Essential Yacht Maintenance

Learn the essential maintenance skills needed to keep a modern cruising yacht safe and reliable. This practical three-day course for boat owners and skippers covers diesel engines, marine electrics, winches, rigging checks, and preventative maintenance, and includes online pre-learning in marine electrics before the course begins.

Description

The Flying Fish Essential Yacht Maintenance course is a practical three-day programme designed to give you the skills and confidence to maintain a modern cruising yacht.

Through hands-on training you'll learn how to inspect and maintain key onboard systems, identify common faults and reduce the risk of equipment failure at sea.

Before attending, you'll complete a self-paced online introduction to marine electrics covering DC systems, batteries, charging, wiring and basic fault finding.

Course programme

Day 1 – Yacht systems, maintenance and ropework

  • Planned and preventative yacht maintenance
  • Winch servicing and maintenance
  • Steering, rig and pump inspections
  • Annual maintenance including antifouling, anodes, seacocks and rudder bearings
  • Practical ropework including whipping and splicing

Day 2 – Marine electrics

  • Understanding 12 V marine electrical systems
  • Batteries and charging systems
  • Wiring, fuses and circuit protection
  • Using a multimeter
  • Practical electrical fault finding

Day 3 – RYA Diesel Engine

  • Marine diesel engine operation and routine servicing
  • Daily engine checks and preventative maintenance
  • Cooling, lubrication and fuel systems
  • Fuel bleeding and basic fault finding

Professional instruction

Learn from experienced Flying Fish instructors with extensive knowledge of modern cruising yachts and onboard systems.

Whether you're maintaining your own yacht or preparing for a professional sailing career, you'll leave with practical skills to improve safety, reliability and confidence on board.

Before you start

  • No previous experience is required.
  • This course is highly valuable for boat owners, operators, cruising sailors, and anyone wanting a better understanding of modern yacht systems, maintenance, and onboard safety.
  • It is especially useful for sailors planning to work commercially as Yachtmasters, charter skippers, delivery crew, or professional sailing instructors.

Faq

  • Booking information
    • Secure your place with a 20% holding deposit when booking more than 60 days in advance. The balance is due 60 days before the course starts.
    • Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event.
    • Receive a 10% discount when booking three or more courses in a single transaction.
    • Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
    • View our Terms and Conditions.
  • What is included in the online Marine Electrics pre-learning?
    • Before attending the practical course, you'll complete a self-paced introduction to marine electrical systems.
    • Topics include basic electrical principles, marine DC systems, batteries and charging systems, circuit diagrams, wiring and installation, fault finding, onboard electrical checks, and a final assessment.
  • Is this course useful for professional Yachtmasters and commercial skippers?
    • Yes. A sound understanding of yacht systems and maintenance is an important professional skill for Yachtmasters, charter skippers, delivery crew, sailing instructors, and anyone operating vessels commercially.
    • This course develops the practical knowledge and confidence needed to diagnose common faults, carry out routine maintenance, and reduce the risk of mechanical failures at sea.
  • Will this course help me maintain my own boat?
    • Absolutely. This course is designed to help boat owners better understand their yacht's systems, carry out routine maintenance, identify faults early, and communicate more effectively with marine technicians when specialist repairs are required.
    • The practical skills gained can improve safety, reliability, and help reduce maintenance costs over the life of your boat.

What next?

What's included

  • Expert practical instruction and hands-on training
  • Online pre course learning in Marine Electrics
  • All course notes and training materials
  • Use of equipment, engines and tools during the course

Qualifications awarded

  • RYA Diesel Engine Certificate
  • Flying Fish Essential Yacht Maintenance Certificate of Course Completion

Similar courses

This course is your complete introduction to sailing, leading to a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate. Designed for beginners, it builds confidence on the water and develops the skills needed to become an active, capable crew member. By the end of the course, you will be able to steer, handle sails and lines, and assist in all key onboard procedures.

More Information

The RYA Day Skipper Practical course teaches you to take charge of a yacht with confidence, building on the skills learned at Competent Crew level. On completion, you’ll gain your RYA Day Skipper certificate and can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) — often required to charter yachts in Europe.

More Information

Build the knowledge and confidence to skipper a sailing yacht or powerboat safely. Learn navigation, chartwork, weather, passage planning and practical seamanship through the internationally recognised RYA Day Skipper shorebased course.

More Information

Spend a fabulous day sailing on Sydney Harbour aboard one of our comfortable yachts. This is an excellent way to gently learn the ropes, meet new friends, and have a whole lot of fun in the great outdoors. Please choose one of our scheduled dates or enquire below to book it as a private event for your group.

More Information

Try sailing on Sydney Harbour in just 3 hours. Take the helm, learn the basics and experience the thrill of sailing in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session. No experience needed — just come aboard and give it a go.

