Flying Fish has been training professional Yachtmasters for more than twenty years, with students joining us from a wide range of backgrounds, nationalities, and age groups.

The Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track is our longest-running and most popular Fast Track programme because it leads directly to one of the world’s most respected and useful professional sailing qualifications.

Our programme combines professional instruction, offshore adventure, and a clear pathway towards internationally recognised RYA qualifications.

You’ll benefit from expert tuition, a supportive learning environment, and an unforgettable Australian sailing experience.

Course programme

The programme combines a series of integrated training courses within a carefully structured and progressive schedule.

Training includes live-aboard passages, day sailing courses, shore-based theory, practical seamanship, and exam preparation.

Weekends are generally free, although students are encouraged to join our dinghy sailing and windsurfing sessions at no additional cost to further develop their sailing skills.

You may also have opportunities to:

• Sail as crew on Flying Fish weekend courses
• Practise alongside qualified instructors
• Join local yacht racing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club

Please refer to the FAQ section below for the detailed week-by-week training schedule.

An outstanding sailing location

Your training takes place at the Flying Fish Sail Academy based at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney — one of the world’s great sailing locations.

You’ll sail through Sydney Harbour past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before heading offshore along the spectacular New South Wales coastline.

Passage destinations may include:

• Jervis Bay — sheltered anchorages and pristine beaches
• Pittwater and Seal Rocks — superb coastal sailing and dramatic scenery
• Coffs Harbour — excellent offshore passage-making conditions

Conditions vary from warm summer sea breezes to powerful southerly changes, providing valuable real-world offshore experience.

Expect dolphins, whales, dramatic coastlines, and true offshore passagemaking adventure.

Training yachts and facilities

Our fleet includes a range of high-quality training yachts and support vessels, including:

• Beneteau 40.7 cruiser-racers — ideal for offshore and performance sailing training
• Beneteau First 40 — modern offshore cruiser-racers
• SV Arctos (Radford 55) — our flagship yacht designed for serious offshore sailing
• Laser Bahia and RS Zest dinghies — used for developing core sailing skills
• Highfield RIBs — used for support and powerboat training

Our waterfront classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club is equipped with modern teaching aids and provides a comfortable environment for shore-based learning.

Expert instructors

Training is delivered by experienced and highly qualified instructors known for Flying Fish’s professional, supportive, and hands-on teaching style.

You’ll receive regular coaching, feedback, and mentoring throughout the programme.

Accommodation and local area

If you’re travelling from outside Sydney, you’ll need accommodation for the duration of the course.

Flying Fish offers limited spaces in our shared crew apartments in Manly, located close to beaches, cafés, restaurants, and public transport.

Staying with fellow trainees is a great way to build friendships and enjoy the social side of the programme.

Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation nearby.

Please see the FAQ section below for further accommodation information.

• Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading, training resources, and certification. 
• Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided; we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
• Shared cabin accommodation and meals onboard on live-aboard passages 
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
• Fast-track customers can join our weekend dinghy and windsurf classes free of charge.
• RYA YM exam fees (approximately $465) are not included and are payable directly to the RYA on the exam day. 

Qualifications and experience

See the FAQ section below for a complete list of the qualifications and experience acquired on the programme.

• The course is often described as a 'Zero to Hero' programme. As such, it is suitable for newcomers to sailing and boating. Having said this, any prior experience in sailing and boating (e.g. dinghy sailing or windsurfing) will be very helpful.
• If you are already at RYA Day Skipper standard, consider joining our Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track course.
• To plan your pathway to Yachtmaster with a custom package of short courses, see here.
• Please note that all seafarers seeking certification as commercial Yachtmasters and Deck Officers under the MCA or AMSA must have full-colour vision.

• If you leave the Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track as a qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster and AMSA Sailing Master, you will be ready to start work as a skipper. See FAQ section below for details of work opportunities upon graduation.
• If you want to work as an instructor at an RYA school, you will need to complete a Yacht Cruising Instructor course.
• To qualify for your Yachtmaster Ocean / Master of Yachts 200 gt (unlimited) certification, see here.

