THE 15th edition of the Whitsundays’ boating bible ‘100 Magic Miles’ has just been published, forty years after its first edition, in 1985.
The bestselling book, written by David Colfelt with illustrations by Carolyn Colfelt, is indispensable for anyone exploring the islands by boat.
There are copies on every yacht in the area’s charter fleet and it is beloved by local boaties too.
“This incredible book is a staple on board every boat that sails these waters,” local sailor and photojournalist Sharon Smallwood said.
Sharon’s photograph of Billbob Bay, at Shaw Island, appears on the front cover of the 15th edition.
“We’ve been using it for over 20 years and, with all the improvements and updates in each edition, it just keeps on getting better,” she said.
Anthony Colfelt, David and Carolyn’s son, has been at the helm of research and production operations for the book for the past five years, together with his wife and first mate Emma.
“I’ve been sailing around the Whitsundays with Mum and Dad since I was little. I couldn’t have had better guides,” Anthony said.
“I was fifteen when I started working on the book, helping to digitise Mum’s hand-drawn maps of the islands.
“Emma and I have been involved in the research for each new edition for the last fifteen years or so and, whilst Dad is still on hand to give us advice, I think he’s also happy to have passed on the task of keeping those 256 pages up-to-date to us!”
David said it was ‘wonderful to see the book in the hands of the next generation’.
“Writing and illustrating it was such a labour of love and we couldn’t be happier to see it continue to be an essential companion for those out on the water,” he said.
The 15th edition has the very latest information on the public moorings available throughout the islands, as well as marina facilities.
In particular, the chapter on the resorts has been completely rewritten to make it easier to see which resorts can be visited for the day, as well as overnight stays, and to provide more detail about each one.
“Both Hayman and Daydream Islands are open to day visitors again, so those on boating holidays can book ahead to spend a day ashore there, as they already can on Hamilton and at Palm Bay Resort on Long Island,” Anthony said.
“After a long period of closures and deteriorating infrastructure through the 2010s, we are seeing the new owners of Hook, Lindeman and Long Islands keen to breathe new life into some old favourites.
“With Hook Island’s new eco-resort slated to open in 2027, it’s an exciting time.”
Copies of the book can be ordered from https://100magicmiles.com/ with free shipping for customers in Australia.
