- +61 2 9969 8590
- help@flyingfishsailing.com.au
- Mon - Sun 9:00 - 1700
Learn aboard our fast, comfortable 40-foot training yachts with experienced sailing instructors. Follow a clear pathway from your first sailing experience through to RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper and Yachtmaster qualifications
Choose from weekend and five-day practical courses, online navigation training and introductory racing to build your skills and confidence on the water.
Start with a weekend course, or fast track your learning with our 5-day Competent Crew — in Sydney or the Whitsundays (July–August).
This course is your complete introduction to sailing, leading to a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate. Designed for beginners, it builds confidence on the water and develops the skills needed to become an active, capable crew member. By the end of the course, you will be able to steer, handle sails and lines, and assist in all key onboard procedures.
5 days
A$1,995.00
This course, based in the stunning Whitsudnay Islands, provides a comprehensive introduction to yachting and leads to a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate. The course is designed for novice sailors who want to become valuable and active crew members. By the end of the course, you should be able to steer, handle sails and mooring lines, and assist in all boat and sail handling procedures on board.
5 days
A$2,290.00
Learn to sail on Sydney Harbour in a fun, hands-on weekend designed for complete beginners. Build confidence, experience life on board, and take the first step toward internationally recognised RYA qualifications.
2 days
A$695.00
Build on the skills learned during our Start Yachting Weekend and become a confident, capable member of a cruising yacht crew. Enjoy hands-on sailing aboard our fast, comfortable 40-foot training yachts on spectacular Sydney Harbour.
2 days
A$795.00
Australia's complete online course for new sailors, powerboaters and boat owners. Build the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy boating safely through ten practical online modules you can complete at your own pace. The ideal preparation before RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper Practical, RYA Powerboat Level 2, the NSW Boat Licence or buying your first boat.
12-16 hours - self paced online
A$295.00
Develop the skills and confidence to race yachts with symmetrical spinnakers. Over two practical days you'll learn how to rig, hoist, trim, gybe and recover a spinnaker safely while improving your boat handling, teamwork and sail trim.
2 days
A$895.00
Our structured learn-to-sail courses take you from your first time on the water to becoming a confident crew member and, if you choose, the skipper of your own yacht.
Most beginners start with a Start Yachting Weekend, while those wanting a more immersive experience can go straight to our 5-day Competent Crew course.
To build your knowledge ashore, we recommend our Essential Boating Skills & Knowledge online course. It provides an excellent foundation before progressing to Day Skipper.
From there, continue to Day Skipper, explore introductory racing, or simply enjoy sailing with confidence.
After completing RYA Competent Crew, you’ll be ready to join a yacht club or crew on charter yachts and start sailing regularly.
The next step is RYA Day Skipper – the internationally recognised qualification that teaches you to plan passages and skipper a yacht with confidence. It also allows you to apply for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), often required to charter yachts throughout Europe.
As a qualified Day Skipper, you’ll have the skills and confidence to take charge of a yacht in familiar waters by day, opening the door to independent cruising and yacht chartering around the world.
No. Our practical courses are designed for beginners, and we’ll teach you everything you need on the water. If you’d like to build your confidence before or alongside your practical training, we recommend our Essential Boating Skills & Knowledge online course. It’s an excellent introduction to seamanship, navigation, weather and boating safety, and the ideal foundation before progressing to Day Skipper.
It depends on your goals, but most people can begin sailing confidently as crew after a beginner course such as RYA Competent Crew. From there, regular practice, club sailing and further courses such as Day Skipper help you build confidence, judgement and independence on the water.
Sailing is a physical activity and requires reasonable mobility and some strength when handling sails/winches etc. Having said this our sailing courses are very inclusive, and we welcome participants of all ages and abilities. If you are concerned about your suitability, please contact us for advice.
Seasickness is rarely an issue on our introductory sailing courses as much of the time you will be sailing on the sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour. However, we do also venture offshore and it’s still possible to experience some degree of seasickness. If you are concerned about this issue, please visit your pharmacy, and pick up some seasickness medication prior to arrival. It is recommended to take any precautionary measures 24-hours prior.
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. When you book your course we will provide details of what you need to bring with you. All safety equipment is provided on board by Flying Fish.
Most of our beginner courses are taught aboard our Beneteau First 40.7 yachts. These fast, comfortable cruising yachts provide an ideal balance of performance, comfort and safety, making them excellent platforms for learning. They are fully equipped for liveaboard training with comfortable accommodation, a galley, toilet and shower.
Yes. RYA qualifications are recognised throughout the world and are widely regarded as the international benchmark for recreational and professional sailing training. They are ideal for sailors who plan to charter yachts, cruise overseas or continue towards higher RYA qualifications such as Day Skipper and Yachtmaster.
Yes! we regularly welcome private groups of friends or family on bespoke courses.
A private RYA course is a great learning adventure to experience with your friends or family. What’s more you can save money as you pay for four places on the course and can bring a maximum of five. The minimum age is 12. If you like the sound of this please get in touch and let us help you plan your adventure.
