This archipelago of 74 islands enclosed inside the Great barrier reef is a paradise for lovers of navigation in general and sailing in particular: constant winds and the splendid natural setting each year attract thousands of tourists and fans. The simpliest route to admire this paradise is to join an organized tour among the hundreds present offerings... and it is exactly what we did. For two days we lived on board the Broomswick, a competitor sail retired witch now offers to us the chance to discover the beauty of Witsunday.

Our tour started farst since almost we lost the boat because of our `perfect` understanding of English (the story is long and maybe one day I will tell it). At the wharf just in time, we climbed on board and left with the wind behind (I'm not sure but I heard often to say that on these occasions). After meeting crew and the other guests on board, we hoisted the sail, off the engines and in a few hours we came to the shores of Hook Island, near Caves cove where we dive in water to make a bit of snorkelling. The poor visibility and clouds covering the sun prevented us to enjoy the full beauty of corals. Again on board, while a hot tea trying to take away the chills, we moved southeast reaching the Hook passage where we stayed that evening. The sky that night was blazed by the light of billions of stars, as I had ever seen in my life: the Milky way was clearly visible and seemed a confused haze to cut through the sky, clear elsewhere. After awakening at dawn, we were directed to one of the most famous and photographed beaches of Australia: Withehaven beach. A ten minute walk leads to a vantage point where you can admire this beach of rare beauty that extends to our feet. After going down the beach, crystalline water magnetically attracted me and I could not resist the temptation of a swimm, despite the cold: another magic moment that i'll never forget! Back on Broomswick, we have not time to board that a green turtle has visited us. In the afternoon we reached Border island where we dive for a second snorkelling session: in this case the water was much more calm and the place more appropriate and we have passed a wonderful icy hour swimming among the wonders of the coral reef: a spectacular undescribable mix of colors and life. A night spent under a starry sky, at Stonehaven again around Hook island, has began with a typical Australian bbq based on  steaks (in the middle of the ocean!) seasoned with a glass of red wine offered from our travelling companions (we have not had time to buy it). The following morning has been devoted exclusively to sail and I have remained almost all the time to contemplate the landscape, sitting in the bow with Broomswick finally inclined to duty, to demonstrate its noble origins and to blow the wind on our happy faces. A worthy conclusion to a cruise that has left us completely satisfied and fell in love with this place.