Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
This dynamic and comprehensive vocational program combines practical on-water training with theoretical shore-based instruction and leads to the internationally recognized RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence and AMSA Sailing Master Offshore certification. These globally respected qualifications provide graduates with the essential credentials for a professional yachting career, opening doors to employment opportunities in Australia, the UK, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Description
Flying Fish has been training professional Yachtmasters for over twenty years. Our clients include individuals of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.
Our innovative course programme offers an exhilarating blend of training and a reliable pathway to certification. We promise expert instruction, an engaging learning environment, and an incredible Australian sailing adventure.
Course programme
The programme includes individual training courses integrated into a balanced and progressive training schedule. Training time is divided between live-aboard periods, day sailing courses, and shore-based theory classes.
Weekends are generally free, but we encourage you to participate in our dinghy sailing and windsurfing classes (at no cost) to develop essential sailing skills or to join a Flying Fish weekend course as a mate to one of our qualified yacht instructors. For racing enthusiasts, there is also the chance to go yacht racing with owners at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
📌 See our FAQ section below for details of the week-by-week training schedule.
An unmatched sailing location
Your training takes place in a spectacular setting at the Flying Fish Sail Academy, based at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Sydney—one of the world’s best sailing locations.
You'll sail through Sydney Harbour, past the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and venture offshore along the stunning New South Wales coastline.
Destinations may include:
✅ Jervis Bay (south) – Pristine beaches and sheltered waters.
✅ Pittwater & Seal Rocks (north) – Breathtaking scenery and excellent sailing conditions.
✅ Coffs Harbour (north) – A superb offshore passage experience.
Weather conditions vary from warm sea breezes to cool southerly busters. You will experience magnificent seascapes, dolphins, whales and, of course, flying fish. This is offshore sailing at its best!
Top-quality yachts & equipment
We operate a fleet of excellent training vessels, including:
⛵ Beneteau 40.7 cruiser racers – Ideal for offshore and inshore training.
⛵ Beneteau First 40 – A modern performance cruiser-racer.
⛵ SV Arctos (Radford 55) – Our flagship yacht, built for Southern Ocean conditions.
🚤 Laser Bahia & RS Zest dinghies – Perfect for developing core sailing skills.
🚤 Highfield RIBs – Used for early-stage training and support.
Our waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club is fully equipped with modern teaching aids, providing the perfect space for shore-based learning.
Expert Instructors
Our experienced and highly qualified instructors will guide you every step of the way with the friendly, professional teaching style that defines Flying Fish.
Where to stay ashore
If you're coming from outside Sydney, you'll need accommodation for the duration of your course.
We offer limited spots in Flying Fish crew apartments in Manly, just steps from one of Australia’s most stunning beaches.
Stay with fellow trainees, soak up the coastal lifestyle, and make the most of your time off the water.
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
📌 See our FAQ section below for more details
Before you start
- The course is often described as a 'Zero to Hero' programme. As such, it is suitable for newcomers to sailing and boating. Having said this, any prior experience in sailing and boating (e.g. dinghy sailing or windsurfing) will be very helpful.
- If you are already at RYA Day Skipper standard, consider joining our Day Skipper to Yachtmaster Fast Track course.
- To plan your pathway to Yachtmaster with a custom package of short courses, see here.
- Please note that all seafarers seeking certification as commercial Yachtmasters and Deck Officers under the MCA or AMSA must have full-colour vision.
What next?
- If you leave the Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track as a qualified, commercially endorsed Yachtmaster and AMSA Sailing Master, you will be ready to start work as a skipper. See FAQ section below for details of work opportunities upon graduation.
- If you want to work as an instructor at an RYA school, you will need to complete a Yacht Cruising Instructor course.
- To qualify for your Yachtmaster Ocean / Master of Yachts 200 gt (unlimited) certification, see here.
What's included
- Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading, training resources, and certification.
- Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided; we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
- Shared cabin accommodation and meals onboard on live-aboard passages
- All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
- Fast-track customers can join our weekend dinghy and windsurf classes free of charge.
- RYA YM exam fees (approximately $465) are not included and are payable directly to the RYA on the exam day.
Qualifications and experience
See the FAQ section below for a complete list of the qualifications and experience acquired on the programme.
