RYA Yacht Cruising Instructor

As a certified RYA Cruising Instructor, you will find numerous job opportunities at RYA-approved schools in Australia, the UK, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean.

Working as a yacht instructor is a great way to enhance your sailing and seamanship skills while also developing your leadership, yacht management, and communication abilities as a skipper.

During the week, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the RYA instruction method and the friendly, professional coaching style that characterises Flying Fish.

By the end of the course, you will be ready to start training the next generation of sailors at RYA training centres worldwide! 🌎⚓

Course content overview

Candidates operate in a role-play scenario, taking turns practising in the instructor role.

We take time to develop your understanding of the learning process and the tools you can use to coach your students effectively.

You will also learn to plan your training programme to deliver the syllabus within the time frame.

Key training areas

✅ The RYA Training Scheme – Understanding the framework & progression
✅ Learning styles & teaching models – Adapting to different student needs
✅ Briefing & debriefing – Communicating clearly & constructively
✅ Practical skills instruction – Teaching Competent Crew & Day Skipper courses
✅ Onboard theory presentations – Delivering engaging and effective lessons
✅ Coaching techniques & exercises – Refining your approach for maximum student progress
✅ Course planning – Structuring lessons for success

The yacht and the instructor

The course is run by a very experienced, qualified RYA instructor trainer aboard one of our Beneteau 40-foot training yachts.

The final day of the course is an assessment/moderation run by a second independent trainer.

Location and sailing conditions

We will practise our skills sailing around Sydney Harbour and the adjacent New South Wales coast.

We plan the itinerary on a day-to-day basis to take the best advantage of the weather conditions.

The sailing conditions are generally excellent, alternating between warm 'Nor'easter' sea breezes and cool, fresh southerlies.

• 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

• You hold a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean certificate.
• As an instructor, you are also required to be an RYA accredited member.
• Once you have registered for the course, you will receive some pre-course study.  

• 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.