Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track

Our flagship professional sailing programme, the Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track is designed for ambitious sailors seeking world-class training, internationally recognised qualifications, and genuine offshore adventure.

After successfully completing your RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, you’ll be qualified to skipper commercial sailing vessels up to 200GT on unlimited passages worldwide.

Combining expert instruction, structured progression and extensive sea time, the programme develops not only your qualifications but also the judgement, confidence and passagemaking experience needed for professional sailing careers.

Course schedule

Training combines live-aboard offshore passages, day sailing, shore-based theory, navigation, seamanship and exam preparation in a balanced pathway from competent sailor to ocean skipper.

Weekends are generally free, giving you the opportunity to explore Sydney or build even more experience through optional dinghy sailing, windsurfing, weekend courses and yacht racing.

• September programme: Includes a four-week Christmas break, with the Lord Howe qualifying passage running from Hobart to Sydney
• February programme: Runs continuously, with the ocean passage starting and finishing in Sydney

Please see the FAQ section below for the detailed week-by-week schedule.

Superb sailing areas

Based at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney, the programme explores some of Australia’s most spectacular cruising and offshore sailing grounds.

Training is based in Sydney Harbour and offshore passages may include Jervis Bay, Pittwater, Seal Rocks, and Coffs Harbour and the 

Expect varied offshore conditions, unforgettable night watches, dolphins, whales and plenty of flying fish!

Complete your qualifying ocean passage to remote World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island with opportunities to explore the island before returning to Sydney, weather permitting.

Training yachts and facilities

• Beneteau 40.7 cruiser-racers
• Beneteau First 40 performance cruisers
• SV Arctos (Radford 55) — offshore training yacht for extended passagemaking
• Laser Bahia and RS Zest dinghies
• Highfield RIBs for support and powerboat training

Training is supported by our waterfront classroom and training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

Experienced instructors

Training is delivered by experienced professional sailors and instructors using Flying Fish’s practical, supportive and hands-on coaching approach.

The emphasis is on developing capable, independent skippers through real responsibility, constructive feedback and extensive time on the water.

Many students describe the programme as transformational — combining professional qualifications with friendships, adventure and experiences that stay with them for life.

Accommodation and local area

If you’re travelling to Sydney, accommodation is available in our shared crew apartments in Manly, close to beaches, cafés and public transport.

Sharing with fellow Flying Fish students often becomes a memorable part of the experience — creating friendships, and a strong team atmosphere that extends well beyond time on the water.

You are also welcome to arrange your own accommodation nearby.

Please see the FAQ section below for further details.

• No previous yachting experience is required to join the programme. However, any experience in sailing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing or general boating will be an advantage and may help you progress more quickly and confidently.
• Please note that candidates seeking commercial certification through the MCA or AMSA must meet the applicable colour vision requirements.

• Tuition, logbook, training resources, and certification
• Life jackets and safety harnesses / Wet weather gear available to borrow
• Shared cabin accommodation and meals during live-aboard passages / Bathrooms on all training vessels
• Free weekend dinghy and windsurfing classes (Fast Track students)

Additional costs

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore exam fee (~A$465), paid to the RYA on exam day
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean oral exam (if applicable), paid directly to the examiner
• Flight Sydney–Hobart (September start only)

Qualifications and experience

See the FAQ section below for the full list of qualifications and experience gained.

• Graduate as an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore with your Yachtmaster Ocean Theory certificate and a completed qualifying ocean passage. You will be ready to apply for the Yachtmaster Ocean oral exam (arranged separately).
• You will meet the requirements for a commercial endorsement on your Yachtmaster Offshore certificate and for the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore qualification. A commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore allows you to skipper vessels up to 200GT, up to 150 miles from a safe haven. Once you gain Yachtmaster Ocean, this becomes unlimited by distance.
• If you plan to work as an RYA instructor, you will also need the Yacht Cruising Instructor course.

