Just thought I would post a message to show that the 80's are still in vogue - go for a sail in the Whitsundays, and windsurf in the white sands of Whitehaven Beach.... a few friends decided to hire a catamaran for 5 days.

After a 4hr briefing, we set out from Airlie Beach. Sailed out to Langford Island Reef on the first day - was blowing 22kn most of the way, which made for a an 8+kn cruise across the wind. Got there a bit late in the arvo, and being the first day on a new boat, we missed the timeslot for a windsurf. Some of the passengers got their first taste of forgetting-to-take-TravelCalm !

The next day we headed off to Whitehaven Beach... the pics from the 80's kept us calling. Got there just after lunchtime. Some of us had a good session in the clear water and white sand. Wind speed was at 18kn.

The third day had 16kn, so bigger gear.... but very fun !

4th day was about 8kn, so a swim and snorkel. Then a downwind cat-sail back to the inner side of the islands.

5th day back in the marina.

It was a good test for the viability of such a cruise. The skipper has sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, but that was 20yrs ago in a mono-hull. Rigging the gear on the deck, turned out to be easier than expected; connecting/disconnecting the mast-base, was harder than expected. Anchoring up in the wind, needs a lot of practise and a lot of patience. And then there is the logistics of getting everything on board, setting used to stocking the food for a week, etc.