Join our Professional Yachtmaster and Cruising Instructor Internship and combine advanced sail training with hands-on experience working within the Flying Fish watersports team.

The programme provides a structured pathway to the commercially endorsed RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence, RYA Cruising Instructor qualification, and AMSA Sailing Master Offshore Certificate.

Along the way, you'll gain valuable industry experience, professional mentoring, and extensive offshore sailing miles in one of the world's great sailing environments.

Programme overview

Duration: The internship runs full-time from mid-September to the end of May each year, with a three-month winter break during June, July, and August.

Year 1 — Training and development

• Combination of watersports instruction and Yachtmaster training
• Live-aboard passages, day sailing courses, and shore-based theory
• Opportunities to assist experienced yacht instructors and gain practical teaching experience

Year 2 — Professional instructor pathway

• Work as a qualified Yachtmaster and Cruising Instructor
• Continue watersports instruction and advanced sailing development
• Increasing responsibility as experience and qualifications grow

By the end of the programme, you'll hold RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, RYA Cruising Instructor, AMSA Sailing Master Offshore, and additional industry qualifications.

Sailing area

Training is based at Flying Fish Sail Academy at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney.

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, Pittwater, Seal Rocks, Coffs Harbour, Lord Howe Island, and the Whitsunday Islands.

Expect varied conditions, offshore challenges, spectacular scenery, and regular encounters with dolphins, whales, and flying fish.

Training fleet and instructors

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

The programme also includes training in Laser Bahia and RS Zest dinghies, supported by Highfield RIBs and our fully equipped waterfront classroom.

Throughout the internship, you'll be coached and mentored by experienced instructors known for Flying Fish's friendly, professional, and highly practical teaching style.

• 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.

Internship allowances and fees:

• You'll receive a full-time living wage of $3000 / month for 9 months in year one, increasing to $4000 / month in year two.
• Over the course of the two year internship, you will receive training valued to a total of approximately $25000 as required up to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Cruising Instructor at no extra cost. 

• The internship is designed for experienced sailing and watersports instructors seeking a career in the professional yachting industry.
• You must be qualified and actively experienced in teaching both dinghy sailing and powerboating under the RYA or Australian Sailing scheme. An RYA Dinghy Senior Instructor qualification is highly desirable.
• The ability to teach windsurfing is advantageous but not essential.
• Places are highly competitive and limited to a maximum of three candidates each year.
• Applicants intending to progress to Yachtmaster and commercial certification must meet the required medical standards, including full colour vision.
• The programme is generally best suited to applicants aged 18–30 who are seeking a long-term career in the sailing, watersports, or superyacht industries.

• If you leave the programme as a qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore and experienced RYA Cruising Instructor, you will be ready to apply for a range of jobs in the yachting industry.
• As a Yachtmaster Offshore, you are approved by the MCA to take charge of a sailing vessel of up to 200 gross tonnes on passages up to 150 miles from a safe haven. 

• Course programme
  • Year 1 – Combination of paid work as a Watersports Instructor (dinghy sailing, powerboating, and windsurfing) and training towards the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore and RYA Cruising Instructor qualifications.
  • Year 2 – Combination of work as a Yacht Cruising Instructor and Watersports Instructor, together with further professional development and advanced sailing experience.
  • The programme is flexible and structured around the operational needs of Flying Fish and seasonal demand.
  • Based on a pro-rata five-day working week, including some weekends and public holidays.
  • Typically includes 6–7 months of work and 2–3 months of training during Year 1, and 7–8 months of work and 1–2 months of training during Year 2.
  • There is a three-month winter break during June, July, and August following Year 1.

• Qualifications and experience gained
  • Approximately 5,000 logged sea miles
  • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • RYA Coastal Skipper Practical
  • RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail)
  • AMSA Sailing Master Offshore Certificate
  • RYA Cruising Instructor
  • RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)
  • AS/World Sailing Offshore Safety & Sea Survival
  • Marine First Aid
  • RYA Diesel Engine Course
  • Essential Marine Electrics
  • Essential Yacht Maintenance
  • ACMA VHF/HF Marine Radio Operator Qualification
  • Introduction to Yacht Racing and Spinnaker Handling
  • Approximately six months' experience working as a Yacht Cruising Instructor
  • Practical experience supporting the maintenance, servicing, and operation of a professional training yacht fleet

• Where to stay ashore
  • If you do not live locally, you will need accommodation for the duration of the programme. Many students and staff choose to live in Manly, just a short bus ride from our base at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
• Visas for international students
  • Most international applicants will require a visa before travelling to Australia. UK citizens will typically find the Working Holiday Visa the most suitable option, allowing both work and travel in Australia. Please seek independent immigration advice before applying.
• What happens if I fail the Yachtmaster exam?
  • We work hard to maximise your chances of success and maintain an excellent first-time pass rate.
  • If you do not pass, your instructor will provide a clear action plan and guidance on preparing for a resit.
• What career opportunities are available after graduation?
  • Graduates commonly progress into roles as Yachtmasters, Cruising Instructors, watersports instructors, delivery crew, charter skippers, and superyacht crew.
  • Learn more about careers in professional sailing and yachting here.