Start Yachting is a small group, day sailing course for beginners. It serves as the first step on the ladder of the world-renowned Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training scheme and comprises the initial two days of the RYA Competent Crew certification.

Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while you learn the ropes, sailing around magnificent Sydney Harbour.

What you'll learn 

• Knowledge of sea terms, parts of the yacht, etc
• The use of winches and clutches
• Ropework
• The points of sailing
• Upwind and tacking 
• The five essentials of sailing
• Downwind and gybing
• Steering under power and sail
• Sail handling
• Crew roles in berthing and unberthing
• Safety systems on board.

Professional instruction, fabulous yachts

You will learn in a small group (maximum of 5) in comfort and style aboard one of the Flying Fish Beneteau 40-foot sailing yachts.

Our qualified and experienced instructor will guide you and your fellow crew members through the course in a friendly and relaxed manner.

Beautiful sailing conditions 

Flying Fish Sailing is situated in a stunning location at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney. Our boats are moored in a modern walk-on/walk-off marina, providing easy access for our customers.

You will learn to sail in beautiful Sydney Harbour, where the wind is typically warm and consistent.  

Private course - great value 

Gather your own group of up to five people and pay for four spots. This is an excellent activity to enjoy with family or friends, and children are also welcome. Please make an enquiry using the private course enquiry button at the top of the page.

Book ahead to save money.

To achieve the RYA Competent Crew certificate, you will need to complete two Competent Crew Weekends after this course. 

Alternatively, if you are ready for more adventure, why not do the whole thing in five days?  Competent Crew - 5 days.

If you book three or more courses on a single order with Flying Fish, you will receive a 10% discount on the order total.

You can schedule your dates at any time, subject to availability.

• Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading.
• Life-jackets and safety harnesses are provided and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
• Please bring your own lunch and snacks.

Qualifications and experience

• RYA Start Yachting certificate.

• No experience is needed. This course is designed for newcomers to sailing.
• We will provide you with some basic pre-course reading when you book the course.

• Complete two Competent Crew Weekends for the RYA Competent Crew Certificate 
• Then go on to Day Skipper Theory and Practical and you will be ready to skipper your own boat.

• Michael Green 
• Private Start Yachting Weekend
• 
• "Our instructor for the Start Yachting Course last weekend was wonderful. The whole family had an amazing time!"
• Alison Thursby
• Start Yachting Weeekend
• 
• “ Our instructor, Chris was fantastic. I now understand the basics of sailing and have recommended the course to many others. I look forward to doing a competent crew course soon ”
• Jessie Williams
• Start Yachting Weekend 
• 
• “Matt is a deadset legend. He took a group of 5 adults who knew absolutely nothing about sailing to a place where we all felt proud and exhilarated! He was calm, funny, specific, and clear. He tracked us as individuals, offering reminders and tips on the things we got wrong (without telling us that we got it wrong)”

• Booking information
• To secure your place in the course, please pay a 20% 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 essential skills and knowledge required to learn sailing?
• Learning to sail involves acquiring a combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Some essential skills include understanding wind direction and how to set the boat up to harness it effectively, steering a sailboat, handling ropes, tying various knots, using winches and clutches and manoeuvring under power and sail in different conditions.
• Theoretical knowledge encompasses understanding navigation, reading charts, learning about basic meteorology, and grasping the rules of the waterways.
• How long does it take to learn to sail?
• The time it takes to learn to sail and become proficient depends on several factors, including the individual’s aptitude, the frequency of sailing lessons or practice, and the complexity of the sailing environment. With consistent practice and good instruction, it is possible to gain basic sailing skills within a few days.
• The RYA training scheme offers an established and efficient training pathway from novice sailor through to the dizzy heights of a qualified Yachtmaster. From there, you can go on to professional certification and a commercial yacht captain’s licence.
• Many past Flying Fish Yachtmaster course graduates are now working as captains of large superyachts.
• How fit do I need to be, and what happens if I get seasick?
• Sailing is a physical activity that requires reasonable mobility and some strength when handling sails/winches, etc. That said, our sailing courses are very inclusive, and we welcome participants of all ages and abilities. If you are concerned about your suitability, please contact us for advice.
• Seasickness is rarely an issue on our introductory sailing courses, as you will usually be sailing on the sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour. However, we do also venture offshore, and it’s still possible to experience some degree of seasickness. If you are concerned about this issue, please visit your pharmacy and pick up some seasickness medication prior to arrival. It is recommended to take any precautionary measures 24 hours prior.
• What if the weather is bad?
• Sailing is an all-weather sport. We like to say there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
• We very rarely cancel a course due to bad weather. 
• What type of yacht will I learn on?
• At Flying Fish, our basic training boats are Beneteau First 40.7s. These yachts provide an excellent balance between comfort and performance and are great for learning. 
• The layout of the 40.7 is very practical, with two double rear cabins, a forward cabin, a comfortable saloon, and an enclosed toilet and shower unit. 
• The yacht sleeps six in comfort or eight using the saloon bunks. They are fully equipped for living on board.
• Can I book a private sailing course for a group or family?
• Yes! we regularly welcome private groups of friends or family on bespoke courses.
• A private RYA course is a great learning adventure to experience with your friends or family. What’s more, you can save money as you pay for four places on the course and can bring a maximum of five.
• The minimum age is 12. If you like the sound of this, please get in touch and let us help you plan your adventure.
• What should I bring with me? 
  • Quick-dry clothing (shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeved tops).
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket.
  • Non-slip shoes.
  • Hat, high-factor sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • Thermal base layer and fleece for colder months.
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (loan sets available).
  • Life jackets are provided on board by Flying Fish.
  • A sense of adventure and a team spirit!