Page 46 - Demo

44 Y A C H T S F O R C H A R T E R CAPTAIN’S LOG
WWW.BURGESSYACHTS.COM
CAPTAIN NAME: JASON CHAMBERS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 17
YACHT: RAMBLE ON ROSE DESTINATION:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ffffffffFavourite cruising ground
It would have to be The Kimberley region along with Exmouth Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. In terms of diversity of landscape and marine life, it really left a lasting impression on me.
Favourite anchorage
Montgomery Reef. Due to the volume of water passing from the Indian Ocean through the Timor Sea to the Pacific, the tidal range is incredible. We once anchored off of the atoll and watched the reef rise out of the water. During the tidal changes, it is possible to see crocodiles sit on the bank collecting fish as they swim down the coral streams in search of deeper water.
Recommend a restaurant
Dining in the region is another extraordinary experience. Each day, head out on a tinny (a fishing boat used in the mangroves) to catch Mangrove
Red Snapper. One of the best fish I’ve tasted to date. (Although the local mud crabs also caught daily are delicious). There are no real bars or restaurants around so settle down with a barbeque and a beer from the ice cold esky (cool box) on the top deck of the yacht.
Any fun facts?
I once got chased out of the water by a three-metre tiger shark but I’d suggest diving with the friendlier grey nurse sharks and then float alongside turtles inside the reef while watching humpback whales breach off shore.
Best time to visit
Whale sharks are around from March to August and the humpback migration is from July to November, so the best time to visit is between July and August to see both. As for the north, the best time will be after the wet season when all the waterfalls are still running.
Top tips
Try and get on board a helicopter to explore the region from a birds eye view. Anchor in Ningaloo Reef to do the following in one day... Kite board, snorkel with humpback whales, float with turtles and spearfish
a Coral Trout for dinner. I have found that more and more, yacht owners are asking for remoteness and diversity. Australia, along with selected other destinations like The Philippines and Indonesia will become increasingly popular.