Has anyone experienced whitsunday bareboating recently? We are heading up in Sept. Im curious how people with little experience manage to moor at Hamilton Marina if the staff are not able to assist? I know they lead you to where the berth is but wouldnt there be problems with inexperienced boaters berthing a rented yacht?
It was a few years ago but we got unlucky with some sporty weather, i berthed a Leopard 40 in 30k without issue at Hamilton without big boat experience then on returning the boat the charter operator misjudged his approach at Airlie and dinged through the outer glass...
They are ready for you, we charted a power cat last Sept, process was radio in when out the front, put fenders along side, someone will come out then guide you in to your spot and even assist as they are know many chartered boaters have very little experience.
I was amazed at how little experience other chartered boaters had and off they went without a clue.
If you have had any boating experience you are way ahead of many who charter boats.
Used to be fun listening in on the vhf during and immediately after a big blow went through 
Saltiest1. Do share. What kind of dramas. Someone else I spoke to said people on VHF reporting torn sail and the charter company fixed it at hammo which was good service I think. Same guy reported another tear next day
Yeah, when we were there the guy grabbed the lines and helped tie them which was great.
Lots of drama on the radios from people running over dingy lines, rope caught in props and blocked toilets
Always blocked toilets! Pretty funny. Torn sails, left up dry on a falling tide, anchor not grabbing but customer didn't know anchor had to reach the sea bottom, all sorts of comical genius.
The bareboats call up on day one of their charter asking why the shower doesn't work anymore!! Wife wants to wash her hair and the water ran out
I like the conversation I overheard about a charterer asking for another anchor he used two and left them on the bottom.......
At Hammo, all visiting boats have a concierge guide you to your berth and they will handle lines for you too if you ask. The bareboat people will have you sit outside the front (in the passage) and they will come out and park your boat for you. No need to panic!
The VHF repeater channels around the Whitsundays are known as "The Comedy Channel" by the locals. Listening to the scheds makes for quality entertainment.
