Frequently Asked Questions and client comments

Yacht Hire

What sailing experience do I need to bare boat charter?: You need to have your Recreational Skippers Ticket and demonstrated sailing experience on a cruising yacht to charter with us. If you are from overseas then your local boating licence may be acceptable. We are happy to discuss your sailing experience with you and we provide comprehensive pre reading and briefings on board the yacht. If you are not sure then why not learn while you are on holiday? Our RYA programs are a great holiday. You can charter the your own yacht and take an instructor or join one of our ongoing sailing courses.
I want to charter overseas - what will I need?: If you are looking at overseas charter most companies will expect at least Competent Crew and preferably Day Skipper qualifications. You will be sailing in unfamiliar waters and while most cruising companies provide a lot of support you will enjoy your holiday more having developed the skills to sail your charter boat safely. The RYA qualification is the most widely recognised overseas. Here in Busselton if you are from overseas you will need an RYA Competent Crew certificate. If you live in WA you will need your recreational skippers ticket

What do I need to bring?: We supply linen, towels, all crockery and cutlery. All you need to bring is your food and personal items. we recommend a mix of cool and warm clothing together with non marking shoes. Because space is limited on board yachts we recommend evertything is packed in soft bags which can be folded and

What is the weather like in Busselton and Bunbury?: Summer temperatures are generally in the high 20's(C.) to low 30's with fresh sea breezes. Winter can be cool but with some great sailing days with light to moderate breezes.
What happens if the weather is bad?: If you are prevented from sailing because of bad weather you have the choice of rescheduling or accepting a refund. If the weather deteriorates after you have started sailing and it is no longer possible to continue we will provide a credit against future yacht hire or, subject to availability, extend your period of hire.
Are there any hidden costs?: Your hire charge covers linen, briefings and staples. You need only bring your food and drinks. At the end of the charter we will refill the fuel tanks and there will be a charge at cost for fuel used.
What about bonds?: We take a credit card imprint to cover damage to the yacht. We destroy the imprint within seven days of the conclusion of the hire period subject to inspection of the yacht and there being no damage. The yacht is inspected before you charter and insepcted on return within seven days. Please chack our terms and conditions.
Where can I anchor?: The bay has some great anchoring spots which are suitable for day stopovers. For peace of mind we have provided permanent moorings at the most popular locations for overnight stays.

Sailing Courses


Are sailing courses accredited?: Yes. We are a sailing school recognised by Royal Yachting Association and Yachting Australia - the only sailing school in Western Australia to hold this level of accreditation. We can provide internationally recognised certification to Yachtmaster Offshore standard.
What do I need to bring?: On our RYA sailing courses we provide all meals for practical courses. Quality linen and bedding is provided. We also provide wet weather gear. You need to bring a good hat, sailing gloves, non marking shoes, polarised sun glasses and both warm and cool clothing.
How do I get to Bunbury: By air to Perth. We are two hours south of Perth by road in the heart of the Margaret River wines regions. There are regular bus and train services to Bunbury which we can book for you. For international fast track students we can provide airport transfers for a small extra cost.
Is there an age limit?: No. we have students of all ages on board and everyone gets on well. Sailing is physical and you need to be reasobaly healthy but if yu have any doubts just check with your doctor. Our eldest student has been over 80 years old

Do I have to share bunks?

No. We do not ask you to share a bunk at any time. You may share a cabin with twin bunks but you will always have your own bunk and bedding

Are the instructors qualifed?

Our sailing instructors hold RYA Yachtmaster qualifications as well as WA Government commercial qualifications. in addition we are all very experienced in both ocean and offshore environments

Are meals included

Yes. We provide a weekly budget for victualling the yacht. We can also meet special dietary needs by arrangement

Client Comments

"Just like to tet you know that my training put me in good stead for the Fremantle- Canarvon race and on to Exmouth and back..........Thank you once again for providing such good instruction" Val from Tasmania

"Hi Don and Helen
I would like to thank you for the most enjoyable 5 days that I can remember. Your organisation and instructors were outstanding and i found every hour on board an absolute pleasure" Robert from Perth

"Hi Helen and Don
We had a fantastic time on Madeline with Gary. Learned heaps, have a huge collection of shells and very burned nose!

Thanks again Robert and Katalin" Perth

"Hi Helen
Had a really brilliant time Gary was excellent" Rob

"Helen and Don
A quick note to thank you for the Inshore and Offshore skippers course. I am now confidently looking forward to getting out and doing some sailing this spring and summer. Thanks to Nick and Alan for their valuable time and efforts" Richard - Perth

"Hi Helen and Don
Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the course - Gary was outstanding and the rest of the group really clicked" John

These are just a few of the comments we receive from our customers. Our feedback is very positive and we continually work to improve our programs

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South West Yacht Charters, Bunbury and Busselton Western Australia