RYA Day Skipper / Watchleader Theory

This course 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.

The RYA Day Skipper Practical course teaches you how to take charge of a yacht and builds on the skills from Competent Crew. With an RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate, you can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) – which is often required to charter a yacht in Europe.

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.

Experience the magic of sailing on Sydney Harbour on one of our comfortable yachts. This short lesson introduces you to the exciting sport of sailing in a safe and controlled way.

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)

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

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!

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.

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.

This course has been specifically designed for those working in the marine environment and is ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers, and crew. The course leads to an internationally recognised first aid qualification.

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.

Be part of the crew on an ocean sailing passage to a stunning Pacific island destination. This superb training adventure is ideal for sailors who want to experience the magic of blue-water cruising.

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.

Learn some tricks of the trade so you can be safe on the race course. Racing with spinnakers is exciting but it also presents new risks. Flying a kite requires the crew to perform a number of tasks in the correct order.

The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical course is ideal for confident Day Skippers or sailors with equivalent experience looking to take the next step into offshore sailing. This five-day program focuses on advancing seamanship, navigation, and boat handling skills, with an emphasis on operating safely and effectively in more challenging coastal and offshore conditions.

This one-day RYA Diesel Engine course provides a practical introduction to the key systems of a marine diesel engine. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to carry out basic maintenance, prevent common causes of engine failure, and handle minor mechanical issues at sea—without needing workshop support.

The RYA Day Skipper Practical course builds on Competent Crew and teaches you how to take command of a yacht. You’ll learn to plan and lead short passages, handle the boat under sail and power, and make safe, confident decisions on board.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course at Flying Fish is essential for professional yacht crew, watersports instructors and marine tourism operators. Train on rigid inflatable boats in Sydney Harbour and gain practical skills in boat handling, safety, and high-speed driving. The certificate is internationally recognised and commercially endorsable.

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

This two-day course meets the requirements of World Sailing (formerly ISAF), RYA and AS for crew planning to take part in offshore yacht races like the Sydney to Hobart race. The course is also highly recommended for anyone going to sea for any purpose. You'll learn essential emergency procedures and survival skills that could one day save your life. No prior experience needed.

Get your NSW Boat Licence in one fun day with Flying Fish. This excellent course equips you with the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to obtain your NSW Boat Licence. Led by an expert instructor, the training is delivered in a fun, hands-on format, ensuring an engaging and informative experience. Open to adults and children aged 12 and above. Add your Jetski (PWC) Licence as an optional extra!

Get Qualified to Skipper a Charter Yacht in Just 4 Weeks! Go from beginner to RYA Day Skipper with this intensive training program. Gain internationally recognized qualifications, including the RYA Day Skipper certificate and ICC (International Certificate of Competence), while sailing in iconic Sydney Harbour.

This self-paced online course provides a beginner's introduction to the navigation theory and safety knowledge required to go boating safely at sea.

This course provides a grounding in the essential maintenance tasks required to keep a modern cruising yacht on the water.

This dynamic and comprehensive vocational program combines practical on-water training with theoretical shore-based instruction and leads to the internationally recognized RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and AMSA Sailing Master Offshore certification. These globally respected qualifications provide graduates with the essential credentials for a professional yachting career, opening doors to employment opportunities in Australia, the UK, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Learn to sail in style on fabulous Sydney Harbour. Join a friendly crew on board one of our fast, comfortable 40 foot training yachts and let us show you the ropes. The RYA Competent Crew course is a hands-on introduction to sailing for beginners.

This course provides a practical and enjoyable introduction to dinghy sailing for beginners. Suitable for youth and adults, it focuses on developing essential skills in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or build confidence on the water, this program is the perfect first step.

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.

Book a Start Yachting Weekend for a structured learn to sail course and experience the thrill of sailing while learning the fundamentals in a fun, hands-on environment. Add two Competent Crew Weekends for a comprehensive introduction to yachting, leading to the internationally recognised RYA Competent Crew certificate.

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

This is a re-validation course for those who have completed the two-day AS/World Sailing Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course but whose certificates will soon expire.

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!

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.

This comprehensive skills development course based in the stunning Whitsunday Islands leads to the RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate. RYA Day Skipper certificate holders are entitled to an International Certificate for Operator of Pleasure Craft (ICC), which is generally required for a European yacht charter.