Sail Melbourne Charters

Sail Melbourne Charters is run by Dean and Pam, who offer private skippered sailing on Port Phillip from Marina YE at Docklands. Packages range from two-hour sails down the lower Yarra and across Hobsons Bay to three-hour trips to St Kilda, plus a day sail to the Royal Brighton Yacht Club with lunch at the club.

The boat is Solitaire, an ocean-rated Catalina 320 Mk II with a galley and sleeping for four. Beyond day charters there's a 3.5-hour introductory learn-to-sail session with a certificate, a sail-and-sleepover package, New Year's Eve fireworks charters and proposal sails, with pick-ups possible at Docklands, the Yarra, Williamstown or Port Melbourne.

Charters take up to nine guests, so they suit couples, families and small groups wanting a private outing rather than a shared cruise. Bookings are made by phone or email and paid by invoice, and if weather stops a charter you can reschedule or take a full refund.