Flying Fish has been training professional Yachtmasters for more than twenty years, with students joining us from a wide range of backgrounds, nationalities, and age groups.

Our Fast Track programme combines professional instruction, offshore adventure, and a clear pathway towards internationally recognised RYA qualifications.

You’ll benefit from expert tuition, a supportive learning environment, and an unforgettable Australian sailing experience.

Course programme

The programme combines a series of integrated training courses within a carefully structured and progressive schedule.

Training includes live-aboard passages, day sailing courses, shore-based theory, practical seamanship, and exam preparation.

Weekends are generally free, although students are encouraged to join our dinghy sailing and windsurfing sessions at no additional cost to further develop their sailing skills.

You may also have opportunities to:

• Sail as crew on Flying Fish weekend courses
• Practise alongside qualified instructors
• Join local yacht racing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club

Please refer to the FAQ section below for the detailed week-by-week training schedule.

An outstanding sailing location

Your training takes place at the Flying Fish Sail Academy based at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney — one of the world’s great sailing locations.

You’ll sail through Sydney Harbour past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before heading offshore along the spectacular New South Wales coastline.

Passage destinations may include:

• Jervis Bay — sheltered anchorages and pristine beaches
• Pittwater and Seal Rocks — superb coastal sailing and dramatic scenery
• Coffs Harbour — an excellent offshore passage-making destination

Conditions vary from warm summer sea breezes to powerful southerly changes, providing valuable real-world offshore experience.

Expect dolphins, whales, dramatic coastlines, and true offshore passagemaking adventure.

Training yachts and facilities

Our fleet includes a range of high-quality training yachts and support vessels, including:

• Beneteau 40.7 cruiser-racers — ideal for offshore and performance sailing training
• Beneteau First 40 — modern offshore cruiser-racers
• SV Arctos (Radford 55) — our flagship yacht designed for serious offshore sailing
• Laser Bahia and RS Zest dinghies — used for developing core sailing skills
• Highfield RIBs — used for support and powerboat training

Our waterfront classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club is equipped with modern teaching aids and provides a comfortable environment for shore-based learning.

Expert instructors

Training is delivered by experienced and highly qualified instructors known for Flying Fish’s professional, supportive, and hands-on teaching style.

You’ll receive regular coaching, feedback, and mentoring throughout the programme.

Accommodation and local area

If you’re travelling from outside Sydney, you’ll need accommodation for the duration of the course.

Flying Fish offers limited spaces in our shared crew apartments in Manly, located close to beaches, cafés, restaurants, and public transport.

Staying with fellow trainees is a great way to build friendships and enjoy the social side of the programme.

Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation nearby.

Please see the FAQ section below for further accommodation information.

• Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading, training resources, and certification. 
• Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided, and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
• Shared cabin accommodation and meals onboard on live-aboard passages 
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
• Fast-track customers can join our weekend dinghy and windsurf classes at no extra cost 
• RYA YM exam fees (approximately $465) are not included and are payable directly to the RYA on the exam day. 

Qualifications and experience

For a full list of the qualifications and experience acquired on the programme, see the FAQ section below.

The course is designed for newcomers to sailing and for anyone with previous experience who would like to recap basic skills in a superb sailing environment.

• If you leave the course as a qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Coastal, you will be ready to start work as a skipper.
• Yachtmaster Coastal is a great starting point, but operations are limited to 20 miles from port, so you will find you need to upgrade to Yachtmaster Offshore quite quickly.
• Check out Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track for an ab-initio pathway to the Yachtmaster Offshore / Master of Yachts 200 certification and the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore (NC)

• Booking information
  • To secure your place in the course, please pay a 10% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days before the course start date, at which point the remaining balance of the course fees will be due. Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable; however, it can be transferred to any other course or event offered by Flying Fish. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
• Course programme
  • Week 1 - RYA Competent Crew (5 days aboard)
  • Week 2 - RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / Dinghy Sailing Level 1/2 (2 days) / Marine First Aid (1 day) / ACMA Marine Radio Operator (1 day)
  • Week 3 - RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days aboard)
  • Week 4 - RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory (5 days shore-based)
  • Week 5 - Racing and Spinnakers (2 days) / Basic Yacht Maintenance (3 days shore-based)
  • Week 6 - RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory (6 days shore-based)
  • Week 7 - RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (5 days live-aboard)
  • Week 8 - Yachtmaster Practical Skills (5 days) / Safety and Sea Survival (2 days)
  • Week 9 - Yachtmaster Prep and Exam Week - (5 days live-aboard)
  • The above programme may be run in a different order, but the training units are correct
• Qualifications and experience
  • Approx 900 sea miles logged
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • TCP Marine First Aid
  • RYA Diesel Engine certificate
  • Basic Yacht Maintenance
  • RYA Dinghy Level 1 or 2
  • Intro Racing and Spinnaker handling course
  • ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Marine Radio Operator Licence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Coastal Skipper
  • AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival
  • RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence (Sail)
  • AMSA Sailing Master Coastal NC - subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
  • AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 - subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
• Where to stay ashore
  • Flying Fish crew apartments - stay with other Flying Fish customers on one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Our crew apartments in Manly are comfortably furnished for shared living and conveniently located, just a short bus ride or Uber ride away from our Middle Harbour Yacht Club training centre. These apartments offer a sociable and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for building friendships. Room share (twin): A$790 per week / single room: A$1190 per week. Book your accommodation package when you book your course. We only offer accommodation packages for the whole duration of the programme.
  • Book your stay at Backpackers in Manly, which offers basic accommodation for those on a budget, with rates starting at approximately A$60 per night for a 4-6 berth mixed dormitory. Popular hostels include Manly Backpackers, Boardrider Backpackers, and Stoke Beach House. But be sure to do your research and check the latest Google reviews
  • Book your room or apartment on Airbnb for flexibility and privacy, with various options available in Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, and Mosman. All are an easy bus ride to the Flying Fish training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club
  • Check out Flatmates.com.au, which has listings across the Northern Beaches and Mosman for shared living—an excellent choice for a cost-effective, community-focused stay.
  • It's also worth checking Facebook groups like Manly Living for additional rooms and recommendations on living in the area.
• Visas for international students
  • Apart from Australians and New Zealanders, everyone travelling to Australia must apply for a visa in advance. Don't apply for a student visa. These are only available for government-sanctioned higher education courses at universities and other tertiary establishments. Tourist visas or working holiday visas (for those seeking employment) are acceptable.
• What happens if I fail the Yachtmaster exams?
  • We do our best to make sure that you don't. However, if the worst comes to the worst, you'll leave with an action plan to complete. Typically, this involves revising any missing skills or knowledge and then retaking the exam.
  • Over 90% of our Yachtmaster candidates pass the first time.
• Can I customise the course or complete the programme over a longer period?
  • Yes, if you would like to complete a personalised course programme by omitting specific training units or spreading the course over a year or more, please contact us with your requirements.
• What are the work opportunities once I am qualified?
  • Find out more about job opportunities on yachts here