Charter Chatter

 - The new Sunsail 444 was built by Robertson and Caine and designed by performance cat experts Morrelli and Melvin. The innovative forward and aft cockpit design also includes four cabins and four heads. The catamaran comes with air-conditioning, onboard generator, electric windlass and all the latest navigation technology from Raymarine. The Sunsail 444 will first debut in Croatia, Greece and Turkey for 2011 summer sailing holidays; then arrive in the British Virgin Islands and St. Vincent for winter 2011/2012 departures.

- Redlands Kayak Tours offers guided adventure kayak tours around the picturesque southern Moreton Bay. Guests can choose from one of ten possible launch sites, including Tingalpa Creek, Coochiemudlo Island, Victoria and Cleveland Points. Tours run from two to three hours, and conclude with light refreshments. Tours are led by an Australian canoeing-accredited and qualified guide and include some basic instructions, a safety briefing and all equipment.

- Since the sinking of the Yongala on 23 March 1911, many cyclones have passed over or close to the site of the wreck off Townsville. Although 16m below the surface and 30m to the bottom, during cyclone Yasi the surge from the surface conditions was significant. Divers have found that it exposed many previously unseen features. Hinge openings on the side of the ship, the rows of rivets, port holes and some of the letters of the Yongala name are now visible, adding to the interest of the dive.

- Ningaloo's first whale shark of 2011 was spotted off the coast of Exmouth in February, an early start of the annual whale shark season. Last year's record whale shark season was from mid March until mid July. Many tour operators recorded a 100 per cent success rate for swimming with the whale sharks on tours that departed. Whale sharks are attracted to the Ningaloo Marine Park each year to feed on the rich nutrient waters created from the mass spawning of coral on the reef. Ningaloo Reef is one of the most reliable and easily accessible places in the world to swim with whale sharks, which are the largest fish in the sea, growing up to 14 metres in length. www.westernaustralia.com

- Tangalooma Island Resort has added a sunset cruise, Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding and scuba diving to its range of activities. Guests board a 12m catamaran for the one-hour sunset cruise and return in time for the nightly feeding of wild dolphins at Tangalooma. Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding and scuba diving are available for beginners to advanced.

- Dive HQ/H20 Sportz is running free scuba diving lessons at the Airlie Beach Lagoon to offer people an opportunity to try scuba diving for the first time.

- Cruise Whitsundays has introduced a new half day Whitehaven Beach Cruise offering a comfortable cruise on an air-conditioned catamaran specifically to see Whitehaven Beach.

- Port Venture is Port Macquarie's newest cruise vessel which can carry up to 150 passengers on the Hastings River and 100 passengers offshore for whale watching from May to November.

- All charter boats in Australia must have a current survey certificate issued by a state authority and they must be operated by qualified crew. Survey requirements demonstrate the vessel has passed safety and seaworthy checks and is suitable for cruises around harbours and waterways. Two vessels chartered in Sydney for New Year’s Eve were found to be not in survey. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

- HMB Endeavour is having an extensive refit in preparation for her around-Australia Voyage visiting 16 ports. The voyage starts from Sydney 15 April 2011 and returns in May 2012. You can join the Endeavour as voyage crew, sleeping in hammocks and participating in the operation of the vessel or as a supernumerary, sleeping in an individual cabin and choosing your level of involvement with the sailing of the vessel. www.endeavourvoyages.com.au

Photograph: Sunsail 444