In an age of GPS and digital navigation, there is a growing appreciation for the skill of navigating by the sun, moon, and stars.

This advanced shorebased course teaches you how to plan and execute ocean passages using traditional celestial navigation — a defining skill for serious offshore sailors and Yachtmasters.

You’ll learn how to use a sextant to determine your position at sea, building the confidence to navigate independently of electronic systems, while developing the wider knowledge required for safe and effective ocean passage planning.

The course also covers ocean meteorology, global weather systems including tropical revolving storms, ocean currents, and passage preparation.

Course content

• Understanding the Earth and the celestial sphere
• The PZX triangle and celestial navigation principles
• Practical use of a sextant
• Time measurement and its role in navigation
• Meridian altitude calculations
• Using the Nautical Almanac and sight reduction tables
• Plotting position lines and fixing your position
• Sight planning and execution
• Sun, star, and planetary sights
• Sight reduction and chart plotting
• Ocean meteorology and weather systems
• Ocean currents and their impact on passage planning
• Ocean passage planning and preparation
• Satellite and HF communications, and obtaining weather data

Course details

This programme includes approximately 40 hours of instruction delivered over 6 days, plus exam time.

The course is primarily classroom-based, with practical sessions arranged nearby to practise taking sights and applying techniques in a real-world setting.

Location and instruction

The course is delivered in our well-equipped waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Sydney, by an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Ocean instructor.

By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently take celestial sights, reduce them, and plot your position using traditional navigation methods.

You will also be well prepared to plan and undertake an ocean passage.

• 40 hours of expert instruction delivered over 6 days
• All course publications, materials, and exam preparation
• Use of plotting sheets, dividers, sextants, and compasses during training

Qualifications 

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Course certificate upon successful completion of examinations 

This qualification forms a key part of the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence.

• You have passed the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Theory course or have the equivalent knowledge of navigation and seamanship.

• If you want to complete the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, you must complete your Yachtmaster Offshore COC and a qualifying ocean passage. Then, you will be ready to submit your celestial sights to the RYA for an oral examination.
• On passing your Yachtmaster Ocean oral examination, you will have been deemed competent to skipper a yacht up to 24 m in length on passages unrestricted by distance anywhere in the world. 
• For a complete training package, including Yachtmaster Ocean theory and a qualifying passage, see Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and Passage.

• Booking information
  • To secure your place on the Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased course, please pay a 20% holding deposit using the links above. The balance is due 60 days before the course start date.
  • The deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event.
  • Places are limited and courses often fill well in advance, so early booking is recommended.
• Who is this course suitable for?
  • This course is designed for experienced sailors, Yachtmasters, offshore skippers, and anyone planning long-distance ocean passages.
  • It is ideal for sailors preparing for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence.
  • You should already be comfortable with basic navigation, chartwork, tides, and pilotage before attending.
• What will I learn on the course?
  • The course focuses on traditional celestial navigation and ocean passage planning.
  • You’ll learn sextant use, altitude corrections, time calculations, plotting, sight reductions, and position fixing using the sun, moon, planets, and stars.
  • The syllabus also includes ocean meteorology, pilot charts, ocean currents, great circle navigation, compass checking, and passage planning for offshore voyages.
• Do I need my own sextant or navigation equipment?
  • No. Flying Fish provides sextants, plotting equipment, nautical tables, and all required course materials during the programme.
  • Please bring a pen, pencil, eraser, paper, and a basic calculator.
• Is there a practical component?
  • Yes. The course includes practical sextant exercises and a sunrise sight-taking session at Manly Beach.
  • This practical session gives you hands-on experience taking and recording celestial sights in real conditions.
• Is there any pre-course learning?
  • We recommend some optional pre-course viewing on celestial navigation to help familiarise yourself with the terminology and concepts before the course begins.
  • Links to recommended YouTube playlists will be included in your joining instructions.
  • The RYA course itself is fully self-contained, so no formal pre-study is required.
• Do I need to be good at maths?
  • No. The course uses practical maths related to navigation, angles, time, and plotting.
  • Your instructor will guide you through the processes step by step using worked examples and exercises.
• Is there an exam?
  • Yes. The course concludes with the official RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory exam.
  • Your instructor will prepare you throughout the week with exercises, guided practice, and revision sessions.