Day Skipper Fast Track
Get Qualified to Skipper a Charter Yacht in Just 4 Weeks! Go from beginner to RYA Day Skipper with this intensive training program. Gain internationally recognized qualifications, including the RYA Day Skipper certificate and ICC (International Certificate of Competence), while sailing in iconic Sydney Harbour.
Description
This inspiring and diverse programme has been designed for novice sailors eager to accelerate their sailing knowledge and skills to the RYA Dayskipper level in a breathtaking location.
RYA Dayskipper is the initial 'skipper level' qualification in the RYA scheme, comparable to obtaining a private pilot's licence for flying.
By the end of the course, you will have earned valuable qualifications and acquired the essential skills and knowledge to skipper a small sailing yacht confidently.
Course content
π€ Powerboat Training β Begin with the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, training on our rigid inflatable rescue craft.
πΆ Dinghy Sailing β Develop foundational sailing skills in a hands-on, responsive sailing environment.
π‘ Marine Safety Training β Gain essential certifications in:
- Marine Radio Operation π»
- First Aid at Sea βοΈ
β΅ RYA Competent Crew Course β Spend five days aboard building seamanship skills and confidence on the water.
π RYA Day Skipper Shore-based - five days in the classroom, mastering navigation and key sailing theory.
π― RYA Day Skipper Practical β Apply your knowledge in a practical, on-water course, developing leadership and navigation skills.
π Check the FAQ section below for full course details and qualifications.
Set sail in Sydney
The course is based in the spectacular setting of the Flying Fish Sail Academy at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Sydney.
You sail in Sydney Harbour, Australia's favourite yachting playground, cruising past the Opera House and under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Offshore, you explore the New South Wales coast, perhaps heading north to beautiful Pittwater or south to Botany Bay.
Weather conditions vary from warm sea breezes to cool southerly busters. You will experience magnificent sunsets and seascapes, dolphins and whales if you're lucky and, of course, flying fish. This is offshore sailing at its best!
Our training fleet & equipment
β΅ Sailing Yachts β Train on a fleet of high-performance vessels, including:
- Beneteau 40.7s β Fast, comfortable cruiser-racers.
- First 40 β A well-balanced yacht for advanced training.
πΆ Dinghy & Powerboat Training β Develop key skills using:
- RS Zests & Laser Bahias β Responsive dinghies for hands-on learning.
- Highfield 5.0 & 6.0 RIBs β Rigid inflatable boats for powerboat training.
Expert instruction & safety
π RYA-Qualified Instructors β Learn from highly experienced professionals, delivering expert guidance in Flying Fishβs signature friendly and professional style.
β Safety & Ratios β We strictly adhere to RYA teaching ratios and safety guidelines, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.
Where to stay
If you are travelling from interstate or overseas for the course, we recommend you stay nearby in Manly.
Manly has amazing beaches on its doorstep and is a short bus ride or Uber from our training centre.
Start your day with a quick surf off Manly Beach!
What next?
- Once you have achieved your RYA Day Skipper certification, you will be ready to move on toward the world-renowned RYA Yachtmaster certification.
- With an RYA Day Skipper Practical and RYA Level 2 Powerboat certificate, you can apply to the RYA for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) so you can charter in Europe.
Before you start
- The course is suitable for beginners as well as those with some sailing experience but without formal training or qualifications.
- The course is self-contained, so there is no requirement for additional pre-course work. However, if you want to give yourself a headstart, we recommend completing the Essential Navigation and Seamanship online course before you join us.
- The minimum age for an RYA Day Skipper certification is 16 years.
What's included
- Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading, training resources, and certification.
- Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided, and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
- All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
Qualifications
For a full list of the qualifications and experience acquired on the programme, see the FAQ section below
Faq
- Course programme
- Week 1 - RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / Dinghy Sailing Level 1/2 (2 days) /Marine First Aid (1 day)
- Week 2 - RYA Competent Crew (5 days)
- Week 3 - RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory / ACMA Marine Radio Operator (1 day)
- Week 4 - RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days)
- The above programme may be run in a different order, but the training units are correct
- Qualifications and experience
- Approx 300 sea miles logged
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- TCP Marine First Aid
- RYA Dinghy Level 1 or 2
- ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Radio Licence
- RYA Competent Crew
- RYA Day Skipper Shorebased
- RYA Day Skipper Practical
- The course meets all the requirements of the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3.
- Where to stay ashore
- If you are arriving from interstate or overseas and need a place to stay for the course, we recommend you stay in Manly Beach, which is only a short bus ride or Uber share to our training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
- Book your own Backpackers In Manly β basic accommodation for those on a budget (approx $50 / night for 4-6 berth mixed dormitory)
- Book your own Air BNB, hotels, or serviced apartments at various prices and standards.
- Visas for international students
- Apart from Aussies and Kiwis, everybody travelling to Australia needs to apply in advance for a visa. Don't apply for a student visa. These are only available for government-sanctioned higher education courses at universities and other tertiary establishments. Tourist visas or working holiday visas (for those who want to work) are acceptable.
- Can I customise the course or complete the programme over a more extended period?
- Yes, If you would like to complete a personalised course programme either by omitting specific training units or by spreading the course out over a year or more, please contact us with your requirements
- Booking information
- To secure your place in the course, please pay a 20% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days prior to the course start date, at which point the remaining balance of the course fees will be required. Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable; however, it can be transferred to any other course or event offered by Flying Fish. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.