The Flying Fish programme begins with two days of race training in the spectacular Whitsunday Islands.

These training days allow the crew to become familiar with the yacht, settle into their onboard roles, and build teamwork before the regatta begins.

Training includes race crew organisation, spinnaker packing, hoisting, trimming, gybing, dropping, and broach recovery.

While we always aim to perform well on the racecourse, our main priority is ensuring that every crew member feels safe, involved, challenged, and part of the team.

Campaign schedule

Hamilton Island Race Week is primarily a day-sailing regatta.

We usually leave the marina around 10:00am and return ashore by approximately 5:00pm each day.

• Thursday: Arrivals
• Friday: Crew training and registration
• Saturday: Crew training
• Sunday: Around-the-islands race
• Monday: Around-the-islands race
• Tuesday: Around-the-islands race
• Wednesday: Lay day and shoreside activities
• Thursday: Around-the-islands race
• Friday: Around-the-islands race
• Saturday: Around-the-islands race

Location and sailing conditions

Sailing in the Whitsundays at this time of year is exceptional.

Expect warm trade winds, crystal-clear tropical waters, white sandy beaches, and reliable racing conditions.

The region is also rich in marine wildlife, with regular sightings of dolphins, whales, dugongs, turtles, and flying fish.

Expert coaching and race experience

The campaign is led by two experienced and highly qualified Flying Fish instructors aboard our race-prepared Beneteau First 40, Flying Cloud.

Each morning begins with a crew briefing covering weather, racecourse strategy, sail selection, and crew roles.

After racing, the team regroups ashore for debriefs, social activities, and time to enjoy the Hamilton Island atmosphere.

Après-sail activities

Hamilton Island offers a fantastic social atmosphere throughout Race Week, with waterfront bars, restaurants, live music, cocktail events, and beachside dining.

There is always something happening ashore 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 ”

• Booking information
• If you book some time in advance, you can secure your place on the course by paying a 20% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days before the course start date, at which time the remaining balance of the course fees will be due.
• Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable; however, it can be transferred to any other course or event offered by Flying Fish.
• If you book multiple courses, you will receive a 10% discount on your order when you purchase three or more courses in a single transaction.
• We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
• View our Terms and Conditions.
• Where to stay ashore
• Book your own accommodation on Hamilton Island. We recommend booking directly with Whitsunday Apartments. Or look at the Hamilton Island Race Week website for more options.
• We do offer limited accommodation on board for an extra fee.
• 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?
• We will sail on a race-tuned Beneteau First 40. These yachts offer an excellent balance between comfort and performance, making them ideal for learning.
• The layout of the First 40 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 to live on board.
• What should I bring with me?
• Food – BYO lunch and snacks. We provide tea, coffee, and water on board.
• 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!