Flying Fish has been training professional Yachtmasters for over 20 years, welcoming students from around the world and from all stages of life.

The Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track is our longest-running and most popular professional programme, leading to one of the world’s most respected sailing qualifications.

Combining practical training, offshore adventure and internationally recognised RYA qualifications, the programme provides a clear pathway to professional Yachtmaster level.

Course programme

The programme combines live-aboard passages, practical sailing, shore-based theory and Yachtmaster exam preparation in one progressive schedule.

Weekends are generally free, although students are welcome to join Flying Fish dinghy sailing and windsurfing sessions at no additional cost.

You may also have opportunities to:

• Crew on Flying Fish courses
• Practise alongside qualified instructors
• Join local yacht racing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club

See the FAQ section below for the detailed week-by-week schedule.

Train in Sydney Harbour and offshore NSW

Training takes place from Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney — combining iconic harbour sailing with genuine offshore passage-making.

You’ll sail past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before heading offshore along the spectacular New South Wales coastline.

Typical passage destinations may include:

• Jervis Bay — sheltered anchorages and pristine beaches
• Pittwater & Seal Rocks — outstanding coastal sailing
• Coffs Harbour — ideal offshore passage-making conditions

Expect varied conditions, offshore adventure and the chance to sail alongside dolphins, migrating whales and plenty of Flying Fish!

Professional training fleet

Train across a fleet selected for performance, offshore capability and practical learning:

• Beneteau 40.7 — proven offshore cruiser-racers
• Beneteau First 40 — modern performance cruisers
• SV Arctos (Radford 55) — flagship offshore training yacht
• RS Zest and Laser Bahia dinghies
• Highfield RIBs for support and powerboat training

Shore-based learning takes place in our waterfront classrooms at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

Expert instructors

Training is delivered by experienced instructors known for Flying Fish’s practical, supportive and hands-on teaching style.

You’ll receive regular coaching, feedback and mentoring throughout the programme.

Accommodation

If you're travelling from outside Sydney, accommodation is available in our shared crew apartments in Manly — close to beaches, cafés and public transport.

You’re also welcome to arrange your own accommodation nearby.

See the FAQ section below for accommodation options and pricing.

• Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading, training resources, and certification. 
• Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided; we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
• Shared cabin accommodation and meals onboard on live-aboard passages 
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
• Fast-track customers can join our weekend dinghy and windsurf classes free of charge.
• RYA YM exam fees (approximately $465) are not included and are payable directly to the RYA on the exam day. 

Qualifications and experience

See the FAQ section below for a complete list of the qualifications and experience acquired on the programme.

• The course is often described as a 'Zero to Hero' programme. As such, it is suitable for newcomers to sailing and boating. Having said this, any prior experience in sailing and boating (e.g. dinghy sailing or windsurfing) will be very helpful.
• If you are already at RYA Day Skipper standard, consider joining our Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track course.
• To plan your pathway to Yachtmaster with a custom package of short courses, see here.
• Please note that all seafarers seeking certification as commercial Yachtmasters and Deck Officers under the MCA or AMSA must have full-colour vision.

• If you leave the Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track as a qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster and AMSA Sailing Master, you will be ready to start work as a skipper. See FAQ section below for details of work opportunities upon graduation.
• If you want to work as an instructor at an RYA school, you will need to complete a Yacht Cruising Instructor course.
• To qualify for your Yachtmaster Ocean / Master of Yachts 200 gt (unlimited) certification, see here.

• 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. ”
• Lyndsay Barnes - UK
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
• 
• “ Joining the Flying Fish Yachtmaster programme was one of the best decisions I ever made, My new office is floating on Sydney Harbour. If you’re considering doing the course, sign up now and don’t give it a second thought. But be warned, it could change your life ”

• Booking information
  • If you book in advance, you can secure your place on the course by paying a 10% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until 60 days before the course start date, when the remaining balance of the course fees will be due.
  • Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable, but it may be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event if you give at least 60 days’ notice before your original course start date.
  • We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• What type of people join the programme?
  • The minimum age is 18 years.
  • We welcome men and women from all backgrounds and experience levels.
  • One of the things that makes this programme special is the variety of people it attracts. We typically see a mix of gap-year students, post-university travellers, career changers, aspiring professional sailors and always a number of students in their 50s, 60s and beyond who are still looking for challenge and adventure.
  • This diversity of ages, backgrounds and life experience is one of the things that makes the programme fantastic. Students learn from one another, form strong friendships and create a supportive team atmosphere that often lasts well beyond the course.
• Course programme
  • Week 1 – RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / Marine First Aid (1 day) / Dinghy Sailing Level 1/2 (2 days) / ACMA Marine Radio Operator (1 day)
  • Week 2 – RYA Competent Crew (5 days aboard)
  • Week 3 – RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
  • Week 4 – RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days aboard)
  • Week 5 – Racing and Spinnakers (2 days) / Essential Yacht Maintenance (3 days) / Safety and Sea Survival (2 days)
  • Weeks 6–8 – Yachtmaster Milebuilder and Qualifying Passages (16 days live-aboard) / PPR (self-paced online)
  • Week 9 – RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory (6 days)
  • Week 10 – RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (5 days live-aboard)
  • Week 11 – Yachtmaster Practical Skills (5 days)
  • Week 12 – Yachtmaster Prep and Exam Week (5 days aboard)
  • The above programme may be run in a different order, but the training units are correct.
• Qualifications and experience
  • Approx. 2500 sea miles logged
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • TCP Marine First Aid (Workplace Approved)
  • RYA Diesel Engine Certificate
  • Essential Yacht Maintenance
  • RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages/watchkeeper experience
  • RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2
  • Intro Racing and Spinnaker Handling Course
  • ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Marine Radio Operator Licence
  • RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Coastal Skipper
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence (Sail) – subject to meeting medical requirements
  • AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival
  • RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)
  • AMSA Sailing Master Offshore NC – subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
  • AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 – subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
• Where should I stay while training?
  • Flying Fish crew apartments – Stay with fellow Flying Fish students in Manly, one of Sydney’s most iconic beach suburbs.
  • Our crew apartments are comfortably furnished for shared living and are a short trip from the training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
  • Many students find the accommodation becomes a memorable part of the experience — building friendships, study groups and a strong team atmosphere.
  • Room share (twin): A$790 per week
    Single room: A$1,190 per week
  • Accommodation packages are available for the full duration of the programme.
  • You can also arrange your own accommodation through Airbnb, hostels, Flatmates.com.au or private rentals in Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah and Mosman.
• Visas for international students
  • Apart from Australians and New Zealanders, everyone travelling to Australia must apply for a visa in advance.
  • Do not apply for a student visa – these are only available for government-sanctioned higher education courses. A tourist visa or a working holiday visa if you plan to work is acceptable.
• What happens if I fail the Yachtmaster exams?
  • We do our best to ensure you’re fully prepared. However, if you don’t pass, you’ll leave with a clear action plan to complete. Typically, this involves revising any missing skills or knowledge and then retaking the exam.
  • Over 90% of our Yachtmaster candidates pass the first time.
• Can I customise the course or complete the programme over a more extended period?
  • Yes. If you'd like a personalised course schedule, either by omitting specific units or spreading training over a year or more, please contact us with your requirements.
• What are the work opportunities once I am qualified?
  • Find out more about job opportunities on yachts here.