More Information

STCW Basic Safety Training is the internationally recognised safety qualification required to work on commercial vessels and superyachts worldwide. Essential for anyone starting a career in the superyacht and maritime industry.

More Information

This comprehensive course provides in-depth training in offshore navigation, meteorology, tides, and collision regulations. It delivers all the theoretical knowledge required to prepare for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore (NC)

More Information

Our Yachtmaster Milebuilders are an ideal way to gain valuable sea miles and complete qualifying passages as you prepare for your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. You'll join a series of extended offshore passages, sailing by day and night as part of a watch system, building real-world experience and confidence at sea.

More Information

The Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track programme is designed for confident sailors who have completed RYA Day Skipper or have previous experience as skipper in sheltered waters. It provides an efficient pathway to the RYA /MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore Certifcate

More Information

This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC

More Information

Hamilton Island Race Week – A Flying Fish Favourite! Set in the stunning Whitsunday Islands, this premier event offers fantastic trade wind sailing in a tropical paradise. A Flying Fish flagship event, so book early to secure your crew spot and join the fun!

More Information

As a skipper, it is important to be aware of the qualification requirements when operating a vessel in foreign waters. For recreational boating—particularly when chartering in countries such as Greece or Croatia—the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is commonly accepted by local maritime authorities and charter companies as evidence of boating competence.

More Information

This one day course is for the Sydney boating enthusiast who wants a basic understanding of the operation and maintenance of an outboard motor. We teach you how to take simple measures to prevent mechanical breakdown at sea and to rectify defects which do not require workshop support.

More Information

Marine First Aid training designed for people who work and operate on the water. Ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers and crew, the course develops practical emergency response skills for marine environments and leads to the nationally recognised Statement of Attainment HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid.

More Information

Join a spectacular offshore passage from the Whitsundays to Sydney. This is a fantastic opportunity for adventure-minded sailors to build sea miles and complete offshore qualifying passages under the guidance of a professional instructor. Whether you're preparing for the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence or simply seeking an unforgettable sailing experience, this voyage delivers challenge, learning, and adventure in equal measure.

More Information

Join the crew for an unforgettable blue-water sailing adventure to spectacular Lord Howe Island. Build offshore experience, develop your sailing skills, and discover the excitement and challenge of a true ocean passage.

More Information

This magnificent one thousand-mile sailing adventure is definitely a Flying Fish favourite. It provides an excellent opportunity for competent sailors to gain sea miles, offshore experience, and qualifying passages, in preparation for the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence assessment.

More Information

Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) is a compulsory online course for qualified RYA Yachtmasters who require a Commercial Endorsement.

More Information

Develop the skills and confidence to race yachts with symmetrical spinnakers. Over two practical days you'll learn how to rig, hoist, trim, gybe and recover a spinnaker safely while improving your boat handling, teamwork and sail trim.

More Information

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course is designed for experienced Day Skippers and sailors ready to progress to more challenging coastal and offshore sailing. Over five days, you'll develop your navigation, seamanship and boat handling skills, building the confidence to skipper a yacht safely in more demanding conditions.

More Information

Gain the knowledge and confidence to understand, maintain and troubleshoot your yacht's diesel engine. This one-day RYA Diesel Engine course teaches the essential systems, routine maintenance and practical fault-finding skills needed to keep your engine running reliably afloat.

More Information

Complete your RYA Day Skipper Practical over three flexible weekends. Build the skills and confidence to take command of a yacht and, on completion, gain your RYA Day Skipper certificate.

More Information

Learn to drive powerboats safely and confidently on Sydney Harbour with the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. This internationally recognised, industry-standard qualification is ideal for beginners, recreational boaters, professional yacht crew, watersports instructors and marine tourism operators.

More Information

Prepare for the prestigious RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence through a unique combination of RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and an unforgettable Pacific ocean qualifying passage to Lord Howe Island.

More Information

The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shore-based week teaches you ocean passage planning and celestial navigation, including the use of a sextant. You will leave the course confident that you have the knowledge and skills required to navigate an ocean passage using traditional methods.

More Information

The Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track in Sydney combines professional skipper training, celestial navigation and real offshore passagemaking. Begin by working towards your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and AMSA Sailing Master Offshore, before progressing to ocean navigation and a qualifying passage in preparation for the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean oral examination.

More Information

This five-day programme prepares you for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Certificate of Competence examination. It includes three days of focused coaching, boat familiarisation and practical skills training with an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, followed by a two-day examination conducted by an independent RYA examiner.

More Information

Our Superyacht Steward/ess course at Flying Fish UK provides the essential skills and qualifications needed to start working as a Superyacht Steward or Stewardess. It's the perfect springboard you need to enter the industry with confidence.

