Day Skipper Fast Track

From beginner to RYA qualified Day Skipper in just four weeks! Gain a package of internationally recognized qualifications and enjoy an inspiring training adventure on Sydney Harbour.

6 January
Mon 06 Jan 2025 - Fri 31 Jan 2025
4 weeks, 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • $5,990.00 incl. GST
3 February
Mon 03 Feb 2025 - Fri 28 Feb 2025
4 weeks, 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • $5,990.00 incl. GST
Register1 place remaining
5 May
Mon 05 May 2025 - Fri 30 May 2025
4 weeks, 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • $5,990.00 incl. GST
15 September
Mon 15 Sep 2025 - Fri 10 Oct 2025
4 weeks, 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • $5,990.00 incl. GST

Description

This inspiring and varied programme has been designed for inexperienced sailors who are looking to fast-track their sailing knowledge and skills to the level of RYA Dayskipper in a stunning location.  

RYA Dayskipper is the first 'skipper level' qualification in the RYA scheme. It is akin to gaining a private pilot's licence for flying. 

By the end of the course, you will have gained some valuable qualifications and you will have acquired the essential skills and knowledge to skipper a small sailing yacht with confidence.

Course content 

The course begins with powerboat training for the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate in our rigid inflatable rescue craft. Then you move on to dinghy sailing which is an excellent way to acquire raw sailing skills. 

We include essential marine safety training for radio operation and first aid before you go on to a five-day course on board for the RYA Competent Crew certificate. Next, there is a week in the classroom learning the essential theory at this level. The programme finishes with the RYA Dayskipper Practical course. 

Check the FAQ section below for details of the course programme and qualifications. 

If you would like a quote for a customised course schedule please contact Flying Fish.

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! 

Equipment and instructors 

We operate a fleet of excellent training vessels including Beneteau 40.7s, a First 40 and SV Arctos a strong, powerful Radford 55 built for a southern ocean circumnavigation. 

For dinghy sailing and powerboat training, we use RS Zests, Laser Bahias and Highfield 5.0 and 6.0 rigid inflatable boats. We also have a fleet of windsurf boards, paddleboards and wings. 

Our team of highly experienced, RYA-qualified, instructors will guide you through your programme in the friendly and professional style that is the hallmark of Flying Fish. We conform to RYA teaching ratios and safety guidelines throughout the programme. 

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!

 

 

What's included

  • 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

Before you start

  • 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 then 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. 

What next?

  • Once you have achieved your RYA Day Skipper certification you are ready to move on toward the world-renowned RYA Yachtmaster certification. 

Faq

  • 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 above 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
    • The course meets all the requirements of the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3  near coastal.
  • Where to stay ashore
    • If you are arriving from interstate or overseas and need a place to stay for the course we recommend you stay in Manly Beach which is only a short bus ride or Uber share to our training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. 
    • Book your own Backpackers In Manly – basic accommodation for those on a budget (approx $50 / night for 4-6 berth mixed dormitory)
    • Book your own Air BNB, hotels, or serviced apartments at various prices and standards. 
  • Visas for international students
    • Apart from Aussies and Kiwis, everybody travelling to Australia needs to apply in advance for a visa. Don't apply for a student visa. These are only available for government-sanctioned higher education courses at universities and other tertiary establishments.  Tourist visas or working holiday visas (for those who want to work) are fine.