RYA Day Skipper

Gain the skills and confidence to take charge of a small yacht in familiar waters, by day.

Take the next step towards confidently skippering a yacht with an RYA Day Skipper course.

The RYA Day Skipper Practical is the first skipper-level qualification in the RYA training scheme, often compared to gaining a Private Pilot’s Licence — but for sailing.

It also allows you to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for chartering yachts in destinations such as Europe, Croatia, the Greek Islands, and the Whitsundays.

Explore the course options below to find the right pathway for your experience and goals.

Approved RYA Sailing School Sydney
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Day Skipper course options

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RYA Day Skipper Practical - 5 days

The RYA Day Skipper Practical course teaches you how to take charge of a yacht with confidence, building on the foundations from Competent Crew. On completion, you’ll gain your RYA certificate and can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) — often required to charter yachts in Europe.

5 days

A$1,995.00

View detail & dates
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RYA Day Skipper Practical - Whitsundays

This comprehensive skills development course based in the stunning Whitsunday Islands leads to the RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate. RYA Day Skipper certificate holders are entitled to an International Certificate for Operator of Pleasure Craft (ICC), which is generally required for a European yacht charter.

5 days

A$2,290.00

View detail & dates
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RYA Day Skipper Practical Weekend

The RYA Day Skipper Practical course builds on Competent Crew and teaches you how to take command of a yacht. You’ll learn to plan and lead short passages, handle the boat under sail and power, and make safe, confident decisions on board.

2 days

A$795.00

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Essential Boating Skills & Knowledge

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

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ACMA Marine Radio License (VHF, HF, GMDSS)

This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC

1 day

A$395.00

View detail & dates
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Marine First Aid

Marine First Aid training designed for people who work and operate on the water. Ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers and crew, the course develops practical emergency response skills for marine environments and leads to the nationally recognised Statement of Attainment HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid.

1 day + 3-4 hours online

A$395.00

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RYA Day Skipper / Watchleader Theory

Build the knowledge and confidence to skipper a sailing yacht or powerboat safely. Learn navigation, chartwork, weather, passage planning and practical seamanship through the internationally recognised RYA Day Skipper shorebased course.

5 days - classroom

A$1,595.00

View detail & dates
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Day Skipper Fast Track

Learn to skipper your own charter yacht in just 4 weeks Go from complete beginner to confident skipper with this intensive, hands-on sailing programme. Train on spectacular Sydney Harbour and gain internationally recognised RYA qualifications including the RYA Day Skipper certificate and ICC (International Certificate of Competence).

4 weeks

A$6,490.00

View detail & dates
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International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

As a skipper, it is important to be aware of the qualification requirements when operating a vessel in foreign waters. For recreational boating—particularly when chartering in countries such as Greece or Croatia—the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is commonly accepted by local maritime authorities and charter companies as evidence of boating competence.

4 - 7 hours

Enquire for details

View detail & dates
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  • RYA Day Skipper Practical – 5 days

    5 days
    The RYA Day Skipper Practical course teaches you how to take charge of a yacht with confidence, building on the foundations from Competent Crew. On completion, you’ll gain your RYA certificate and can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) — often required to charter yachts in Europe.
    A$1,995.00

  • RYA Day Skipper Practical – Whitsundays

    5 days
    This comprehensive skills development course based in the stunning Whitsunday Islands leads to the RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate. RYA Day Skipper certificate holders are entitled to an International Certificate for Operator of Pleasure Craft (ICC), which is generally required for a European yacht charter.
    A$2,290.00

  • RYA Day Skipper Practical Weekend

    2 days
    The RYA Day Skipper Practical course builds on Competent Crew and teaches you how to take command of a yacht. You’ll learn to plan and lead short passages, handle the boat under sail and power, and make safe, confident decisions on board.
    A$795.00

  • Essential Boating Skills & Knowledge

    12-16 hours – self paced online
    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.
    A$295.00

  • ACMA Marine Radio License (VHF, HF, GMDSS)

    1 day
    This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC
    A$395.00

  • Marine First Aid

    1 day + 3-4 hours online
    Marine First Aid training designed for people who work and operate on the water. Ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers and crew, the course develops practical emergency response skills for marine environments and leads to the nationally recognised Statement of Attainment HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid.
    A$395.00

  • RYA Day Skipper / Watchleader Theory

    5 days – classroom
    Build the knowledge and confidence to skipper a sailing yacht or powerboat safely. Learn navigation, chartwork, weather, passage planning and practical seamanship through the internationally recognised RYA Day Skipper shorebased course.
    A$1,595.00

  • Day Skipper Fast Track

    4 weeks
    Learn to skipper your own charter yacht in just 4 weeks Go from complete beginner to confident skipper with this intensive, hands-on sailing programme. Train on spectacular Sydney Harbour and gain internationally recognised RYA qualifications including the RYA Day Skipper certificate and ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
    A$6,490.00

  • International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

    4 – 7 hours
    As a skipper, it is important to be aware of the qualification requirements when operating a vessel in foreign waters. For recreational boating—particularly when chartering in countries such as Greece or Croatia—the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is commonly accepted by local maritime authorities and charter companies as evidence of boating competence.
    Enquire for details
Day Skipper

Choose your Day Skipper pathway

Building on RYA Competent Crew, the RYA Day Skipper Practical develops the skills and confidence to skipper a yacht safely. Courses are available as an intensive five-day programme or over three weekends.

To build your navigation and boating knowledge, we recommend our Essential Boating Skills & Knowledge online course as the ideal preparation for Day Skipper. The RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory course is also highly recommended for those wanting more comprehensive face to face navigation training.

Many Day Skippers also complete Marine First Aid and the Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency to become safer and more confident skippers.

If you’re looking to accelerate your progress, our Day Skipper Fast Track combines practical sailing, theory and internationally recognised qualifications into one intensive four-week programme.

Experienced sailors who only require an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) can book a direct assessment with Flying Fish.

We run RYA Day Skipper courses year-round in Sydney, with a short winter season in the Whitsundays.

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Continue your sailing journey

With your RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate, you’re ready to start skippering your own yacht and putting your skills into practice.

You can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), allowing you to charter yachts worldwide in destinations such as Europe, Croatia, the Greek Islands, and the Whitsundays.

For your next step, progress to Coastal Skipper, where you’ll build the experience and confidence to take charge on longer and more challenging coastal passages.

We also recommend developing your boat handling and sailing precision through Dinghy Sailing, one of the most effective ways to improve wind awareness, trim, and control.

From here, your training can progress towards Yachtmaster Offshore — the internationally recognised benchmark for advanced and professional skippers.

View yachtmaster courses
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