Rendezvous with adventure: Pittwater to Dunk

SAILING from Pittwater in Sydney to Dunk Island in far northern Queensland through the Great Barrier Reef sounds like a perfect adventure. But then a reality check is required: this is a serious cruise; more than two Sydney to Hobarts in distance and certainly much more than a weekend cruise 'up the creek' or a long weekend to Sydney Harbour.

For those who have a lifelong dream to undertake a long distance cruise but with limited long distance cruising experience, a rendezvous cruise is a good choice. For some adventurous folks setting off on their own into the unknown is something they are comfortable with, but as the skipper you have to remember you are responsible for all persons on board.

The alternative to cruising alone is cruising in company where a number of boats cruise together. This has its own challenges: different boats are suited to different conditions, some people prefer shorter day sails while others prefer a longer sail followed