Whitsunday Sailing History
Looking for a detailed account of Whitsunday Sailing History? You've come to the right place! This quick overview of the sailing history in the Whitsundays region will highlights the comings and goings of various iconic boats and vessels in the area.
The Whitsunday Islands is one of the most stunning and popular sailing locations in the world! Whether you're an experienced sailing fanatic, you're looking to learn more about sailing, or you're just a traveler who is curious about the sailing history of the Whitsundays, it's always fun to brush up on some facts about this gorgeous corner of the world.
Whitsunday Sailing History
The Whitsundays has a very colorful history of flamboyant characters who have come and gone from the region. Many have tried to stamp their mark on the Whitsunday sailing scene.
Regardless of who owns and operates the boats in the Whitsundays, the vessels themselves are subject to the elements. So we have an ever-changing progression of vessels that have called the Whitsundays home. Below is a historic photo of Airlie Beach from before the town was developed as it is today!
1980s Whitsunday Sailing History
Though Whitsunday history goes back thousands of years with the traditional owners, the Ngaro People, the modern sailing industry took off much more recently. Tourism in Airlie Beach began in the early-mid 1900s, with the sailing industry making its real mark in the 1980s.
The very first modern vessels that worked in the Whitsundays were Overnight Skippered Charter Boats. The "pioneers" included Nari (a steel Ketch), Tri Tingara, Island Gypsy, and the sleek, fast catamaran called Jade. In those days, there was no marina so guests were picked up from the front beach in downtown Airlie. Now we have excellent marina facilities and passengers can embark directly to the marina.
Chronological List of Vessels in the Whitsundays
With the following list, we have tried to add the vessels in chronological order of when they joined The Whitsundays. Some of the vessels retired due to owners moving on, or simply the vessels were replaced with faster more modern vessels.
Along with the earlier adopters at the top of the list, there were Solo and Thala, Derwent Hunter, Tongarra, and Jade.
Then the big Maxis started to come into the Whitsundays, including Apollo, Condor, Ragamuffin, Siska, Boomerang, and The Card. These maxi yachts were shortly followed later by Hammer, British Defender, Spank Me, and Matador.
Amongst the big maxis, dozens of smaller vessels found a home here in the late 1990s. These boats include Silent night, Waltzing Matilda, Kiana, Southern Cross, Ragamuffin 2, Mandrake, Prima, Eureka, Freight Train, Mandrake, and Samauri.
Early 2000s
A few more tallships came to work in the Whitsundays just after the new millennium in the early 2000s. These include Solway Lass, Summertime, Coral Trekker, Alexander Stewart, and Wind Jammer. Two big flash deluxe cruising vessels arrived for work in early 2000s, including the luxurious Whitsunday Magic and Pacific Sunrise.
In 2004 Atlantic turned up for work with her 50 pax capacity and she was soon a hit with the backpacker crowd! Also in 2004 the Catamarans started working their magic in the Whitsundays. These modern-style boats include Powerplay, Adventurer, Getaway, On Ice, Wings, Whitsunday Blue, and Avatar.
Some vessels have worked here in the Whitsundays and eventually moved on to embark on adventures around the world with their owners. These include Dreamtime, Windjammer, Ron of Argyl, Providence, Gypsy, and Tallarook.
Lost Vessels in the Whitsundays
Of course, all boats are subjected to the ebbs and flows of mother nature. Some vessels become damaged beyond repair due to storms or accidents. Here is a quick summary of some notable ships that were lost by storm or accident in the Whitsundays.
The Card - 80ft Maxi lost on the break wall during Cyclone Ului 2010
Romance Steel - 60ft ketch operated by Tallarook 2009
Jade - 45ft catamaran lost in Cyclone Ului in 2010
Whitsunday Magic - Lost to the industry in Shute Harbour in Aug 2011. Was rebuilt but unfortunately suffered severe damage in yet another cyclone in 2012.
The below 1976 picture from the state Archives Shows the Sailing and Cruising yachts swinging to anchor in Pioneer Bay in front of Airlie beach township.
Present Day
The Whitsundays sailing industry is currently thriving! After the travel industry took a hit during the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020-2022, travel is bouncing back. Backpackers, families, and couples are once again out exploring the world, and many international travelers have made their way back to Australia to see the famous Whitsunday Islands.
Marinas in Airlie Beach are constantly sending boats out to the islands and the Great Barrier Reef. There are so many successful boats, with some of the most popular being the Whitsunday Bullet day trip to Whitehaven Beach, and the Whitsunday Getaway, Powerplay, and Whitsunday Adventurer multi-day tours.
Maxi yachts in the Whitsundays are also excelling. These former racing vessels make for an incredible sailing experience for travelers, with Apollo or British Defender being the two most popular and successful multi-day sailing tours.
