This inspiring and diverse programme has been designed for novice sailors eager to accelerate their sailing knowledge and skills to the RYA Dayskipper level in a breathtaking location.

RYA Dayskipper is the initial 'skipper level' qualification in the RYA scheme, comparable to obtaining a private pilot's licence for flying.

By the end of the course, you will have earned valuable qualifications and acquired the essential skills and knowledge to skipper a small sailing yacht confidently.

Course content 

🚤 Powerboat Training – Begin with the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, training on our rigid inflatable rescue craft.

🛶 Dinghy Sailing – Develop foundational sailing skills in a hands-on, responsive sailing environment.

📡 Marine Safety Training – Gain essential certifications in:

• Marine Radio Operation 📻
• First Aid at Sea ⛑️

⛵ RYA Competent Crew Course – Spend five days aboard building seamanship skills and confidence on the water.

📖 RYA Day Skipper Shore-based - five days in the classroom, mastering navigation and key sailing theory.

🎯 RYA Day Skipper Practical – Apply your knowledge in a practical, on-water course, developing leadership and navigation skills.

📌 Check the FAQ section below for full course details and qualifications.

Set sail in Sydney

The course is based in the spectacular setting of the Flying Fish Sail Academy at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Sydney.

You sail in Sydney Harbour, Australia's favourite yachting playground, cruising past the Opera House and under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Offshore, you explore the New South Wales coast, perhaps heading north to beautiful Pittwater or south to Botany Bay. 

Weather conditions vary from warm sea breezes to cool southerly busters. You will experience magnificent sunsets and seascapes, dolphins and whales if you're lucky and, of course, flying fish. This is offshore sailing at its best! 

Our training fleet & equipment

⛵ Sailing Yachts – Train on a fleet of high-performance vessels, including:

• Beneteau 40.7s – Fast, comfortable cruiser-racers.
• First 40 – A well-balanced yacht for advanced training.

🛶 Dinghy & Powerboat Training – Develop key skills using:

• RS Zests & Laser Bahias – Responsive dinghies for hands-on learning.
• Highfield 5.0 & 6.0 RIBs – Rigid inflatable boats for powerboat training.

Expert instruction & safety

🎓 RYA-Qualified Instructors – Learn from highly experienced professionals, delivering expert guidance in Flying Fish’s signature friendly and professional style.

⚓ Safety & Ratios – We strictly adhere to RYA teaching ratios and safety guidelines, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.

Where to stay

If you are travelling from interstate or overseas for the course, we recommend you stay nearby in Manly.  

Manly has amazing beaches on its doorstep and is a short bus ride or Uber from our training centre.

Start your day with a quick surf off Manly Beach!

• 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.
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.

Qualifications 

For a full list of the qualifications and experience acquired on the programme, see the FAQ section below

• The course is suitable for beginners as well as those with some sailing experience but without formal training or qualifications. 
• The course is self-contained, so there is no requirement for additional pre-course work. However, if you want to give yourself a headstart, we recommend completing the Essential Navigation and Seamanship online course before you join us. 
• The minimum age for an RYA Day Skipper certification is 16 years. 

• Once you have achieved your RYA Day Skipper certification, you will be ready to move on toward the world-renowned RYA Yachtmaster certification.
• With an RYA Day Skipper Practical and RYA Level 2 Powerboat certificate, you can apply to the RYA for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) so you can charter in Europe. 

• 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 before the course start date, at which point the remaining 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 Flying Fish offers.
• We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
• View our Terms and Conditions 
• Course Programme
  • Week 1 – RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / Dinghy Sailing Level 1/2 (2 days) / Marine First Aid (1 day)
  • Week 2 – RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
  • Week 3 – RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory / ACMA Marine Radio Operator (1 day)
  • Week 4 – RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
  • The programme may be run in a different order, but the training units are correct.
• Qualifications and Experience
  • Approx. 300 sea miles logged
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • TCP Marine First Aid
  • RYA Dinghy Level 1 or 2
  • ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Radio Licence
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • This course meets all requirements for AMSA Coxswain Grade 3. (You will need to complete an AMSA-approved medical assessment and apply to AMSA for certification.)
• Where to Stay Ashore
  • If you are arriving from interstate or overseas, we recommend staying in Manly Beach — only a short bus or Uber ride to our Middle Harbour Yacht Club training centre.
  • Backpackers in Manly – basic accommodation for those on a budget (approx. $50/night for a 4–6 berth mixed dormitory)
  • Airbnb, hotels, and serviced apartments are available at various prices and standards.
• Visas for International Students
  • Except for Australians and New Zealanders, all travellers to Australia must apply for a visa in advance.
  • Do not apply for a student visa – our courses are not part of a government-recognised higher education program. Tourist or working holiday visas are acceptable.
• Can I Customise the Course or Spread It Out Over Time?
  • Yes. You can customise your programme by omitting specific units or spreading the course over a year or more. Please contact us with your requirements.