Departing from our base in Sydney Harbour, we sail north following the sun to Coffs Harbour, and on to Southport, where there is a short layover for some well-earned R and R.

Then it's on to Mooloolaba, past Fraser Island and the Keppel group and through the 100 magic miles of the Whitsunday Islands, finishing two weeks later at Hamilton Island in the heart of the tropical Whitsunday Islands.

Whatever the forecast, you can expect varied sailing conditions and some navigational challenges along the way.

You can expect to see whales, dolphins, and, of course, flying fish!

Course content

You will develop your skills and experience in the following key areas:

✅ Preparation for sea
✅ Safety equipment and procedures
✅ Pilotage and passage planning
✅ Offshore navigation
✅ Preparing for heavy weather
✅ Helming, boat handling, and sail trim
✅ Watchkeeping and night passages
✅ Crew Management and the Role of the Skipper

Weather en route

The weather in Sydney will be cool at the start of the passage.

As we head north into the tropics, things will get progressively warmer, hopefully with prevailing fresh south-east Trade winds making for excellent downwind sailing conditions.

The yacht and the instructor

Your journey is led by a professional, RYA-qualified instructor who’s there to guide, mentor, and inspire.

You’ll sail aboard Flying Cloud—our powerful, race-tuned Beneteau First 40. 

• Accommodation with meals on the yacht, fuel and consumables, marina fees, safety equipment, tuition, and publications.
• We can lend you wet weather clothing if you need it.
• Expect to eat ashore for a couple of nights at your own expense.

Qualifications

• 1,000 sea miles logged.
• RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages
• Watchkeeping experience.

• No formal qualifications are required but your sailing and navigation skills should be at RYA Day Skipper level or equivalent.

• At the end of the course, your instructor will give you feedback on your sailing and skippering ability and make recommendations for your future training and experience.

• Booking information
  • To secure your place, pay a 20% holding deposit via the links above. This reserves your spot until 60 days before the course start date, when the balance is due.
  • The deposit is non‑refundable but may be transferred to any other Flying Fish course or event.
  • Spaces are limited—early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
  • See our terms and conditions.
• Who should attend?
  • Designed for RYA Day Skippers (or equivalent) looking to progress into coastal and offshore sailing.
  • Participants must be confident in steering, trimming sails, handling lines and winches, and standing watch.
  • You’ll refine your seamanship, navigation, and leadership skills under real offshore conditions.
  • Many of our customers are progressing along the RYA Yachtmaster pathway to commercial qualification. This passage is instrumental in this regard, offering lots of offshore navigation and pilotage practice.
  • Each passage boosts your confidence—expect to return a much more capable skipper or crew.
• What type of yacht will I sail on?
  • We sail aboard our offshore‑rated Beneteau First 40 cruiser‑racer.
  • This yacht provides a stable and responsive platform, equipped with modern navigation systems and comprehensive safety gear.
  • Crew accommodation in comfortable cabins, with shared heads and galley facilities on board.
• How fit do I need to be?
  • The course involves deck work, sail handling, and watchkeeping in variable conditions.
  • Reasonable fitness, agility, and a positive attitude are essential.
  • If you’re prone to seasickness, bring your preferred remedy and start treatment at least 24 hours before departure.
• What if the weather is bad?
  • Training continues in most conditions—handling challenging weather is an integral part of the learning process.
  • We only delay departure for genuine safety risks; otherwise, it’s valuable real‑world practice.
• What should I bring?
  • Quick‑dry layers and warm mid‑layers for cooler conditions
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (loan sets available if needed)
  • Non‑slip deck shoes or trainers
  • Hat, sunglasses, and high‑factor sunscreen
  • Sleeping bag, pillowcase, towel and personal toiletries
  • Headtorch with red‑light function
  • Seasickness medication (start 24 hours before)
  • A sense of adventure and teamwork!