The programme begins with the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course, covering celestial navigation, ocean meteorology, ocean currents, passage planning and ocean routing.

You’ll learn to use a sextant and reduce sun and star sights to calculate your position at sea — one of offshore sailing’s most rewarding and respected skills.

After the theory phase, the crew prepares and departs on a live-aboard ocean training and qualifying passage.

How the programme works

• Week 1 — RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory
• Week 2 — Passage preparation and departure
• Weeks 3–4 — Ocean qualifying passage

December course start: Includes a four-week Christmas break between theory and passage phases.  The ocean passage begins in Hobart → Lord Howe Island → Eden → Sydney. 

All other start dates: Sydney → Eden → Lord Howe Island → Eden → Sydney.

Why Lord Howe Island?

Located over 300 nautical miles offshore, Lord Howe Island offers one of Australia’s most memorable ocean sailing experiences.

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site and limited to just 400 visitors at any one time, arriving under sail is a rare privilege.

During the voyage, crew rotate through key offshore roles including:

• Acting Skipper
• Watch Leader
• Navigator
• Weather and routing

This ensures every participant completes the required 600-nautical-mile qualifying passage while building genuine offshore experience.

Expect dolphins, whales, flying fish, spectacular night skies and unforgettable ocean sailing.

The yacht and instructors

Our ocean passages are conducted aboard SV Arctos — our purpose-built offshore training yacht.

You’ll sail with two experienced AMSA Sailing Masters and qualified RYA instructors, receiving continuous coaching throughout the voyage.

This is more than a delivery passage — it’s structured preparation for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence.

• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course
• Live-aboard ocean qualifying passage
• All meals on board
• Use of onboard safety equipment and navigation systems
• Course publications and training materials
• Professional tuition, coaching and mentoring throughout

Additional costs

For the December course start only, please allow for the cost of a flight from Sydney to Hobart to join the vessel before the offshore passage begins.

Qualifications and experience

• Approximately 1,500 offshore sea miles
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory certificate (subject to passing the theory assessment)
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage (subject to instructor sign-off)

Please note: Completion of the planned route, mileage, qualifying passage and associated outcomes cannot be guaranteed and remains subject to weather, routing, operational requirements, safety considerations and successful completion of the required course standards.

• You are a confident yachtsman or woman who, as a minimum, has taken part in an RYA Coastal Skipper course or had equivalent offshore sailing experience. 
• We prefer if all crew members have completed an ISAF-recognized Sea Survival course 

Before your oral exam for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, you must

• Hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
• Have completed the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean shore-based theory course
• Have completed a Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage. 
• Have prepared a narrative of your qualifying passage including details of your navigational sights for submission to the examiner

If you intend to use your Yachtmaster Ocean qualification commercially, be prepared to go for a straightforward medical.

Consider following this course with a Cruising Instructor week to teach yachting at an RYA school like Flying Fish!

• Booking information
  • Secure your place with a 20% holding deposit using the booking links above.
  • The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.
  • Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event.
  • Places are limited and departures often fill well in advance.
  • Please review our Terms and Conditions before booking.
• Can I customise the programme?
  • Possibly. Subject to weather and logistics, we may be able to offer shortened or customised options.
  • It may sometimes be possible to join or leave at selected ports or complete part of the programme.
  • Please contact us before booking to discuss options.
• What experience do I need?
  • This programme is designed for experienced sailors working towards Yachtmaster Ocean.
  • We recommend practical ability at approximately RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore level.
  • You should be comfortable helming, sail handling, watchkeeping and living aboard offshore.
• Do I need to already hold Yachtmaster Offshore?
  • No. You can complete the theory and qualifying passage before applying for Yachtmaster Ocean.
  • However, to obtain the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, you must first hold an eligible Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence.
• Will we definitely reach Lord Howe Island and complete the qualifying passage?
  • No. Ocean sailing is weather dependent and we cannot guarantee reaching Lord Howe Island or completing the intended qualifying passage mileage or route.
  • Safety of the crew and vessel always comes first.
  • Our instructors will do their very best to achieve the planned itinerary and training objectives; however, weather, sea state, routing and operational considerations may require changes.
  • Please review our Terms and Conditions before booking.
• What yacht will we sail on?
  • The programme is delivered aboard SV Arctos, our 55-foot offshore training yacht.
  • Arctos is equipped for extended offshore sailing with comfortable accommodation, navigation systems and comprehensive safety equipment.
• How physically demanding is the course?
  • Ocean sailing can involve long watches, moving around offshore and variable weather.
  • You’ll need reasonable mobility, general fitness and a positive attitude.
  • If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication and consider beginning treatment before departure.
• What skills will I develop?
  • You’ll gain practical experience in celestial navigation, offshore passage planning, weather routing, watchkeeping, leadership and ocean seamanship.
  • You’ll also build genuine offshore confidence and experience.
• Can I fly home from Lord Howe Island?
  • Sometimes. Subject to logistics, weather and flight availability, partial participation may occasionally be possible.
  • Please discuss this with us before booking — no arrangements should be assumed until confirmed.
• What should I bring?
  • Quick-dry layers and warm clothing
  • Offshore waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Non-slip sailing footwear
  • Hat, sunglasses and sun protection
  • Sleeping bag and pillowcase
  • Headtorch (red light preferred)
  • Personal toiletries and towel
  • Seasickness medication if required