Sailaway Sunset Cruise
A Sunset Cruise with Sailaway was just the perfect way to spend a relaxing Saturday evening. As a CairnsBeaches local, the drive up the coast to Port Douglas was just beautiful as always. After arriving at the Marina Mirage in Port Douglas, and parking in one of the ample spaces, we made our way to the Sailaway boat. The boat was easy to spot; it stood out as one of the prettiest boats moored at the marina, with its two high sails and vast sundeck.
As we made our way onto the boat we were greeted by welcoming staff, it felt more as if we were getting on a very wealthy friend’s catamaran rather than taking a tour. We met the other guests who were all as excited as we were, creating a bubbly, happy atmosphere. We walked into the boat and were offered a selection of warm and cold canapés, and an alcoholic beverage from a range of beer and wines.
The fantastic staff on board introduced us to Al the skipper, and directed us onto the sun deck to begin enjoying our evening cruse. After a short but funny safety briefing we were on our way. As we pulled out we waved to all the marina-side restaurants, and laughed amongst our new friends while we watched fish leaping out of the water in front of us.
Out on the ocean, it was a comfortable 15 knots, and great conditions for sailing. In fact we sailed the whole way out, before switching sails, and sailing back in; not a single motor to be heard. The entire trip, the only thing in the horizon was Low Isles in the distance. There was plenty of room on the sundeck to sit back away from the waves; or as a few people preferred, sit on the trampoline nets and freshen up in some cool sea water. As Sailaway is a high performance catamaran the boat was very stable and perfect for those guests that may fear they will suffer from seasickness.
The staff were fantastic the entire experience, laughing with us, all the while keeping our canapés and well priced beverages coming.
All in all, the cruise was a fantastic way to have some light hearted pre-dinner drinks with friends in a totally unique atmosphere. A great way to experience a romantic sunset out on the ocean with a partner, before making your way to one of the many restaurants in Port Douglas for dinner, which is exactly what my husband and I did.
By Bridget Hughes