Whitehaven can be very rolly and, therefore an uncomfortable anchorage at night.

To avoid this, it's planned to duck around the corner... Passing through Solway Passage to spend the evening at Chance Bay if winds are as expected NW to NE...This passage will be negotiated later in the day towards the low tide, as it would be expected to encounter a wind against tide conditions... with the tide ebbing north against a northerly wind.

Alternate: Will be to stay at Whitehaven Beach or Stockyard Beach (Chalkies) if there is a wind change to the S to SE.

Considerations: It's about 8 nautical miles from Chance Bay to Hamilton Harbour... Sailing to the north of Hamilton Island and passing through Fitzalan Passage.

Its planned to arrive at Fitzalan Passage on the high tide (at about midday) to make for an easier sail.

Approaching the harbour, the harbour master will be called by radio on VHF 16/68 to get directions for a marina berth (or mooring.) Arrangements will be finalised for a marina berth to be booked by their charter company 24 hours prior to their arrival while they are still at Whitehaven Beach... Once berthed, the plan is for a hot on-shore shower, then continuing on to sample some of the pleasures of Hamilton Islands bars and restaurants.

Considerations: An early afternoon move to Cid Harbour is planned after a late breakfast and the morning spent on Hamilton.

Leaving Hamilton Island on an outgoing tide (tide ebbs north) a pleasant one and a half hours sail should have them at their planned anchorage at Sawmill Beach in Cid Harbour by 4.00pm. Cid Harbour, in combination with Dugong Inlet is one of the all-weather anchorages in the Whitsundays.

Considerations: This is the day planned for the trip to the outer reef for four of the crew, with the remaining couple planning a walk along the track from Sawmill to Dugong Beach, with the possibility (if they feel up to it) of a side trip and climb up to Whitsunday Peak.

Their float plane, a de Havilland Beaver, will be prearranged and scheduled to land in Cid Harbour adjacent to their anchorage for a pick-up... They then plan to fly to Heart Reef, landing inside the reef in a protected lagoon. Only accessible by sea plane, the lagoon is great for snorkeling and coral viewing. A champagne lunch has also been ordered!

Considerations: It's planned to leave Cid Harbour on the flood tide and sail to Happy Bay, the site of the Club Crocodile Resort on Long Island.

A mooring has been booked, which is the preferred option to anchoring in the Bay... The moorings are in the best location, out of the tide, and this removes the concern of having to anchor, avoiding isolated bommies.

Payment of the mooring fee entitles everyone to the use of the facilities at the resort, including showers.

Considerations: The plan is to leave Happy Bay early before the change of the tide and sail north up Whitsunday Passage and around to Bauer Bay.

The main reason for visiting South Molle, which is a National Park, is to take one of the beautiful graded Island walks that give spectacular views of the Whitsunday Passage and Molle Channel.

And because it's their last evening, it's planned to visit South Molle Resort for dinner.