Charter Chatter

The Gold Coast whale watching season started on 30 May and the first humpbacks have been spotted off the coast. Sea World's custom designed $3.4m catamaran comfortably carries in excess of 100 passengers and will operate daily (weather permitting) until November.

Coral Princess Cruises is offering a 25 percent discount on its small-ship, expedition-style, Auckland to Bay of Islands five day voyages for departures between December 2009 and February 2010. The offer is available for new bookings made until July 31, 2009.

Virgin Blue will have daily direct flights between Sydney and Hamilton Island from 4 July 2009. The flights will depart Sydney at 10.15am and touch down at Hamilton Island at 12.45pm before departing the Island at 1.15pm and landing in Sydney at 3.45pm.

In an effort to protect the delicate eco-system of Antarctica, cruise ships with more than 500 passengers are now officially banned from landing sites in Antarctica. The number of passengers cruise lines can bring ashore at a time has also been limited to 100.

The China Cup International Regatta to be held 30 October to 2 November 2009 starts with three days of practice in Hong Kong, followed by a race to Shenzhen in mainland China, and then five days of racing from the Longcheer Yacht Club.

Photograph: Sailing with Sunsail