Start Yachting Weekend
Learn to sail on Sydney Harbour with a fun, hands-on weekend designed for complete beginners. Build confidence on the water and take your first step towards internationally recognised RYA qualifications.
Description

Start Yachting is a practical introduction to sailing and the internationally recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training scheme.
Over two days on Sydney Harbour, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sailing, take the helm and experience what it’s like to be part of a yacht crew. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a new hobby, planning a sailing holiday or thinking about progressing through the RYA training scheme.
What you’ll do
- Take the helm and steer under sail and power
- Learn to tack, gybe and sail on different points of sail
- Trim sails and discover how a yacht responds
- Practise rope handling and using winches
- Learn basic yacht handling, safety and teamwork
Learn with experienced instructors
You’ll train aboard one of our Beneteau First 40.7 yachts with an experienced RYA instructor and a maximum of five students — giving you plenty of time at the helm, hands-on sailing and individual coaching.
Why Sydney Harbour?
Sydney Harbour is an outstanding place to learn, with sheltered waters, reliable sea breezes and varied sailing conditions. Flying Fish has been teaching people to sail from Middle Harbour Yacht Club for more than 20 years.
Private courses
Get your own group together and book the whole yacht and instructor. Private courses are a fun, relaxed way to learn with family or friends and can also be excellent value when you share the cost between your group.
See the FAQs below for private course pricing and information, or use the Enquiry button above to contact us.
Before you start
- No previous sailing experience is required — Start Yachting is designed for complete beginners.
- After booking, you’ll receive short pre-course reading to help you get the most from your weekend.
What next?
- Continue with two RYA Competent Crew Weekends to complete your internationally recognised RYA Competent Crew certificate.
- Prefer to complete your training in one block? Choose our 5-day RYA Competent Crew course.
- Book three or more Flying Fish courses in a single transaction and receive a 10% discount.
What's included
- Two days of RYA sailing instruction in a small group
- RYA Start Yachting logbook, certificate and pre-course information
- Life jackets and safety equipment
- Wet weather clothing available to borrow if required
- Training aboard our Beneteau First 40.7 yachts with enclosed bathroom facilities
Please bring your own lunch and snacks.
Testimonials
- Michael Green
- Private Start Yachting Weekend

- "Our instructor for the Start Yachting Course last weekend was wonderful. The whole family had an amazing time!"
- Alison Thursby
- Start Yachting Weeekend

- “ Our instructor, Chris was fantastic. I now understand the basics of sailing and have recommended the course to many others. I look forward to doing a competent crew course soon ”
- Jessie Williams
- Start Yachting Weekend

- “Matt is a deadset legend. He took a group of 5 adults who knew absolutely nothing about sailing to a place where we all felt proud and exhilarated! He was calm, funny, specific, and clear. He tracked us as individuals, offering reminders and tips on the things we got wrong (without telling us that we got it wrong)”
Faq
- Booking information
- Please review our terms and conditions and cancellation policy before booking.
- Places are limited, so we recommend booking early.
- Do I need any sailing experience?
- No. Start Yachting is designed for complete beginners.
- What time does the course run?
- Training normally runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
- Am I too old, unfit or likely to get seasick?
- We welcome a wide range of ages and abilities. You don’t need to be highly athletic, but reasonable mobility and a moderate level of fitness will help.
- Most training takes place in the sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour, so seasickness is uncommon. If you’re concerned, speak to your pharmacist about suitable preventative medication.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Courses normally run in all weather. Your instructor will adapt the programme to the conditions, with safety always the priority.
- Can I book a private course for my family or group?
- Yes. Private courses give your group exclusive use of the yacht and instructor, with dates arranged to suit you.
- They can also be very cost-effective: pay for four places and bring up to five people, so getting your own group together can offer excellent value.
- The minimum age for private courses is 12.
- To enquire about a private course, use the Enquiry button at the top of the page.
- What should I bring?
- Quick-dry clothing and warm layers
- Non-slip shoes
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Waterproof clothing — loan wet weather gear is available if required
- Your own lunch and snacks
- Life jackets are provided