Yachtmaster Practical Skills
Designed for experienced sailors at or above RYA Coastal Skipper level, this intensive practical course develops the advanced boat handling, seamanship, navigation and command skills required for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore examinations. Through focused, hands-on training, you'll build the confidence and consistency needed to perform at examination standard.
Description

This week is all about developing the practical skills expected of a Yachtmaster.
You'll spend five days refining the boat handling, pilotage, navigation and command skills that examiners expect to see during the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore examinations.
Working alongside an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, you'll alternate between skipper and crew roles, receiving continuous coaching and feedback to build confidence and consistency under pressure.
Course programme
Training normally runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm each day, with at least one evening or night exercise for pilotage and navigation.
The programme is almost entirely practical, covering advanced boat handling, marina manoeuvres, pilotage, navigation, emergency procedures, yacht systems and command skills.
For maximum benefit, we recommend completing the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory course, or having equivalent knowledge, before attending.
See the FAQ below for a typical day-by-day programme.
Location and sailing conditions
Training takes place on Sydney Harbour and the adjacent coastline, offering a combination of marina manoeuvring, pilotage, busy waterways and offshore sailing conditions.
The yacht and your instructor
You'll train aboard one of our RYA-inspected Beneteau 40.7 performance cruising yachts, with individual coaching from an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor to help you reach examination standard.
Before you start
- Hold the RYA Coastal Skipper Practical certificate or have equivalent sailing experience.
- Be confident skippering a yacht, including boat handling, pilotage and passage planning.
- Have completed the RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory course or have equivalent knowledge.
Recommended pre-course learning
Need to brush up on your rules of the road? Our Colregs (IRPCS) online course is a useful refresher before your practical training. You can complete it at your own pace before joining us.
What's included
- Approximately 150 nautical miles logged
- Expert tuition from an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Instructor
- Training logbook guidance and pre-course reading materials
- Lifejackets and safety harnesses provided
- Wet weather clothing available to borrow if required
- Onboard toilet and bathroom facilities
- Tea, coffee and drinking water provided
What to bring
Please bring your own lunch and snacks each day.
What next?
If you're working towards your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Certificate of Competence, the next step may be our Yachtmaster Prep and Exam week. Check the course page and FAQ for the examination prerequisites, including sea time, qualifying passages and theory knowledge.
Faq
- Booking information
- Secure your place with a 20% deposit using the booking links above. The balance is due 60 days before the course starts.
- Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event, subject to our booking conditions.
- Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
- View our Terms and Conditions.
- What does a typical training week look like?
- The programme is practical and intensive, with activities adapted to the weather and individual training needs.
- Day 1 – Boat handling under sail and power, marina manoeuvres, mooring drills and close-quarters handling.
- Day 2 – Anchoring, heavy weather techniques, emergency steering, man overboard recovery and night pilotage.
- Day 3 – Offshore sailing, navigation exercises, position fixing, search patterns and emergency procedures.
- Day 4 – Blind navigation, pilotage challenges, yacht systems and practical command exercises.
- Day 5 – Advanced manoeuvres, towing, emergency scenarios, individual coaching and course debrief.
- The exact programme will vary according to conditions and the needs of the group.
- Should I combine this with Yachtmaster Prep & Exam Week?
- We recommend completing Practical Skills Week immediately before Yachtmaster Prep and Exam Week if you're working towards your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or Offshore Certificate of Competence.
- The additional week gives you time to refine your boat handling, navigation and command skills before the final preparation and examination.
- Experienced candidates who are already performing at examination standard may choose to book Prep and Exam Week only.
- How fit do I need to be?
- You should have reasonable mobility and be comfortable working on deck in a range of weather conditions.
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn are more important than physical strength.
- Please contact us if you'd like to discuss your individual circumstances.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Training takes place in a wide range of conditions, providing valuable experience in safe decision-making and seamanship.
- If conditions become unsafe, the programme will be adapted to make the best use of the available training opportunities.
- Can I book as a private group?
- Yes. We can arrange private training for groups, sailing clubs or crews wanting to develop their advanced sailing skills or prepare for Yachtmaster examinations.
- Contact us to discuss dates and a customised programme.
- What should I bring?
- Comfortable sailing clothing suitable for the conditions.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (loan gear is available if required).
- Non-marking sailing shoes or trainers.
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- Lunch and snacks each day.
- Lifejackets and safety equipment are provided.