Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track

Flying Fish has been training professional Yachtmasters for more than 20 years, with students joining us from around the world.

This Fast Track programme combines expert instruction, structured training, and real offshore experience to provide a proven pathway to internationally recognised RYA qualifications.

Programme schedule

The programme combines live-aboard passages, day sailing, shore-based theory, and practical seamanship training within a carefully structured schedule.

Weekends are generally free, although students are welcome to join complimentary dinghy sailing and windsurfing sessions, crew on Flying Fish courses, or take part in local yacht racing.

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

A world-class sailing location

Training is based at Flying Fish Sail Academy at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney — one of the world’s premier sailing destinations.

You’ll sail Sydney Harbour, pass the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and venture offshore along the spectacular New South Wales coastline.

Typical passages may include:

• Jervis Bay — pristine beaches and sheltered anchorages
• Pittwater and Seal Rocks — beautiful coastal scenery and varied conditions
• Coffs Harbour — excellent offshore passage-making experience

Expect varied conditions, spectacular seascapes, and regular sightings of dolphins, whales, and flying fish.

Training yachts and instructors

Training is delivered aboard a fleet of proven offshore yachts including Beneteau 40.7s, Beneteau First 40s, and our flagship offshore training yacht, SV Arctos.

Students also benefit from Laser Bahia and RS Zest dinghy sailing, Highfield RIB support boats, and our fully equipped waterfront classroom.

Our experienced instructors are known for Flying Fish’s friendly, professional, and highly practical teaching style.

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. Please see the FAQ section below for options and pricing.

• 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.
• 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

For a full list of the qualifications and experience acquired on the programme see the Faq section below

• You are confident acting as skipper in sheltered waters by day.
• You have logged at least 300 miles at sea, living onboard for a minimum of ten days.
• If you are more experienced, contact Flying Fish and let us help you plan a bespoke programme to suit you. 
• If you have less experience, please see our Yachtmaster Offshore Fast-track course. 
• All seafarers applying for certification as Commercial Yachtmasters, Deck Officers, or AMSA Sailing Masters must be medically fit and possess full-colour vision.

• If you leave the Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track as a qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster you will be ready to start work as a skipper.
• 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.

• Course programme
  • Week 1 – Racing and Spinnakers (2 days) / Essential Yacht Maintenance (3 days)
  • Week 2 – RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory (6 days)
  • Week 3 – RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (5 days live-aboard)
  • Week 4 – Yachtmaster Practical Skills (5 days) / Safety and Sea Survival (2 days)
  • Weeks 5–7 – Yachtmaster Milebuilder and Qualifying Passages (16 days live-aboard) / PPR
  • Week 8 – RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / Marine Radio Operator (1 day) / Marine First Aid (1 day) / PPR (self-paced online)
  • Week 9 – Yachtmaster Prep and Exam Week (5 days live-aboard)
  • The programme may be delivered in a different order, but the training units remain the same.
• Qualifications and experience
  • Approx. 2,200 sea miles logged
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • TCP Marine First Aid (Workplace Approved)
  • RYA Diesel Engine certificate
  • Basic Yacht Maintenance
  • RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages / watchkeeper experience
  • 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 requirements
• Where to stay ashore
  • Flying Fish crew apartments – stay with other Flying Fish customers on one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Our crew apartments in Manly are comfortably furnished for shared living and only a short bus or Uber ride to our Middle Harbour Yacht Club training centre. These apartments offer a sociable, relaxed atmosphere ideal for building friendships. Room share (twin): A$890 per week / single room: A$1290 per week. Book your accommodation package when you book your course. Accommodation packages are offered for the full duration of the programme only.
  • Book your own – Backpackers in Manly offer basic accommodation for those on a budget (approx. A$60/night for a 4–6 berth mixed dormitory). Popular hostels include Manly Backpackers, Boardrider Backpackers, and Stoke Beach House. Please do your research and check current reviews.
  • Book a room or apartment on Airbnb for flexibility and privacy, with options available in Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, and Mosman. All are an easy bus ride to the Flying Fish training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
  • Check Flatmates.com.au for shared accommodation across the Northern Beaches and Mosman — a good option for a cost-effective, community-focused stay.
  • It’s also worth checking Facebook groups such as Manly Living for additional rooms and local recommendations.
• 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, as these are generally only available for government-recognised higher education courses. Tourist visas or working holiday visas (for those seeking employment) are generally appropriate.
• What happens if I fail the Yachtmaster exams?
  • We do our best to make sure you don’t. However, if the worst comes to pass, you’ll leave with an 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 first time.
• Can I customise the course or complete the programme over a longer period?
  • Yes. If you would like to complete a personalised programme by omitting specific training units or spreading the course over a year or more, please contact us with your requirements.
• Booking information
  • To secure your place, please pay a 10% holding deposit via the links provided above. This reserves your place until sixty days before the course start date, when the remaining balance becomes due. The deposit is non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event. We recommend booking early as places are limited.
• What are the work opportunities once I am qualified?
  • Find out more about job opportunities on yachts here.

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• Liam Wilson - Croatia
• Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track
• 
• “ Big thanks to Russ, Andy, and the team for helping me with my Yachtmaster! Jim was a fantastic coach, and I have to say I love how all the staff are so welcoming and knowledgeable. It's a really positive and supportive environment down there. I worked with Charis and Cash in Croatia last year and was more than happy to recommend Flying Fish to them—they also had a fantastic experience with you!
• 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. ”
• Daniel Eatough - UK/Australia
• Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track
• 
• “I wanted to say a massive thank you because just two years ago, I did my first yachting course with you guys in Sydney and completed my Day skipper. Later that year, I completed my Yachtmaster and loved it. 
  Last week, I successfully completed my RYA Cruising Instructor course in Gibraltar”