RYA Yacht Cruising Instructor

Become a qualified RYA Cruising Instructor and open the door to instructing opportunities at RYA training centres in Australia, the UK, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Working as a yacht instructor is one of the best ways to accelerate your sailing and seamanship skills while developing the leadership, communication and yacht management abilities needed to become an exceptional skipper.

During this intensive and highly practical week, you will gain a detailed understanding of the RYA instructional approach and the friendly, professional coaching style that defines Flying Fish.

By the end of the course, you will have the skills, confidence and teaching framework needed to begin training the next generation of sailors.

Typical instructor opportunities: RYA schools • Gap year programmes • Flotilla sailing • Yacht deliveries • Charter operations.

What you’ll learn

The course is highly interactive and delivered through realistic role-play scenarios, with candidates rotating through the instructor role and receiving structured feedback throughout the week.

You will learn how people learn, how to coach effectively, and how to structure training sessions that build confidence and accelerate student progress.

Key training areas include:

• Understanding the RYA Training Scheme and course progression
• Learning styles and practical coaching techniques
• Effective briefing and debriefing skills
• Teaching practical sailing skills for Competent Crew and Day Skipper students
• Delivering engaging onboard theory sessions
• Planning and sequencing exercises for maximum learning
• Managing course delivery within realistic timeframes

The yacht and your instructor

The course is delivered aboard one of our Beneteau 40-foot training yachts by a highly experienced and qualified RYA Instructor Trainer.

The final day includes an independent moderation and assessment conducted by a second trainer to ensure consistency with RYA standards.

Location and sailing conditions

Training takes place on Sydney Harbour and the spectacular New South Wales coastline.

Daily plans are adapted to make the most of the prevailing weather conditions and create varied, realistic teaching scenarios.

Expect excellent sailing conditions ranging from warm summer nor’easters to cool, fresh southerly changes — ideal conditions for developing confident, adaptable instructors.

• Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading.
• Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided; we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
• All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
• Please bring your own lunch and snacks.
• We provide tea coffee, and water on board

Qualifications and experience

• 150 sea miles logged
• RYA Cruising Instructor

• Hold a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence.
• RYA Cruising Instructors are required to maintain RYA Accredited Membership. You can apply or renew your membership here.
• Once registered, you will receive pre-course study materials to help you prepare and get the most from your instructor training week.

• As a qualified RYA Yacht Cruising Instructor, you are ready to apply for work running courses up to the Day Skipper level at any RYA sailing school worldwide. 
• With two years of instructing experience, you can progress to the RYA Yachtmaster Instructor qualification, which allows you to teach the higher levels of the RYA training scheme. 

• Booking information
  • If you book more than sixty days before your course start date, you can secure your place with a 20% holding deposit paid via the links above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days before the course start date, when the remaining course fees will be required.
  • The deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event.
  • We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• What are the prerequisites for this course?
  • You must hold a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.
  • You also need to be a current RYA member and complete the required pre-course online knowledge module.
  • We recommend recent skippering experience and familiarity with the Competent Crew and Day Skipper syllabus.
• What happens if I don't pass the course?
  • If you are unsuccessful on your first attempt, the Instructor Trainer will give you a clear action plan.
  • This may include a reassessment with a Cruising Instructor Trainer or an agreed number of courses where you assist an experienced instructor to build your skills and confidence.
  • Flying Fish will support you with guidance and options to help you achieve certification at a later date.
• What are the career opportunities after the course?
  • This qualification is highly regarded in the yachting industry and provides access to jobs instructing in Australia, the UK, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean.
  • It is a strong foundation for a long-term career as a sailing instructor or professional skipper.
  • You’ll gain valuable coaching, leadership, and yacht management skills.
• Where can I find more information about working on yachts?
  • Visit our Work on Yachts page for details on training pathways, current opportunities, and career tips.
  • This is a great starting point if you're looking to enter the industry or continue your professional development.