Sailing Cairns, Australia
Many miles away, the spectacular World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef floods the sea with colour. In the opposite direction is a mountainous coastline swathed in tropical rainforest. Two points off the starboard bow is a reef-fringed island with a protected anchorage. Towing behind is a mackerel fishing line, glinting in the sunlight and ready for a fish to pounce and become dinner.
The sun is bright; the water is clear and warm.
The islands and beaches resemble paradise.
There are few places in the world where this combination of factors come together to make a sailing environment so special.
Three yacht clubs operate in Cairns, all offering day sailing and crewing positions during races and social sailing events. If you are interested in participating in a race simply turn up to one of the clubs, buy a beer, and start talking to the yachties hanging around the bar. They will be happy to give you a position on board their yacht, no matter what your experience level is.
The three yacht clubs in Cairns are:
Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron
Established for cruising yachts, the squadron boasts the best facilities in Cairns for visitors to the area. It has an extensive work-yard where all repairs and painting can be carried out, plus a chandlery for any items you may need. For members or visiting yachts, toilets, showers, ironing facilities etc are available. There's also a restaurant and bar that is always occupied by old salts willing to share their stories of the sea. The Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron also offers a small marina and pile moorings in a protected arm of the Cairns Inlet.
Cairns Yacht Club
The Cairns Yacht Club is located close to the centre of Cairns city, and is a very popular place for cruising and racing sailors to congregate. It has a small beach that is ideal to launch a dinghy from, and an extensive bar and restaurant in the clubhouse. This club has no mooring facilities, however it's proximity to the entrance of Cairns Harbour makes it a popular place for visiting yachts anchoring nearby.
Cairns Sailing Tours
| Tour | Adult Price | Child Price | Tour Includes | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran Sailing Reef Snorkelling and Diving | $129 | $79 | Sail to The Cairns Great Barrier Reef, Snorkelling Equipment, Tropical Buffet, 2 Different Reef Destinations, Guided Snorkelling Tour, Morning and Afternoon Tea, 10 Minute SCUBA Demonstration, Extras: Accommodation Transfer, Perscription Mask, Wet Suit, Glass Bottom Boat Tour | Book Online More Info |
| 16m Schooner Sailing Reef Snorkelling and Diving | $119 | $75 | Sail to Green Island on The Cairns Great Barrier Reef, Snorkelling Equipment, Tropical Buffet, Transfers To and From Green Island, Reef Presentation, 4.5 Hours on Reef and Island, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Glass of Wine on Return Trip | Book Online More Info |
| Catamaran Sailing Reef Snorkelling and Diving Michaelmas Cay | $189 | $94.50 | Sail to Michaelmas Cay, Snorkelling Equipment, 4 Full Hours on Reef Tropical Smorgasboard, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Glass of Wine on Return Trip | Book Online More Info |
| Dinner Cruise | $89 | $40 | Sail to Trinity Inlet, Calm Water Cruise of Cairns, Complimentary Glass of Sparkling Wine, 4 Course Buffet, Live Entertainment, Air Conditioned, Dance Floor | Book Online More Info |
Port Douglas Sailing Tours
| Tour | Adult Price | Child Price | Tour Includes | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catamran Sailing to Low Isles Up to 80 Guests | $138 | $69 | Sail to The Low Isles, Snorkelling Equipment, Reef Presentation by Marine Biologist, Snorkelling Equipment, Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Guided Snorkelling Trips, Marine Biologist Guided Beach Walk, Tropical Lunch, Morning and Afternoon Tea | Book Online More Info |
| Catamran Sailing to Low Isles Up to 35 Guests | $165 | $105 | Sail to and From Low Isles, Glass Bottom Boat, Low Isles Heritage Walk, Guided Snorkelling Tou by Marine Naturalist, Hot and Cold Showers, Snorkelling Equipment, Morning and Afternoon Tea, AL Fresco Gourmet Buffet Lunch | Book Online More Info |
| Catamaran Sailing Reef Snorkelling and Diving 12 People Max | $260 | $190 | Sail to Tounge Reef, Snorkelling Equipment, 3 Full Hours on Reef, 4 Hours Sail Time, Guided Snorkel Tour with Reef Naturalist, Fresh Water Shower, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Alfresco Gourmet BBQ Lunch, Wetsuit, Lycra Suit, Floatation Aide | Book Online More Info |
| Cape Tribulation Catamran Sailing Snorkelling | $140 | $100 | Sail From Cape Tribulation Beach to Mackay or Undine Reef, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Tropical Buffet Lunch, Wetsuits, Snorkelling Equipment, Reef Presentation, Return Transfers From Cape Tribulation Accommodation | Book Online More Info |
Half Moon Bay Yacht Club
This is an upmarket yacht club located at Yorkeys Knob. The clubhouse is the biggest of all three clubs in Cairns, and it has a restaurant that is very popular with the locals every day of the week. There is also a large marina at this club, but haul-out facilities are not available. To reach Cairns from this club takes about 12 minutes by car.
There are many charter yacht operators in Cairns, however due to the proximity of the reef, no bareboat operators run out of Cairns. The closest bareboat charters can be found in Cardwell, south of Cairns. These charters focus on the area around Hinchinbrook Island - the largest national park island in the world.
Port Douglas, however, is home to maxi yachts from around the globe. There is a luxury protected marina in Port Douglas, just a one day sail north from Cairns. Two charter companies offer their stunning yachts for charter, with crew.
Marcrista Luxury Yacht Charters
The tropical sea near Cairns is a sailor’s paradise. Calm turquoise water teeming with fish and protected from large waves by the Cairns Great Barrier Reef provides alluring sailing conditions that are ranked among the best in the world. Tropical Islands and coral cays emerge from the horizon as the wind gently tugs the sails. You relax on the foredeck of your vessel as it quietly nudges through the water.
- Karma Yacht Charters
40ft Buizen design yacht able to accommodate up to 7 guests on a day charter and 4 guests on an overnight or extended charter.