• Cameron Pimentel
• Yachtmaster Ocean Fast Track
• 
• “ I've been lucky enough to be hired by an incredible carbon ketch based out of New Zealand. So many thanks again to George and everyone else at Flying Fish! ”
• Willem Rootselaar
• Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
• 
• “ This has been the greatest life experience I ever had!! and with the result: Yachtmaster! Now I'm a REAL Sailor! ”
• Lyndsay Barnes 
• Dayskipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track 
• 
• “ Joining the Flying Fish Yachtmaster programme was one of the best decisions I ever made, My new office is floating on Sydney Harbour. If you’re considering doing the course, sign up now and don’t give it a second thought. But be warned, it could change your life. ”

• How do I book and what are the payment terms?
  • If you are booking more than 60 days in advance, you can secure your place with a 10% holding deposit using the booking links above.
  • Your deposit reserves your place until the remaining balance is due 60 days before the programme start date.
  • The deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event with at least 60 days’ notice.
  • Places are limited, so we recommend booking early.
  • View our terms and conditions here.
• What type of people join the programme?
  • The minimum age is 18. We welcome men and women of all backgrounds.
  • One of the things that makes this programme special is the variety of people it attracts. We typically see a mix of gap-year students, post-university travellers, career changers, aspiring professional sailors and always a number of students in their 50s, 60s and beyond who are still looking for challenge and adventure.
  • From our perspective, this diversity of ages, backgrounds and life experience is one of the things that makes the programme fantastic. Students learn from one another, form strong friendships and create a supportive team atmosphere that lasts well beyond the course.
• How does the programme schedule work?
  • Week 1 — RYA Powerboat Level 2 / Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2 / Marine First Aid / ACMA Marine Radio Operator
  • Week 2 — RYA Competent Crew
  • Week 3 — RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
  • Week 4 — RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • Week 5 — Racing and Spinnakers / Basic Yacht Maintenance / Safety and Sea Survival
  • Weeks 6–8 — Yachtmaster Milebuilder and Qualifying Passages / PPR online
  • Week 9 — RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory
  • Week 10 — RYA Coastal Skipper Practical
  • Week 11 — Yachtmaster Practical Skills
  • Week 12 — RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Theory
  • Weeks 13–15 — Ocean passage planning / Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage
  • Week 16 — Yachtmaster Prep and Exam Week
  • The order may vary due to weather and operational requirements, but the training outcomes remain the same.
• What qualifications and experience can I gain?
  • Approx. 3700 logged sea miles
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • Marine First Aid (Workplace Approved)
  • RYA Diesel Engine certificate
  • Basic Yacht Maintenance
  • RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages / watchkeeper experience
  • RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2
  • 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 fitness requirements
  • AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival
  • RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)
  • AMSA Sailing Master Offshore NC — subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
  • AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 — subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
  • RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased Theory
  • RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying sights
  • RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage
• Where should I stay while training?
  • Flying Fish crew apartments — Stay with fellow Flying Fish students in Manly, one of Sydney’s most iconic beach suburbs.
  • Our crew apartments are comfortably furnished for shared living and are a short trip from the training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
  • Many students find the accommodation becomes a great part of the experience — building friendships, study groups and a strong team atmosphere.
  • Room share (twin): A$790 per week / Single room: A$1190 per week.
  • You can also arrange your own accommodation through Airbnb, hostels, Flatmates.com.au or private rentals in Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah and Mosman.
• Do I need a visa?
  • International students should generally apply for a tourist visa or working holiday visa depending on eligibility and future plans.
  • Please do not apply for an Australian student visa for this programme.
• What happens if I do not pass the Yachtmaster exam first time?
  • We do everything possible to prepare you thoroughly and over 90% of our Yachtmaster candidates pass first time.
  • If further preparation is needed, we will help you create a clear action plan and pathway to complete the remaining requirements and retake the exam.
• Can I customise the programme?
  • Yes. You can spread training over a longer period, omit selected training units or build a personalised pathway.
  • Please contact us to discuss options.
• What opportunities are available after qualifying?
  • Graduates commonly progress into instructing, yacht delivery, flotilla sailing, charter work, private yachts and other professional sailing roles.
  • Learn more about working on yachts here.