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

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

Course content 

• 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 un-berthing
• Safety systems on board.

Professional instruction, fabulous yachts

You will learn in a small group (max 5) in comfort and style on board 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 Sail Academy is based in a spectacular location at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney. Our boats are moored in a modern walk-on/walk-off marina making access easy for our customers. 

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

Private course - great value 

Arrange your own group of up to 5 people, and pay for 4 places. 

This is a great thing to do with family or friends. Kids are welcome too.

Enquire 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 following this course. 

Or if you are ready for a bit more adventure why not do the whole thing in five days - Competent Crew - 5 days.

If you book 3 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)”