Whitsunday bareboat operators join forces
In an unusual move amongst competitor businesses, members of Whitsunday Bareboat Operators Association (WBOA) have come together to form a joint marketing initiative under the banner of #GoBareboating.
The group have brought in popular TV personality Chris Parsons as brand ambassador to spread the word.
Spokesperson Rose Wildy said “We all know the Whitsundays is a mecca for sailing and charter holidays, rivalled only by the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Australians new to boating however, don’t necessarily know what bareboating is or how easy and accessible it is to do here in the Whitsundays.”
“Instead of competing with one another we decided to pool industry resources to make a greater impact. The first stage of this was to create a new industry-wide website www.gobareboating.com. We’ve also appointed Chris as our ambassador, and have begun joint promotions in travel publications and at industry trade shows.”
“The aim of the group is to educate people on how easy bareboating is, increase awareness of the concept andintroduce new markets and demographics to the delights and advantages of bareboating holidays around the idyllic Whitsunday Islands.” Ms Wildy said.
The 74 Whitsunday islands, situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, are known as one of the safest, most highly regulated cruising areas in the world. The #GoBareboating group is hoping to break down misconceptions and encourage people to give this style of Whitsundays holiday a try, no matter their level of experience. “It doesn’t matter if you are a salty sea dog or a novice boatie. We’ve got a boat to suit you, and we can give you some extra training to make sure you are confident too.”
“Anyone can go bareboating and we are very excited to let Australia know that they really can tick this experience off their bucket lists.” Ms Wildy said.
Chris Parsons, presenter and producer for Channel 7’s Great South East travel show was perfect to take on the role as brand ambassador. Being a novice sailor himself and keen adventure traveller, he jumped at the opportunity to experience bareboating. On his first charter, he found out how easy it is to do even with limited boating experience.
Chris said “I want to tell as many people as possible what an incredible experience bareboating is and how very achievable it is for people of all ages and abilities. Sailing a boat around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays is something that must be done at some point in one’s life, preferably more than once. There is so much to do once you’re out there, from snorkelling and fishing off the back of the boat, exploring small coves and inlets in the dinghy, hiking on the islands – the adventures are unlimited and yours to choose from.”
The #GoBareboating group consists of all five WBOA members; Charter Yachts Australia, Queensland Yacht Charters, Cumberland Charter Yachts, Whitsunday Escape and Whitsunday Rent A Yacht.
With over 15,000 charterers heading out on the water each year, more than 140 boats in their combined fleets, and over 30 years’ experience, this well-established and award winning industry is a truly unique way to experience the Whitsundays. More Information about the bareboating experience and how to book can be found at www.gobareboating.com.
Fast Facts:
· No licence required to charter
· Five charter companies to choose from - all members of Whitsunday Bareboat Operators Association (WBOA)
· 140+ boats to hire including power boats, sailing monohulls and sailing catamarans
· 50+ anchorages to visit
· 74 islands to sail around
· 400+ types of coral and 1500+ types of marine species to discover underwater
· 15,000 charterers bareboating in the Whitsundays each year
· Safest and most protected cruising area in the southern hemisphere
Further information can be found online at: Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoBareboatingWhitsundays Instagram: @GoBareboating www.instagram.com/gobareboating Twitter: @GoBareboating twitter.com/GoBareboating Hashtag: #GoBareboating
