Charter Chatter

Kimberley Quest II, which spent Christmas in Sydney, is now heading up the east coast and is scheduled to visit the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Gladstone, Mackay, Airlie Beach, and Cairns. When working, during the March to October Kimberley season, the 25 metre nine cabin vessel explores the reefs, gorges, and inlets of the remote Kimberley coastline between Broome and Mitchell Plateau or Wyndham.

The Dutch clipper ship Stad Amsterdam will visit Sydney on its international voyage retracing Charles Darwin’s famous journey in the Beagle. The 60 metre three mast clipper ship, which was built in 2000, is a reminder of the massive sail carrying clipper ships of the 19th century but is fitted with modern equipment and 14 luxury cabins. The ship will continue its voyage around the world stopping at Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth before crossing the Indian Ocean. StadAmsterdam.com.

Save up to 35 per cent on cabins when you travel on board Spirit of Tasmania on a night sailing before 30 April 2010. All 222 cabins on board have private bathroom facilities, adjustable air-conditioning, and there is a choice of inside or porthole view.

From now until the end of March Whitsunday charter companies are offering great specials on chartering skipper yourself yachts, sailing catamarans and motor cruisers. For example - if you charter for five nights you pay for four, if you charter for seven nights you pay for five and if you charter for ten nights you pay for seven.

The freighter and passenger ship Aranui 3 is sailing from Papeete to Marquesas Islands, departing 29 June 2010 for 13 nights via the Tuamotus islands. The ship will be in the right place at the right time to view the total eclipse in the Southern Pacific Ocean.

The South Australian tall ship will sail from Melbourne to Portland from 23 March to 26 March, and from Portland to Adelaide from 29 March to 2 April. Each leg costs $860 per person all-inclusive, or $1,500 for the eight day voyage including accommodation aboard while in Portland. SA Tall Ships.com.au.

The JJ Giltinan International Championship, known as the 18 footer world championship, will be held on Sydney Harbour from 13-22 February. The spectator ferry will leave from Double Bay Wharf at 2.30pm each day with the exception of February 13 and 20, when it will leave at 3.30pm. Adults cost $15 and children under 14 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the office on race day. For further information, contact the club on (02) 9363 2995 or visit 18footers.com.au.

The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney is commemorating the 240th anniversary of James Cook's landing in Botany Bay with a series of sailing adventures aboard HMB Endeavour - a replica of James Cook's vessel of discovery.

 - The Endeavour Harbour adventure is ideal for families wanting to sail on Sydney Harbour and have an interactive tour of the ship above and below deck.

 - On the Endeavour Overnight Experience guests enjoy a sunset tour of Sydney Harbour, eat a hearty 18th century dinner, learn about astronomy, history, navigation and botany, and sleep on board.

 - Or learn to sail and live just like Cook and his crew did, on an Endeavour High Sea Adventure for five or six days as a crew member or gentleman passenger. Learn about navigation, meteorology and tall ship sailing. Check out ANMM.gov.au.