Cruise the Whitsundays with the Coral Sea Academy this winter

Cruising the Whitsundays © Coral Sea Marina Resort

Coral Sea Academy © Coral Sea Marina Resort

As the spectacular Whitsundays winter months are on the horizon, the much-anticipated welcome of our winter whales is not the only migration we are looking forward to this year. As many cruising yachts are making their way up the Queensland coast to enjoy a winter cruising season in the tropical north, award-winning Coral Sea Marina Resort has been focused on creating an engaging calendar of events designed to inspire and educate both the influx of visiting boaties, as well as our local community and visitors to our region.

Through the Coral Sea Academy, the EduTourism pillar of Coral Sea Marina Resort, guests can expect to be immersed in themes that are meaningful to the Whitsundays as well as inspired to learn more about the marine environment, sustainability, better boating practices and the Great Barrier Reef.

The focus of the next upcoming Coral Sea Academy event is the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural diversity on offer throughout the Whitsunday Islands,

"Cruising the Whitsundays" will take place on Saturday 20th May, from 10am, at Coral Sea Marina's The Lookout Lounge.

Guest speakers include Master Reef Guide Crystal Lacey, on behalf of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Fiona Broadbent from Queensland Parks and Wildlife, the Whitsunday's own local sailing guru, Sharon Smallwood, to share her hidden Whitsundays gems, and Olivia Brodhurst on behalf of the Whitsundays Whale Heritage Committee.

With topics including a history of the islands, whale migration, the Eye on the Reef, newly opened island trails, top spots to visit and local sailing tips, this event is suitable for boat owners who are visiting the region for the first time, those returning to enjoy a winter in paradise, and for those who simply have not had the opportunity to get out and explore the islands and reef in quite some time.

This is a fantastic opportunity for all our locals and visitors", explains Crystal Lacey, Director of Little Fish Tourism Development Consultancy.

"This event provides everyone with important and unique information about the stunning natural beauty and cultural history of our World Heritage Islands and reef. These engaging presentations designed to connect people more with the region, in our experience, result in more wholesome and rewarding adventures out on the water."

"Even as locals, there is always something fresh to learn about this amazing place in which we live, so I would encourage the community to come and join in this free event - you might learn something new."

All are welcome to attend this free event featuring presentations from guest speakers who will be shining a light on what to expect when out on the water this season.

This event is only the start of a varied and diverse calendar of events put together for the rest of 2023. Locals and visitors can also expect to enjoy the return of the "Better Boating" series of free maritime training events which, thanks to partners Mainstay Sailing and Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays, provide the perfect opportunity for you to brush up on your boating skills or learn something new in a relaxed and informal environment.

In addition, the Coral Sea Academy will host monthly Art Classes, multiple Women in Boating networking and training opportunities, as well as environmental information workshops on the Great Barrier Reef and conservation volunteer opportunities.

Joscelyn O'Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina explains "As a business we are always looking for ways to add value to our guest experience as well as educate visitors about the incredible marine environment on our doorstep. Every year thousands of yachties visit our region and we hope the Coral Sea Academy provides a platform for learning for these visitors and also encourages more sustainable boating practices."

All events have been designed to consciously connect people with the very best of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

For more information on the Coral Sea Academy, visit www.coralseaacademy.com.