Yachtmaster Practical Skills
Designed for experienced sailors at or above RYA Coastal Skipper level, this intensive practical course develops the advanced boat handling, seamanship, navigation and command skills required for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore Certificate of Competence examinations. Through focused, hands-on training, you'll build the confidence, competence and consistency needed to perform at examination standard.
Description
This week is all about developing the practical skills expected of a Yachtmaster.
You'll spend five days refining the boat handling, pilotage and command skills that examiners expect to see during the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore examinations.
Working alongside an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, you'll alternate between skipper and crew roles, receiving continuous coaching and feedback to build confident, consistent performance under pressure.
Course programme
Training normally runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm each day, with at least one evening or night exercise for pilotage and navigation.
The programme is almost entirely practical, covering advanced boat handling, marina manoeuvres, pilotage, navigation, emergency procedures, yacht systems and command skills.
For maximum benefit, we recommend completing the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory course, or having equivalent knowledge, before attending.
See the FAQ below for a typical day-by-day programme.
Location and sailing conditions
Training takes place on Sydney Harbour and the adjacent coastline, offering an ideal combination of marina manoeuvring, tidal pilotage, busy waterways and offshore sailing—perfect preparation for the Yachtmaster examination.
The yacht and your instructor
You'll train aboard one of our RYA-inspected Beneteau 40.7 performance cruising yachts with an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, receiving individual coaching designed to help you reach examination standard.
What's included
- Approx 150 miles logged
- Expert tuition from an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor
- Training logbook guidance and pre-course reading materials
- Lifejackets and safety harnesses provided
- Wet weather clothing available to borrow if required
- All yachts are equipped with enclosed bathroom facilities
- Tea, coffee, and drinking water provided on board
- Please bring your own lunch and snacks each day
Before you start
- Hold the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate or have equivalent sailing experience.
- Be confident skippering a yacht, including boat handling, pilotage and passage planning.
- Have completed the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory course or have equivalent knowledge.
- Be preparing to undertake the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Prep & Exam Week.
What next?
- Subject to your seatime and theory knowledge, you may be ready to progress to our Yachtmaster Prep and Exam week.
- Please review the Yachtmaster Prep and Exam course page, then check the FAQ section at the bottom of that page for the precise requirements for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore examinations.
Faq
- Booking information
- To secure your place, please pay a 20% holding deposit using the links above. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the course start date.
- Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event.
- Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
- View our Terms and Conditions.
- What does a typical training week look like?
- The programme is practical, intensive and adapted to the weather and training priorities.
- Day 1 – Boat handling under sail and power, marina manoeuvres, mooring drills and close-quarters handling.
- Day 2 – Anchoring, heavy weather techniques, emergency steering, man overboard recovery and night pilotage.
- Day 3 – Offshore sailing, navigation exercises, position fixing, search patterns and emergency procedures.
- Day 4 – Blind navigation, pilotage challenges, yacht systems and practical command exercises.
- Day 5 – Advanced manoeuvres, towing, emergency scenarios, individual coaching and course debrief.
- The exact programme varies according to conditions and the needs of the group.
- Should I combine this with Yachtmaster Prep & Exam Week?
- Yes. Most candidates complete the Practical Skills Week immediately before the Yachtmaster Prep & Exam Week.
- This provides time to develop and refine your practical skills before your final preparation and examination.
- Experienced candidates who are already at examination standard may choose to book the Prep & Exam Week only.
- How fit do I need to be?
- You should have reasonable mobility and be comfortable working on deck in a range of weather conditions.
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn are more important than physical strength.
- Please contact us if you'd like to discuss your individual circumstances.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Training takes place in a wide range of conditions because learning to operate safely in changing weather is an important part of becoming a Yachtmaster.
- If conditions become unsafe, the programme will be adapted to make the best use of the available training opportunities.
- Can I book as a private group?
- Yes. We can deliver this programme for private groups, sailing clubs or crews preparing together for Yachtmaster examinations.
- Contact us to discuss dates and a customised programme.
- What should I bring?
- Comfortable sailing clothing suitable for the conditions.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (loan gear is available if required).
- Non-marking sailing shoes or trainers.
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- Lunch and snacks each day.
- Lifejackets and safety equipment are provided.