Day Skipper Fast Track

Go from complete beginner to confident skipper in just 4 weeks! Learn to drive powerboats, sail dinghies and skipper your own yacht in this exciting, hands-on sailing adventure on Sydney Harbour. Gain internationally recognised qualifications, including the RYA Day Skipper certificate, and develop the skills and confidence to charter yachts in Australia and overseas.

Description

Sailing student at the helm

Learn to sail and progress from complete beginner to RYA Day Skipper in one of the world's great sailing destinations.

This immersive programme combines practical sailing, navigation, safety training and boat handling to develop the skills and confidence to skipper your own yacht.

The RYA Day Skipper certificate is the first skipper-level qualification in the RYA scheme — a major milestone on your journey towards independent sailing.

Dinghy sailing trainingCourse highlights

  • RYA Powerboat Level 2 – Learn boat handling and close-quarters manoeuvring aboard our Highfield RIBs.
  • Dinghy sailing – Develop core sailing skills in responsive training dinghies.
  • Marine safety training – Marine Radio Operation and First Aid at Sea.
  • RYA Competent Crew – Five days living and sailing aboard, developing seamanship and confidence.
  • RYA Day Skipper Theory – Five classroom days covering navigation, pilotage, weather and passage planning.
  • RYA Day Skipper Practical – Put your skills into practice and learn to skipper your own yacht.

See the FAQ below for the full list of qualifications and course outcomes.

RYA Day Skipper sailing on Sydney HarbourLearn in spectacular Sydney

Train from our base at Middle Harbour Yacht Club and sail in one of the world's most iconic waterways.

Explore Sydney Harbour, sail past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and head offshore along the New South Wales coastline.

From summer sea breezes to challenging offshore conditions, you'll gain experience in a variety of sailing environments. You might even spot dolphins, whales or flying fish along the way.

Training fleet & equipment

Yachts

  • Beneteau First 40.7 – Fast, capable cruiser-racers
  • Beneteau First 40 – Comfortable performance yachts

Dinghies & powerboats

  • RS Zest and Laser Bahia dinghies
  • Highfield 5.0 and 6.0 rigid inflatable boats

Expert instruction & safety

Learn from experienced RYA-qualified instructors in Flying Fish's friendly, professional training environment.

All courses operate to strict RYA teaching ratios and safety standards.

What next?

  • Charter your own yacht – With your RYA Day Skipper Practical and Powerboat Level 2 certificates, you can apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), subject to eligibility. This can help you access yacht charter opportunities in Europe and beyond.
  • Progress to Yachtmaster – Build on your Day Skipper skills and experience as you work towards the internationally recognised RYA Yachtmaster qualification, opening the door to more advanced sailing and potential professional opportunities.

Before you start

  • This course is suitable for complete beginners and those with sailing experience but no formal training or qualifications.
  • To give you a head start, your course package includes our Essential Boating Skills and Knowledge online course. You can work through it at your own pace after booking to build your knowledge and prepare for your practical training.
  • There is no other pre-course study required.
  • The minimum age for RYA Day Skipper certification is 16 years.

What's included

  • All tuition, training resources, pre-course reading, logbook and certification.
  • Access to our Essential Boating Skills and Knowledge online course before your training begins.
  • Lifejackets and safety harnesses, with wet weather clothing available to borrow if required.
  • Onboard toilet and bathroom facilities on our training yachts.

Qualifications

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

Faq

  • Booking information
    • Secure your place with a 20% deposit using the booking links above. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the course starts.
    • Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event, subject to our booking conditions.
    • We recommend booking early, as places are limited.
    • View our Terms and Conditions.
  • Do I need any sailing experience?
    • Not at all. The programme is designed to take you from complete beginner to RYA Day Skipper in four weeks.
    • If you already have some sailing experience, you'll build on your existing skills while gaining structured training and recognised qualifications.
    • Your package also includes our Essential Boating Skills and Knowledge online course, which you can complete at your own pace after booking.
  • What does the four-week programme include?
    • Week 1 – RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days), RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2 (2 days) and Marine First Aid (1 day).
    • Week 2 – RYA Competent Crew (5 days).
    • Week 3 – RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory and Marine Radio Operator course (1 day).
    • Week 4 – RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days).
    • The order of training may vary, but all course components remain the same.
  • Who joins this course?
    • Everyone is welcome! We attract a fabulous mix of people from Australia and around the world, aged 16 and over.
    • Some are planning sailing holidays or want to charter their own yacht. Others are taking their first steps towards professional Yachtmaster training, while many simply want to enjoy four weeks of sailing and adventure.
    • The atmosphere is friendly, international and social. Sharing the experience with interesting people from different backgrounds is often one of the highlights of the course, and friendships frequently continue long after the sailing finishes.
    • Participants under 18 may require parental consent.
  • What qualifications will I gain?
    • Approximately 300 nautical miles of sailing experience.
    • RYA Powerboat Level 2.
    • RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2.
    • Marine First Aid.
    • Marine Radio Operator qualification.
    • RYA Competent Crew.
    • RYA Day Skipper Shorebased.
    • RYA Day Skipper Practical.
    • The programme also provides training relevant to the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 pathway, subject to applicable certification requirements.
  • Can I charter a yacht after completing the course?
    • That's one of the main goals! The RYA Day Skipper certificate is widely recognised by charter companies and demonstrates your ability to skipper a yacht in familiar waters by day.
    • You may also be eligible to obtain an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), useful for chartering in many overseas destinations.
    • Charter requirements vary by destination and operator, so always check the qualifications and experience required before booking your sailing holiday.
  • Where should I stay during the course?
    • We recommend staying in Manly Beach, a short bus or Uber ride from our training base at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
    • Manly offers backpacker accommodation, shared apartments, hotels and Airbnb options to suit different budgets.
    • You'll live aboard the yacht during the RYA Competent Crew and Day Skipper Practical training weeks.
  • Do international students need a visa?
    • International visitors must arrange an appropriate Australian visa before travelling, unless exempt.
    • Depending on your nationality and circumstances, a visitor or Working Holiday visa may be suitable. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements before applying.
    • Flying Fish courses do not provide eligibility for an Australian student visa.
  • Can I customise the course or spread it over time?
    • Absolutely. You can complete individual modules, adjust your training programme or spread the courses over a longer period.
    • Please contact us and we'll help you plan a pathway that suits your experience, goals and availability.

Testimonials

  • Willem B. Van Rootselaar - Holland
    • 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! The course was magnificent!
  • Li Peihong - China
    • Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
    • “ Flying Fish is the best choice to learn and enjoy sailing. Authentic British style management, a friendly coaching team, a loving student atmosphere, a tailored teaching program, and a glimpse of the southern hemisphere's deep blue charm. ”
  • Isla Macdonald - UK 
    • Day Skipper Fast Track -2025
    • “ Hey Matt, Just wanted to say a huge thanks to you and the team at Flying Fish for the past 4 weeks, I had such a great time with you guys. All the courses were run super smoothly and were really enjoyable! Hope to be back asap for the yachtmaster! ”

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