More Information

The iconic 628-nautical-mile Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is one of the world’s toughest ocean challenges—often called the Everest of offshore yacht racing. Each year, more than 100 yachts take on the elements and the competition in a superb test of seamanship, endurance and teamwork. Completing this legendary race is a major achievement on any sailor’s CV.

More Information

This blended learning course meets the requirements of World Sailing, RYA, and Australian Sailing for offshore racing and passagemaking. The course includes 6–8 hours of self-paced online learning followed by a 5–6 hour practical training day covering essential sea survival techniques, emergency procedures, and safety equipment use. No prior experience required.

More Information

Get your NSW Boat Licence in one fun, practical day with Flying Fish. This hands-on course includes all required theory, on-water training, and testing, delivered by expert instructors. Suitable for adults and children aged 12+, with the option to add a Jetski (PWC) Licence when you book

More Information

The RYA Cruising Instructor course prepares commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmasters to become professionally accredited RYA instructors. This internationally recognised qualification can open doors to teaching opportunities at more than 2,400 RYA training centres across 58 countries and is an excellent springboard into professional yachting.

More Information

Go from complete beginner to confident skipper in just 4 weeks! Learn to drive powerboats, sail dinghies and skipper your own yacht in this exciting, hands-on sailing adventure on Sydney Harbour. Gain internationally recognised qualifications, including the RYA Day Skipper certificate, and develop the skills and confidence to charter yachts in Australia and overseas.

More Information

For beginners, sailors, and boaters seeking a solid foundation in navigation, safety, and seamanship — this self-paced RYA course teaches you to read charts, plan routes, and navigate with confidence. Ideal for sailing holidays and your first step towards becoming a capable skipper.

More Information

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 examinations. Through focused, hands-on training, you'll build the confidence and consistency needed to perform at examination standard.

More Information

The Yachtmaster Coastal Fast-Track in Sydney is a 9-week program that takes you from novice to the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence. Train with expert instructors, sail iconic Sydney Harbour and gain hands-on experience on a well-equipped fleet. A perfect blend of adventure and professional training!

More Information

This immersive professional training programme combines practical on-water training with shore-based theory and leads to the internationally recognised RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and AMSA Sailing Master Offshore certification. Designed to prepare you for real-world sailing and professional work afloat, these globally respected qualifications provide a proven pathway to employment opportunities across Australia, the UK, Europe and the Caribbean.

More Information

Build on the skills learned during our Start Yachting Weekend and become a confident, capable member of a cruising yacht crew. Enjoy hands-on sailing aboard our fast, comfortable 40-foot training yachts on spectacular Sydney Harbour.

More Information

The Sydney Harbour Regatta is Australia's premier inshore yacht racing event. The exhilarating race programme on the water is matched only by the fantastic 'après sail' social scene at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

More Information

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.

More Information

A 500-nautical-mile offshore training passage designed to build experience and help sailors meet Category 1 qualifying passage requirements for major ocean races, including the Sydney to Hobart, RORC Fastnet Race and Caribbean 600. Ideal for race preparation and aspiring RYA Yachtmasters seeking valuable offshore experience.

More Information

Sail the iconic route from Hobart to Sydney in on our impressive, cutter rigged, Sydney to Hobart race yacht Arctos.

More Information

This half-day revalidation course is for sailors who have already completed the AS/World Sailing Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course and need to renew their certificate. Refresh your practical safety and survival skills, update your knowledge of modern offshore procedures and equipment, and maintain certification for offshore racing and professional sailing.

More Information

A professional training programme with Flying Fish UK, designed to help you secure your first job as a superyacht deckhand — with all the training, qualifications, and career support you need in one 15-day intensive course.

More Information

Join our Whitsundays Sailing Adventure course and learn to sail or refresh your skills in one of the world's most stunning sailing locations. Escape the winter chills and enjoy a memorable week sailing in paradise with us. Learn as much as you want from our friendly instructor or relax as hard as you like!

More Information

This course, based in the stunning Whitsudnay Islands, provides a comprehensive introduction to yachting and leads to a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate. The course is designed for novice sailors who want to become valuable and active crew members. By the end of the course, you should be able to steer, handle sails and mooring lines, and assist in all boat and sail handling procedures on board.

More Information

Learn the COLREGS (Rules of the Road) — essential for safe boating, Yachtmaster exams, and commercial certification, covering all rules required for Yachtmaster preparation.

More Information

Learn how onboard DC electrical systems work, how to diagnose common faults, and how to keep essential boat systems running safely and reliably — ideal for recreational boat owners, liveaboards, professional skippers, and Yachtmaster candidates.

More Information

Australia's complete online course for new sailors, powerboaters and boat owners. Build the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy boating safely through ten practical online modules you can complete at your own pace. The ideal preparation before RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper Practical, RYA Powerboat Level 2, the NSW Boat Licence or buying your first boat.

More Information