Yachtmaster Milebuilder and Qualifying Passages
Our Yachtmaster Milebuilders are an ideal way to gain valuable sea miles and complete qualifying passages as you prepare for your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence. You'll join a series of extended offshore passages, sailing by day and night as part of a watch system, building real-world experience and confidence at sea.
Description
Our mile builder passages provide a fantastic opportunity to develop offshore sailing skills and experience, as well as log sea miles and Yachtmaster qualifying passages.
Sailing programme
The mile builder is broken into a series of coastal and offshore passages of 60 nautical miles or more, designed to meet the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying criteria.
The crew will operate in a watch system by day and night and take turns acting as Skipper, Watchleader, and Navigator for a passage.
We aim to sail more than 1,500 miles in the time frame. The success of this target depends mainly on the crew's ability to plan passages that take advantage of the prevailing wind, weather, and currents.
Some nights, you will sail continuously, some at anchor or on a mooring buoy, and others in the comfort of a marina where you can clean up, re-victual, wash clothes, and have a hot shower.
Accommodation
You will be allocated a crew berth in shared cabin accommodation for the duration. You will be hot bunking while on passage and in a watch system.
On a longer layover (typically two nights), you may want to book a local hotel or guest house for a bit of R&R.
All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
Course content
- Preparation for sea and safety equipment audit.
- Safety procedures and drills, shake down sailing exercises
- Pilotage and passage planning
- Offshore log-keeping and navigation
- Seamanship skills offshore, including helming, sail trimming, reefing, headsail changes, poling out, etc.
- Preparing for heavy weather
- Man overboard procedures and other emergency procedures
- Watchkeeping/night passages
- Crew management and the role of the skipper/watchleader
- Skipper experience
Location and sailing conditions
We will cruise up and down the east coast of Australia, visiting ports like Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens to the north and Jervis Bay, Eden, or perhaps Tasmania to the south.
The scenery and anchorages are magnificent, and the weather is generally excellent for sailing.
You can expect to see dolphins and whales at certain times of the year and, of course, Flying Fish!
The yacht and the instructor
This course will be run on board one of our training yachts by an experienced and accredited RYA instructor.
You live on board with your fellow students and participate in all aspects of running the boat.
Before you start
- No formal qualifications are required but your sailing and navigation skills should be at Day Skipper level or equivalent.
- We also recommend you hold a Safety and Sea Survival certificate.
What's included
- Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading.
- Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
- Shared cabin accommodation on board.
- All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
- We provide all meals on board from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day.
- You should expect to eat, at your own cost ashore, for 2 - 3 nights.
Qualifications and experience
- Approx 1500 sea miles / 16 days
- RYA/MCA Yachtmaster qualifying passages
- RYA Watchleader certificate
What next?
- At the end of the course, your instructor will give you feedback on your sailing skills and your ability as a skipper, making recommendations for your future training and experience.
- Plot your course to Yachtmaster certification.
Faq
- 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 before the course start date, at which point the remaining 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.
- View our Terms and Conditions
- What are the essential skills and knowledge required to join this Offshore Milebuilder?
- This course is designed for sailors who already have practical sailing experience, ideally at Day Skipper level or higher.
- You should be confident steering a yacht, handling sails and winches, navigating by day and night, and standing a watch.
- The course will build on your existing skills in real offshore conditions—expect to enhance your seamanship, navigation, and leadership abilities.
- What type of yacht will I sail on?
- This course is run on board SV Arctos, our 55-foot offshore training vessel.
- Arctos is purpose-built for extended ocean voyages, offering a powerful and stable platform for developing offshore sailing skills.
- She is fully equipped with safety gear, navigation systems, and all the facilities needed for long-distance cruising and living on board.
- How fit do I need to be, and what happens if I get seasick?
- Offshore sailing can be physically demanding. You’ll be working on deck, moving around in rough seas, and living in close quarters with fellow crew.
- Reasonable fitness, mobility, and a positive attitude are essential. If you're unsure about your suitability, please contact us to discuss.
- Seasickness is a possibility offshore. We recommend bringing your preferred seasickness remedy and starting treatment at least 24 hours before departure.
- How long does it take to become an offshore sailor?
- Offshore sailing is a continuous learning experience. This milebuilder provides an intensive foundation in offshore seamanship, navigation, and skippering.
- The RYA Yachtmaster training pathway is an efficient route to professional qualification. Many of our graduates go on to become commercial Yachtmasters and work in the industry.
- Each offshore passage will expand your knowledge and confidence—expect to return a far more capable sailor.
- What if the weather is bad?
- Offshore sailing involves dealing with all types of weather. You’ll learn to plan around forecasts and handle the boat in challenging conditions.
- We only delay departure if conditions pose a genuine safety risk. Otherwise, it’s all part of the training experience.
- Can I book as a private group?
- Yes, we welcome private groups for tailored offshore training experiences on SV Arctos.
- This can be a fantastic opportunity for a team of friends or a sailing club to take on a serious offshore challenge together.
- Contact us to discuss your goals, and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable offshore adventure.
- What should I bring with me?
- Offshore-appropriate clothing (quick-dry layers, thermals, warm hat, gloves, etc.)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (essential – loan sets available if required)
- Non-slip footwear suitable for deck use
- Sunglasses, sun protection, and a hat for sun and wind
- Sleeping bag and pillowcase
- Headtorch with red light function
- Personal toiletries and towel
- Seasickness medication (start 24 hours in advance)
- Sense of adventure,