RYA Day Skipper / Watchleader Theory

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.

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

Try sailing on Sydney Harbour in just 3 hours. Learn the basics, get hands-on at the helm, and experience the magic of sailing — all in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session. No experience needed. Just come aboard and give it a go.

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.

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.

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.

Join the crew on an unforgettable ocean sailing passage to the spectacular Pacific island of Lord Howe Island. Build real ocean miles, develop offshore sailing skills, and experience the adventure and challenge of true 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, more than 100 yachts take on the elements and the competition in a suberb test of seamanship, endurance, and teamwork. Completing this legendary offshore race is a major milestone on any sailor’s resume.

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.

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

Learn to skipper your own charter yacht in just 4 weeks Go from complete beginner to confident skipper with this intensive, hands-on sailing programme. Train on spectacular Sydney Harbour and gain internationally recognised RYA qualifications including the RYA Day Skipper certificate and ICC (International Certificate of Competence).

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.

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.

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.

Learn to sail on Sydney Harbour in a fun, hands-on weekend designed for complete beginners. Build confidence, experience life on board, and take the first step toward internationally recognised RYA qualifications.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.