Flying Fish has been training professional Yachtmasters for more than 20 years, with students joining us from around the world.

This Fast Track programme combines expert instruction, structured training, and real offshore sailing experience, providing a proven pathway to internationally recognised RYA qualifications.

Course schedule

The programme combines live-aboard passages, day sailing courses, shore-based theory, and practical seamanship training within a carefully structured schedule.

Weekends are generally free, although students are welcome to join complimentary dinghy sailing and windsurfing sessions, crew on Flying Fish courses, or participate in local yacht racing.

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

A world-class sailing location

Training is based at Flying Fish Sail Academy at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney — one of the world's premier sailing destinations.

You'll sail Sydney Harbour, pass the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and venture offshore along the spectacular New South Wales coastline.

Passages may include:

• Jervis Bay — pristine beaches and sheltered anchorages
• Pittwater and Seal Rocks — stunning coastal scenery
• Coffs Harbour — excellent offshore passage-making experience

Expect varied conditions, spectacular seascapes, and regular sightings of dolphins, whales, and flying fish.

Training yachts and instructors

Training is delivered aboard a fleet of proven offshore yachts including Beneteau 40.7s, Beneteau First 40s, and our flagship offshore training yacht, SV Arctos.

We also use Laser Bahia and RS Zest dinghies, supported by Highfield RIBs and our fully equipped waterfront classroom.

Our experienced instructors are known for Flying Fish's friendly, professional, and highly practical teaching style.

Accommodation

If you're travelling from outside Sydney, accommodation is available in our shared crew apartments in Manly, close to beaches, cafés, and public transport.

Alternatively, you're welcome to arrange your own accommodation. Please see the FAQ section below for details.

• 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 free of charge
• 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

• You are confident acting as skipper in sheltered waters by day.
• You have logged at least 300 miles at sea, living onboard for a minimum of ten days.
• If you are more experienced, contact Flying Fish and let us help you plan a bespoke programme to suit you. 
• If you have less experience, please see our Yachtmaster Offshore Fast-track course. 
• All seafarers applying for certification as Commercial Yachtmasters, Deck Officers, or AMSA Sailing Masters must be medically fit and possess full-colour vision.

• If you leave the Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track as a qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster you will be ready to start work as a skipper.
• If you want to work as an instructor at an RYA school you will need to complete a Yacht Cruising Instructor course.
• To qualify for your Yachtmaster Ocean / Master of Yachts 200 gt (unlimited) certification see here.

• Liam Wilson - Croatia
• Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track
• 
• “ Big thanks to Russ, Andy, and the team for helping me with my Yachtmaster! Jim was a fantastic coach, and I have to say I love how all the staff are so welcoming and knowledgeable. It's a really positive and supportive environment down there. I worked with Charis and Cash in Croatia last year and was more than happy to recommend Flying Fish to them—they also had a fantastic experience with you!
• Li Peihong - China
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
• 
• “ Flying Fish is the best choice to learn and enjoy sailing. Authentic British style management, a friendly coaching team, a loving student atmosphere, a tailored teaching program, and a glimpse of the southern hemisphere's deep blue charm. ”
• Daniel Eatough - UK/Australia
• Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track
• 
• “I wanted to say a massive thank you because just two years ago, I did my first yachting course with you guys in Sydney and completed my Day skipper. Later that year, I completed my Yachtmaster and loved it. 
  Last week, I successfully completed my RYA Cruising Instructor course in Gibraltar”

• Course programme 
• Week 1 -  Racing and Spinnakers (2 days) / Basic Yacht Maintenance (3 days)
• Week 2 -  RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory (6 days)
• Week 3 - RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (5 days live-aboard)
• Week 4 - Yachtmaster Practical Skills (5 days) / Safety and Sea Survival (2 days)
• Week 5,6,7 - Yachtmaster Milebuilder and Qualifying Passages (16 days live-aboard) / PPR 
• Week 8 - RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / Marine Radio Operator (1 day) / Marine First Aid (1 day)/ PPR (Self-paced online)
• 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 2,200 sea miles logged
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • TCP Marine First Aid (Workplace Approved)
  • RYA Diesel Engine certificate
  • Basic Yacht Maintenance 
  • RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages/watchkeeper experience 
  • Intro Racing and Spinnaker handling course
  • ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Marine Radio Operator Licence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Coastal Skipper
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence (Sail) - subject to meeting medical requirements
  • AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival
  • RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)
  • AMSA Sailing Master Offshore NC - subject to meeting medical 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 only a short bus ride or Uber ride to our Middle Harbour Yacht Club training centre. These apartments offer a sociable, relaxed atmosphere ideal for building friendships. Room share (twin): A$890 per week / single room: A$1290 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 own Backpackers in Manly – basic accommodation for those on a budget (approx. A$60/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 pass, 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 either by omitting specific training units or by spreading the course out over a year or more, please contact us with your requirements.

• 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 prior to the course start date, at which point the remaining balance of the course fees will be required. 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. 

• What are the work opportunities once I am qualified?
• Find out more about job opportunities on yachts here