• Willem B. Van Rootselaar - Holland
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
• 
• “ This has been the greatest life experience I ever had! and with the result: Yachtmaster! Now I'm a REAL Sailor! The course was magnificent!
• Li Peihong - China
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
• 
• “ Flying Fish is the best choice to learn and enjoy sailing. Authentic British style management, a friendly coaching team, a loving student atmosphere, a tailored teaching program, and a glimpse of the southern hemisphere's deep blue charm. ”
• 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 10% 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, but it may be transferred to another course or event offered by Flying Fish if you give at least 60 days’ notice before your original course start date.
  • 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) / Marine First Aid (1 day) / Dinghy Sailing Level 1/2 (2 days) / ACMA Marine Radio Operator (1 day)
  • Week 2 – RYA Competent Crew (5 days aboard)
  • Week 3 – RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
  • Week 4 – RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days aboard)
  • Week 5 – Racing and Spinnakers (2 days) / Basic Yacht Maintenance (3 days) / Safety and Sea Survival (2 days)
  • Weeks 6–8 – Yachtmaster Milebuilder and Qualifying Passages (16 days live-aboard) / PPR (Self-paced online)
  • Week 9 – RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory (6 days)
  • Week 10 – RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (5 days live-aboard)
  • Week 11 – Yachtmaster Practical Skills (5 days)
  • Week 12 – Yachtmaster Prep and Exam Week (5 days aboard)
  • The above programme may be run in a different order, but the training units are correct.
• Qualifications and experience
  • Approx 2500 sea miles logged
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • TCP Marine First Aid (Workplace Approved)
  • RYA Diesel Engine Certificate
  • Basic Yacht Maintenance
  • RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages/watchkeeper experience
  • RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2
  • Intro Racing and Spinnaker Handling Course
  • ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Marine Radio Operator Licence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Coastal Skipper
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence (Sail) – subject to meeting medical requirements
  • AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival
  • RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)
  • AMSA Sailing Master Offshore NC – subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
  • AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 – subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
• Where to stay ashore
  • Flying Fish crew apartments: Stay with other Flying Fish customers on one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Our crew apartments in Manly are comfortably furnished for shared living and only a short bus or Uber ride to our Middle Harbour Yacht Club training centre. These apartments offer a sociable, relaxed atmosphere ideal for building friendships.
    Room share (twin): A$790 per week / Single room: A$1190 per week. Book your accommodation package when you book your course. We only offer accommodation packages for the whole duration of the programme.
  • Backpackers in Manly: Basic accommodation for those on a budget (approx. A$60/night for a 4–6 berth mixed dormitory). Popular hostels in the area include Manly Backpackers, Boardrider Backpackers, and Stoke Beach House. Be sure to do your research and check the latest Google reviews.
  • Airbnb: For flexibility and privacy, book your own room or apartment. Options are available in Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, and Mosman – all are an easy bus ride to the Flying Fish training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
  • Flatmates.com.au: Shared accommodation listings across the Northern Beaches and Mosman – a cost-effective, community-focused option.
  • Facebook groups: Check local groups like “Manly Living” for rooms to rent and accommodation tips from locals.
• Visas for international students
  • Apart from Australians and New Zealanders, everyone travelling to Australia must apply for a visa in advance.
  • Do not apply for a student visa – these are only available for government-sanctioned higher education courses. A tourist visa or a working holiday visa (if you plan to work) is acceptable.
• What happens if I fail the Yachtmaster exams?
  • We do our best to ensure you’re fully prepared. However, if you don’t pass, you’ll leave with a clear action plan to complete. Typically, this involves revising any missing skills or knowledge and then retaking the exam.
  • Over 90% of our Yachtmaster candidates pass the first time.
• Can I customise the course or complete the programme over a more extended period?
  • Yes. If you'd like a personalised course schedule—either by omitting specific units or spreading training over a year or more—please contact us with your requirements.
• What are the work opportunities once I am qualified?
  • Find out more about job opportunities on yachts here.