The History of Lady Enid
Lady Enid is a magnificent vessel with an impressive racing history across Australia, though these days you’ll find her gliding around the Whitsunday Islands. The historic boat, which dates back to the early 1960s, was once a successful race yacht, competing in famous national races like Sydney to Hobart and Brisbane to Gladstone. After building an outstanding reputation, Lady Enid has since retired from the world of yacht racing and retired as a successful sailing tour boat in the sun-soaked Whitsundays!
A magnificent racing legacy
The vessel, a 63-foot Alden ketch, was built in 1961 by J. Cockle in Milperra, Sydney, and fondly named after Cockle’s wife, Enid. It is regarded as one of the finest timber yachts ever to race to Gladstone.
She had her first race in 1964, finishing just minutes behind Rupert Murdoch’s ‘Ilina’. All in all, Enid has participated in 5 Sydney to Hobart races, and 15 Brisbane to Gladstone races. A highlight in Enid’s racing legacy was her first place win in the first ever Sydney to Brisbane (now Mooloolaba) race in 1964.
More authentic sailing tours in the Whitsundays
A popular sailing vessel
Though built by Cockle, Enid has piqued the interest of many sailing enthusiasts over the years. After her first few races, she was purchased by the MacRae family, best known for their business MacRae Knitting (the parent company of Speedo).
Enid continued to race, and was later purchased by Norm Thurecht, who owned large sawmills in Brisbane. Thurecht owned and skippered Enid for 26 years, securing her a few wins in the arbitrary division before she was eventually put into retirement in 1992.
Retirement and restoration of Lady Enid
After retiring from racing, Lady Enid was purchased by the Graham family. Jeremy and Nicole Graham, who have run a thriving boat tour company in the Whitsundays for the past 17 years, led a 6-month restoration of the vessel, transforming her into the luxurious adventure sailing vessel she is known as today!
Sailing Lady Enid in the Whitsundays
Today, Lady Enid offers a lavish, adults-only day tour around the Whitsunday Islands. Tourists who board Lady Enid for the day are treated to the best of the islands while enjoying an authentic sailing experience on a highly-regarded racing vessel.
Lady Enid Adult’s Only - Whitehaven Beach + Snorkelling Tour
Lady Enid’s day tour whisks its guests away from Airlie Beach and off to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and picture-perfect Hill Inlet Lookout. It also boasts a licensed bar, an opportunity to snorkel on vibrant fringing coral reefs, and gourmet dining.
Lady Enid Sunset Sail
Visitors to the Whitsundays who are seeking a romantic evening on the water, or who are perhaps a little bit shorter on time, have the opportunity to get to know Lady Enid on the vessel’s popular sunset sail. Spend two hours sailing and soaking up the beauty of the Whitsundays as the sun goes down. As well as a complimentary Aperol Spritz cocktail and antipasto platter, the fully licensed bar is also open on this dreamy sunset sail.
Lady Enid Private Charter
For those who wish to indulge in a private experience, Lady Enid is available for private charter. Gather your nearest and dearest, and take them for a day out they’ll never forget on this famous racing yacht. With ample space for up to 24 guests on board, it’s up to you whether you fill the boat to capacity, or keep the numbers low for a more intimate tour.
Lady Enid Sunset Charter
Hoping to treat someone special? Or perhaps you’re simply looking to wrap up another perfect day in paradise? Lady Enid also offers a private sunset charter. Enjoy a sophisticated sunset sail around Airlie Beach and the surrounding islands with your loved ones and treat yourself to an evening you’ll never forget.
Lady Enid Hook Island Cultural Tour
Hop on board this historic sailing boat and set sail for Hook Island in the Whitsundays. Here, you'll visit the Ngaro cultural site and get the opportunity to learn about the Indigenous heritage of this region. On this intimate group tour, explore the natural beauty of Hook Island and Nara Inlet and observe Indigenous rock art before enjoying a delicious lunch and going for an unforgettable snorkel on the fringing reef.
