Page 17 - Port Douglas Magazine 38

“The thrill of going faster kicks in as the wind picks up, and the

sense of satisfaction in being able to control such a powerful force
and challenge yourself is exciting.”

ropes holding the front sail) or when asked to steer to starboard, I instead NOT AVAILABLE. I’M OUT AT SEA SAILING!
headed the opposite direction to port. Sailing is an excellent way to experience the allure of our warm tropical
Mistakes are an inevitable part of learning any skill, sailing included. Whether waters, whether you enjoy racing or prefer to spend your vacation escaping
improving navigational techniques, communication or safety procedures, the crowds by sailing your boat, joining an organised tour, or chartering one
taking steps to learn from errors makes mariners more competent and of the town’s luxurious commercial sailing vessels.
secure at sea. All it takes is a short one-hour sail of up to eight nautical miles to a nearby
Eventually, I was able to turn my love of sailing into a job as a deckhand and reef and coral cay - the Low Isles - to enjoy first-hand a unique and relaxed

Those who yearn to learn sailing, they can check the PDYC snorkelling guide aboard luxury commercial sailing vessels operating from experience. The prevailing winds from the southeast make it easy to get there

and Douglas Sailing Club calendars and join in the fun.

Port Douglas, taking visitors to explore our backyard: The Great Barrier Reef. in just one tack directly from Port Douglas.
Every day at work I witness the excitement of our guests experiencing the At this picture-postcard location, you can expect to encounter many different

soothing sound of the wind filling the sails while gliding over the ocean to species of colourful corals, tropical fish, reef sharks, rays, marine turtles and

reach the much anticipated snorkelling destinations. occasionally large fish like trevally. In the winter months, while underway

I enjoy seeing their smile when they realise that the noisy engines are off it is possible to spot Humpback and potentially dwarf Minke whale pods
and the magic of the physics-based phenomenon of aerodynamic forces is migrating through our tropical waters.
harnessed, propelling the boat forward when the wind blows against the sail. Public moorings are installed here and in other popular spots. These include

It still amazes me how we can leverage the power of the wind to operate and Snapper Island, Mackay Reef, Hope Island, Ribbon Reefs and beyond
control the boat’s movement, maximising its speed and heading. (you can refer to Public Mooring Locations and Fishing Zones - Northern
The thrill of going faster kicks in as the wind picks up, and the sense of Great Barrier Reef Map 5 at www.qld.gov.au and www.gbrmpa.gov.au or

satisfaction in being able to control such a powerful force and challenge download your free zoning maps EYE on the REEF App). These guides
yourself is exciting. allow stress-free access to the area and the best environmental practices to
It is so pleasurable that I recently spent all my savings by realising my avoid anchoring in places that could damage the fragile reef. By taking extra
long held dream of owning a little yacht despite most friends’ and family’s care when anchoring and using moorings when available, we can support
attempts to talk me out of it. the resilience of the reef, which is under pressure from human impact and
growing threats such as global warming.
Indeed, owning a yacht has drawbacks, such as considerable financial and

time commitments that can be daunting. Nevertheless, the pleasure of sailing Approximately 12 nautical miles from Port Douglas, Snapper Island is
another beautiful sight while sailing by. It is situated directly in front of
around Port Douglas and beyond outweighs the cons, making it all worth it.
the renowned Daintree World Heritage Rainforest. The island has lush

vegetation and mangroves, boasting coconut trees and reefs around its edges.
THE APPEAL OF SAILING PORT DOUGLAS It’s home to abundant birds and fish in its shallows, making it a tropical

Its advantageous proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, paradise. Camping grounds are available on the island, so visitors can enjoy

two of the most spectacular places on Earth, plus the magnificent views, an overnight stay and throw out a fishing line to catch dinner!

abundant wildlife, gentle climate, and remarkable variety of aquatic activities Enthusiastic travellers seeking to venture further, swimming in crystal clear
are among the reasons that make it appealing to discover the area by sea.
Sailing Club Open Day at the Douglas Sailing Club. waters with an outstanding variety of corals and encountering the abundant
The prevailing breeze and sheltered waters make it an ideal destination for sea life, will be satisfied when they reach Mackay Reef. It is a longer journey

sailing. The world’s most extensive coral reef system, stretching over more from Port Douglas, but it still provides an excellent opportunity to troll for

than 2,300 kilometres, and its mesh of islands and shallow waters work to mackerel or tuna while navigating on your boat. The moorings here offer
weaken the power of waves and currents before they hit the shoreline. This protection in most wind conditions allowing a quick paddle ashore to a

buffer helps protect the coastline from the full force of oceanic waves and pristine sand cay and the chance to take striking photographs.

currents.
Port Douglas combines unique landscapes and a world-class resort town WATER IS PORT DOUGLAS LIFE...STYLE!

offering a diverse range of excellent eatery options and shops to suit all I recently came across an essay that a young girl wrote for a school assignment
budgets and tastes with a picturesque marina for sailors who need to take a and shared with the crew after joining one of our sailing tours to the reef

land-break inshore. with her family. She was asked to tell about a life experience and her story:

The marinas of Crystalbrook and Close Haven serve as the entry point for she went sailing the Great Barrier Reef! This day had a profound impact on
those venturing into the remote northern section of the Great Barrier Reef her, making her appreciate how different life is on the water versus life on

and the best opportunity for provisions and boat repairs before accessing the land, and how important it is to appreciate every moment we have without
wonders of the Coral Sea. During Race Week race participants can enjoy a taking anything for granted.
free berth available at the Crystalbrook Marina. Every day I meet many people visiting or returning to our bustling town

The scenic waterfront and harbour out to the mouth of the inlet provide because of its unique location, scenery, warm climate, wildlife, the comfort

stunning coastal views of idyllic calm water through a tidal mangrove of a picturesque marina, the delicious food offering, and the incredible
system, home to a variety of wildlife including estuarine crocodiles, making variety of water activities. Sailing along stunning white beaches, coral cays,

it a one-of-a-kind location to enjoy the sunset. and reefs framed by the magnificent tropical rainforest is surely an excellent
option to experience Port Douglas’ unique lifestyle.
That young girl made me think that it appears difficult to leave town without

spending time in and on the water and having an experience you will cherish
Race week scheduled for 14th – 18th of May 2024. for the rest of your life.