Yachtmaster Prep and Exam
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.
Description
Designed for experienced sailors, this course provides the final coaching and preparation needed to approach your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore examination with confidence.
Course programme
- Monday: Practical training and night pilotage (finish approximately 21:30)
- Tuesday: Practical training
- Wednesday: Final preparation; examination begins at 17:00
- Thursday: Yachtmaster examinations
- Friday: Examinations conclude, followed by debrief and yacht handover
Practical skills
Refine the essential skills you'll need to demonstrate during your examination:
- Boat handling under sail and power
- Man overboard recovery
- Navigation and pilotage, including at night
- Passage planning and execution
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Crew management and leadership
The Yachtmaster examination
An independent RYA Yachtmaster Examiner will assess your boat handling, navigation, seamanship, theoretical knowledge and crew management under sail and power, by day and night, including your response to simulated emergencies.
Above all, the examiner wants to know: Are you a safe and competent skipper?
The yacht and your instructor
Train with a maximum of four candidates aboard an RYA/AMSA-approved Beneteau First 40.7, coached by an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.
On Wednesday evening, your instructor steps ashore and the independent examiner takes over. From then on, it's over to you!
Location and weather
Training and examinations take place in Sydney Harbour and nearby coastal waters.
Examinations proceed in most weather conditions, so be prepared for both sheltered and exposed waters.
Before you start
- You must already meet the RYA sea time requirements, have strong seamanship and boat handling skills, and a sound knowledge of Yachtmaster theory. See the FAQ below for full prerequisites.
- Need to refresh your theory? Complete our Yachtmaster Shore-based Theory course beforehand.
- Not fully confident in your practical skills? We strongly recommend our Yachtmaster Practical Skills Week, held immediately before Prep and Exam Week.
What's included
- Practical coaching with an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.
- Pre-course reading materials, including a helpful guide on how to pass your Yachtmaster exam and an IRPCS (Collision Regulations) study guide.
- Lifejackets and safety harnesses, with wet-weather gear available to borrow.
- Tea, coffee and drinking water. Please bring your own lunch and snacks; meals are not included.
- Bring your own logbook with your qualifying sea time and experience recorded.
- Examination fees are payable separately to the examiner: Yachtmaster Coastal $405 or Offshore $465.
- At the end of the examination, the examiner will advise you of your result and make a recommendation to the RYA.
Overnight arrangements
- The yacht normally returns to Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC), Mosman, each evening, although some sessions may finish late. The examiner may choose to remain at sea overnight during the examination.
- You can stay ashore or sleep aboard. Please email us in advance if you'd like a berth.
- MHYC has showers, toilets and nearby dining options. Cooking aboard is not permitted, but a kettle and fridge are available.
What next?
Your RYA Yachtmaster qualification opens the door to professional sailing opportunities and further qualifications.
- Apply for a commercial endorsement to work professionally as a Yachtmaster. See the FAQ below for requirements.
- Train as an RYA Yacht Cruising Instructor and explore teaching opportunities at RYA-recognised training centres worldwide.
- Progress towards the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence, the next level of the Yachtmaster scheme.
Faq
- How do I book and pay?
- Book more than 60 days ahead with a 20% deposit. The balance is due 60 days before your course starts.
- Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event, subject to our booking conditions.
- Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
- See our Terms and Conditions.
- What sea time do I need for the Yachtmaster exam?
- Yachtmaster Coastal: 30 days aboard, 2 days as skipper, 800 nautical miles and 12 night hours.
- With an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate: Reduced to 20 days aboard, 2 days as skipper, 400 nautical miles and 12 night hours. See our Coastal Skipper course.
- Yachtmaster Offshore: 50 days aboard, 5 days as skipper and 2,500 nautical miles, including five passages of at least 60 nautical miles, two overnight and two as skipper.
- All qualifying experience must meet RYA requirements and be recorded in your logbook before the exam.
- I have plenty of sailing experience, but are my practical skills ready for the exam?
- Meeting the sea time requirements is important, but passing the exam also requires well-practised boat handling, navigation and seamanship skills.
- Even experienced sailors may be out of practice with man overboard recovery, restricted visibility navigation, night pilotage or emergency procedures such as steering failure.
- If you sail regularly and are confident in these skills, Prep and Exam Week may be sufficient.
- If you're unsure, we strongly recommend our Yachtmaster Practical Skills Week, held immediately beforehand. It provides five days of focused training in the skills assessed during the examination.
- Can I take Yachtmaster Offshore without first passing Yachtmaster Coastal?
- Yes. You can apply directly for the Yachtmaster Offshore examination if you meet the required sea time, practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
- What qualifications do I need before the exam?
- An approved First Aid certificate.
- A recognised Marine Radio Licence.
- Knowledge equivalent to RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory.
- Practical boat handling, navigation and skippering skills appropriate to your examination level.
- How do I obtain a commercial endorsement?
- To use your RYA Yachtmaster qualification commercially, you generally need an RYA commercial endorsement. Requirements include:
- Complete an approved Offshore Safety and Sea Survival course.
- Complete the online Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) course.
- Obtain an accepted medical certificate, such as an ENG1, ML5 or eligible Australian equivalent, depending on your intended area of operation.
- Apply to the RYA for your commercial endorsement.
- An Australia-limited endorsement may be available if you intend to work exclusively in Australian waters.
- How can I work commercially on sailing yachts in Australia?
- For roles requiring an AMSA Sailing Master Offshore (NC) certificate, the pathway generally includes:
- A commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence.
- An RYA Diesel Engine certificate.
- An RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate.
- Meeting AMSA's medical and application requirements.
- See the AMSA Sailing Master Offshore requirements for full details.
- What happens if I don't pass the exam?
- Your examiner will explain which areas need improvement, and we'll help you plan further preparation and a resit.
- Over 90% of Flying Fish candidates pass on their first attempt.