Learn to sail and progress from complete beginner to RYA Day Skipper in one of the world’s great sailing destinations.

This immersive programme combines practical sailing, navigation, safety training and skippering skills to help you become a confident and capable yacht skipper.

The RYA Day Skipper qualification is the first skipper-level certificate in the RYA scheme — often compared to gaining a private pilot’s licence for sailing.

Course highlights

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 – Learn boat handling and close-quarters manoeuvring aboard our Highfield RIBs.
• Dinghy sailing – Build core sailing skills in responsive training dinghies.
• Marine safety training
  • Marine Radio Operation
  • First Aid at Sea
• RYA Competent Crew – Five days living and sailing aboard while developing seamanship and confidence.
• RYA Day Skipper Theory – Five classroom days covering navigation, pilotage, weather and passage planning.
• RYA Day Skipper Practical – Put it all together and develop the skills to skipper your own yacht.

See the FAQ section below for the full list of qualifications and course outcomes.

Learn in spectacular Sydney

Train from the Flying Fish Sail Academy at Middle Harbour Yacht Club and sail in one of the world’s most iconic waterways.

Experience Sydney Harbour, passing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before heading offshore to explore the New South Wales coastline.

Conditions vary from warm summer sea breezes to exciting offshore sailing, giving you exposure to a wide range of real-world conditions.

You may spot dolphins, whales and — if you're lucky — flying fish.

Training fleet & equipment

Yachts

• Beneteau 40.7 – Fast, capable cruiser-racers
• Beneteau First 40 – Comfortable performance yachts

Dinghies & powerboats

• RS Zest & Laser Bahia dinghies
• Highfield 5.0 & 6.0 rigid inflatable boats

Expert instruction & safety

Learn from experienced RYA-qualified instructors in Flying Fish’s friendly and professional training environment.

All courses operate to strict RYA teaching ratios and safety standards.

• 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

• 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, 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. 

• Once you have achieved your RYA Day Skipper certification, you will be ready to move on toward the world-renowned RYA Yachtmaster certification.
• With an RYA Day Skipper Practical and RYA Level 2 Powerboat certificate, you can apply to the RYA for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) so you can charter in Europe. 

• 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. ”
• Isla Macdonald - UK 
• Day Skipper Fast Track -2025
• 
• “ Hey Matt, Just wanted to say a huge thanks to you and the team at Flying Fish for the past 4 weeks, I had such a great time with you guys. All the courses were run super smoothly and were really enjoyable! Hope to be back asap for the yachtmaster! ”

• Booking information
  • To secure your place, please pay a 20% holding deposit using the links provided above. This reserves your position until 60 days before the course start date, when the remaining balance becomes due.
  • Please note that deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to any other Flying Fish course or event.
  • We recommend booking early, as places are limited and courses often fill in advance.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• Course programme
  • Week 1 – RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 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 Certificate (1 day)
  • Week 4 – RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
  • The course may run in a different order, but all training units and qualifications remain the same.
• Who joins this course?
  • We welcome both men and women aged 16+ (participants under 18 may require parental consent).
  • Students join us from across Australia and around the world.
  • Some are local to Sydney, while others travel interstate or internationally specifically to train with Flying Fish.
  • People join for many reasons — preparing for sailing holidays, building confidence, gaining qualifications, starting a career in boating, or simply enjoying an unforgettable adventure.
  • Groups are typically friendly, social and supportive — many students tell us the people they meet become one of the highlights of the course.
• Qualifications and experience gained
  • Approx. 300 sea miles logged
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • TCP Marine First Aid
  • RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2
  • ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Radio Operator Licence
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • This course satisfies the training requirements for AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 (subject to completion of an AMSA-approved medical and certification application).
• Where to stay ashore
  • If travelling from interstate or overseas, we recommend staying in Manly Beach — just a short bus or Uber ride from our training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
  • Backpacker accommodation is available in Manly for budget-conscious travellers (approx. $50/night for a shared 4–6 berth dormitory).
  • Airbnb, hotels and serviced apartments are also available across a range of budgets and standards.
• Visas for international students
  • Travellers to Australia (except Australian and New Zealand citizens) must arrange an appropriate visa before arrival.
  • Please do not apply for a student visa — our courses are not part of a government-recognised higher education programme. Tourist and Working Holiday visas are generally suitable.
• Can I customise the course or spread it over time?
  • Yes. You can tailor your programme by omitting specific modules or spreading the training over a year or more. Please contact us to discuss your preferred pathway.