The Flying Fish programme commences with two days of race training amidst the stunning Whitsunday Islands. This provides the crew with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the boat, settle into their roles, and forge a cohesive team before the regatta begins.

During the training days, participants learn about race crew roles, spinnaker packing, hoisting, trimming, gybing, dropping, and broach recovery.

We always strive to perform well, but our foremost priority is ensuring that everyone on board feels safe and involved, learns something valuable, and enjoys being part of the crew. 

Campaign schedule 

Hamilton Island Race Week is a day sailing regatta. We generally depart the marina by around 10 am and are back ashore by 5 pm.  

• Thursday - Arrivals 
• Friday - FF crew training/registration
• Saturday - FF crew training
• Sunday - Short Around-the-Islands race
• Monday - Short Around-the-Islands race
• Tuesday - Short Around-the-Islands race
• Wednesday - Lay day - Shoreside activities
• Thursday - Short Around-the-Islands race
• Friday - Short Around-the-Islands race
• Saturday - Short Around-the-Islands race

Location & sailing conditions

🌴 Sailing in the Whitsundays is simply spectacular at this time of year!
🌊 Fresh trade winds, crystal-clear tropical waters, and pristine white sandy beaches create the perfect setting.
🐬 Wildlife Encounters – Spot dolphins, whales, dugongs, and, of course, Flying Fish! 🐋✨

Expert coaching & team racing experience

👨‍✈️ Led by two experienced instructors – Our friendly, highly qualified instructors will guide you aboard our race-tuned Beneteau First 40, Flying Cloud.

📋 Daily crew briefings – Each morning, we’ll review the race course and strategy, ensuring the team is prepared to do its best.

🍻 Post-race debrief & celebration – After an exciting day on the water, unwind with the Flying Fish crew over a well-earned cold drink.

Apres sail activities

Hamilton Island provides a range of after-sail options, from fine dining and casual eateries to cocktail parties and live music. There’s something for everyone to enjoy after a day on the water.

Training, racing, lifejackets, race crew shirt.

Accommodation 

• Our price does not include accommodation on board the yacht. 
• You can book a private cabin on board as an optional extra for $1595 for 10 nights. 
• If you prefer more comfort, we recommend you make arrangements to stay in one of the many fantastic resorts on the island.

• As a minimum, we recommend you have completed a Competent Crew certificate or have equivalent experience.
• If you haven't done much racing before you should join us for Introduction to Spinnakers and Racing to learn a few tricks of the trade. 

• Your new found spinnaker handling skills and knowledge of race techniques will help you get race crew positions both inshore and offshore.
• With a little offshore experience, you will be ready to join Flying Fish for the Sydney to Hobart Race.

• Ian Horrocks - Brisbane
• Hamo Race week - 2018 & 2019
• 
• Once again your organisation has provided a sensational experience for race week. The sailing this year provided excellent opportunities to learn and enjoy some close-quarters racing in quite challenging conditions. 
• Phil Thuaux - Australia 
• Hamo Race week - 2018
• 
• “ Just wanted to say a big ‘Thank You’  to you all for putting on a great week of sailing at Hamilton Island last month. I was really pleased with the way Flying Fish had the week organized, and how it was managed day-to-day. Your relaxed approach both on and off the water was fantastic and catered well for a broad mix of experiences amongst the participants on the boat. ”
• Lyndsay Barnes - UK
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
• 
• “ Joining the Flying Fish Yachtmaster programme was one of the best decisions I ever made, My new office is floating on Sydney Harbour. If you’re considering doing the course, sign up now and don’t give it a second thought. But be warned, it could change your life ”

• Where to stay ashore
• Book your own accommodation on Hamilton Island. We recommend booking with Whitsunday Apartments directly. Or look at the Hamilton Island Race Week  website for more options
• We do offer limited accommodation on board for an extra fee.  
• 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.