This advanced practical course is designed for experienced sailors at or above RYA Day Skipper level preparing for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore practical examination.

Through intensive hands-on training and expert coaching, you’ll refine your boat handling, seamanship, navigation, and decision-making while building the confidence and competence expected of a Yachtmaster.

Working under the guidance of an experienced RYA Instructor, you’ll rotate through skipper and crew roles in realistic passage-making, pilotage, and practical skippering scenarios.

 Course programme

Training normally runs daily from 10:00am–5:00pm with one evening or night exercise during the week.

The programme is practical covering advanced boat handling, offshore sailing, pilotage, navigation exercises, emergency procedures, and yacht systems training.

See the FAQ section below for the detailed day-by-day training programme.

To get the most from this course, we strongly recommend combining it with our Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory course, which covers the navigation, meteorology, and collision regulations required for the Yachtmaster exam.

Location and sailing conditions

Training takes place in Sydney Harbour and offshore along the adjacent coast, providing an excellent mix of pilotage challenges, busy waterways, and realistic offshore conditions.

The yacht and your instructor

You’ll train aboard one of our RYA-inspected Beneteau 40.7 cruiser-racer yachts under the guidance of an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.

• Approx 150 miles logged 
• Expert tuition from an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor
• Training logbook guidance and pre-course reading materials
• Lifejackets and safety harnesses provided
• Wet weather clothing available to borrow if required
• All yachts are equipped with enclosed bathroom facilities
• Tea, coffee, and drinking water provided on board
• Please bring your own lunch and snacks each day

• This course is designed for experienced sailors preparing for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Prep and Exam course.
• You should hold the RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate or have equivalent sailing experience.
• You should already be comfortable with basic skippering, boat handling, sail trim, deck work, and navigation.
• The course is ideal if you want plenty of hands-on practice with Yachtmaster-level skills, drills, manoeuvres, pilotage, emergency procedures, and practical decision-making.
• You should be a competent navigator and have ideally completed the Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory course or have equivalent knowledge.

• Subject to your seatime and theory knowledge, you may be ready to progress to our Yachtmaster Prep and Exam week.
• Please review the Yachtmaster Prep and Exam course page, then check the FAQ section at the bottom of that page for the precise requirements for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore examinations.

• Booking information
  • To secure your place, please pay a 20% holding deposit using the links above. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the course start date.
  • Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event.
  • Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• What skills and experience do I need?
  • This course is designed for sailors with practical experience, ideally at RYA Coastal Skipper level or equivalent.
  • You should be comfortable steering, trimming sails, handling lines and winches, and navigating by day and night.
  • It is excellent preparation for Yachtmaster Prep and Exam week.
• Course programme
  • The programme is practical, intensive, and adapted to weather conditions. Training typically runs from 10:00am–5:00pm daily, with one evening or night exercise.
  • Day 1 — Power and sail handling, mooring drills, short-handed docking, and sailing on and off mooring buoys.
  • Day 2 — Heavy weather techniques, emergency steering, anchoring under sail, man-overboard recovery, and night pilotage.
  • Day 3 — Offshore sailing, reefing, drogue work, position fixing, offshore MOB recovery, and search patterns.
  • Day 4 — Blind navigation and pilotage exercises, plus yacht systems checks including engine, sounder, log, and seacocks.
  • Day 5 — Docking under sail, towing drills, abandon ship procedures, and individual debriefs.
  • The exact programme may vary depending on weather and training priorities.
• What type of yacht will I train on?
  • Training takes place aboard a Beneteau 40.7 — a fast, responsive cruiser-racer ideal for advanced sail training.
  • The yacht is RYA-inspected and fully equipped with modern navigation and safety equipment.
  • You will rotate through roles on board and receive coaching from an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.
• How fit do I need to be?
  • You need reasonable fitness and mobility to move around the yacht and work on deck.
  • A positive attitude and willingness to get involved are more important than strength.
  • If you are unsure, please contact us for advice.
• What happens if the weather is bad?
  • Training takes place in a wide range of conditions because learning to manage the yacht in real conditions is part of the course.
  • If safety requires it, the programme or destinations may be adjusted.
• Can I book as a private group?
  • Yes. Private group bookings are available aboard our Beneteau 40.7.
  • Ideal for friends, sailing teams, and Yachtmaster preparation groups.
  • Contact us to arrange a customised programme.
• What should I bring?
  • Comfortable sailing clothing and layers
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers. Loan gear is available if required.
  • Non-slip sailing shoes or trainers
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottle
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Lifejackets are provided by Flying Fish