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. ”
- Lyndsay Barnes - UK
- Yachtmaster Offshore Fast Track
- “ Joining the Flying Fish Yachtmaster programme was one of the best decisions I ever made, My new office is floating on Sydney Harbour. If you’re considering doing the course, sign up now and don’t give it a second thought. But be warned, it could change your life ”
Faq
- Booking information
- If you book some time in advance, you can secure your place on the course by paying a 10% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days before the course start date, at which time the remaining balance of the course fees will be due.
- Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable, but it may be transferred to another course or event offered by Flying Fish if you give at least 60 days’ notice before your original course start date.
- We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
- View our Terms and Conditions.
- Course programme
- Week 1 – RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 days) / Marine First Aid (1 day) / Dinghy Sailing Level 1/2 (2 days) / ACMA Marine Radio Operator (1 day)
- Week 2 – RYA Competent Crew (5 days aboard)
- Week 3 – RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
- Week 4 – RYA Day Skipper Practical (5 days aboard)
- Week 5 – Racing and Spinnakers (2 days) / Basic Yacht Maintenance (3 days) / Safety and Sea Survival (2 days)
- Weeks 6–8 – Yachtmaster Milebuilder and Qualifying Passages (16 days live-aboard) / PPR (Self-paced online)
- Week 9 – RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory (6 days)
- Week 10 – RYA Coastal Skipper Practical (5 days live-aboard)
- Week 11 – Yachtmaster Practical Skills (5 days)
- Week 12 – Yachtmaster Prep and Exam Week (5 days aboard)
- The above programme may be run in a different order, but the training units are correct.
- Qualifications and experience
- Approx 2500 sea miles logged
- RYA Competent Crew
- RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Theory
- RYA Day Skipper Practical
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- TCP Marine First Aid (Workplace Approved)
- RYA Diesel Engine Certificate
- Basic Yacht Maintenance
- RYA Yachtmaster qualifying passages/watchkeeper experience
- RYA Dinghy Sailing Level 1 or 2
- Intro Racing and Spinnaker Handling Course
- ACMA VHF/HF GMDSS Marine Radio Operator Licence
- RYA Yachtmaster Shorebased Theory
- RYA Coastal Skipper
- RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence (Sail) – subject to meeting medical requirements
- AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival
- RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR)
- AMSA Sailing Master Offshore NC – subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
- AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 – subject to meeting medical fitness requirements
- Where to stay ashore
- Flying Fish crew apartments: Stay with other Flying Fish customers on one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Our crew apartments in Manly are comfortably furnished for shared living and only a short bus or Uber ride to our Middle Harbour Yacht Club training centre. These apartments offer a sociable, relaxed atmosphere ideal for building friendships.
Room share (twin): A$790 per week / Single room: A$1190 per week. Book your accommodation package when you book your course. We only offer accommodation packages for the whole duration of the programme. - Backpackers in Manly: Basic accommodation for those on a budget (approx. A$60/night for a 4–6 berth mixed dormitory). Popular hostels in the area include Manly Backpackers, Boardrider Backpackers, and Stoke Beach House. Be sure to do your research and check the latest Google reviews.
- Airbnb: For flexibility and privacy, book your own room or apartment. Options are available in Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, and Mosman – all are an easy bus ride to the Flying Fish training centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
- Flatmates.com.au: Shared accommodation listings across the Northern Beaches and Mosman – a cost-effective, community-focused option.
- Facebook groups: Check local groups like “Manly Living” for rooms to rent and accommodation tips from locals.
- Flying Fish crew apartments: Stay with other Flying Fish customers on one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Our crew apartments in Manly are comfortably furnished for shared living and only a short bus or Uber ride to our Middle Harbour Yacht Club training centre. These apartments offer a sociable, relaxed atmosphere ideal for building friendships.
- Visas for international students
- Apart from Australians and New Zealanders, everyone travelling to Australia must apply for a visa in advance.
- Do not apply for a student visa – these are only available for government-sanctioned higher education courses. A tourist visa or a working holiday visa (if you plan to work) is acceptable.
- What happens if I fail the Yachtmaster exams?
- We do our best to ensure you’re fully prepared. However, if you don’t pass, you’ll leave with a clear action plan to complete. Typically, this involves revising any missing skills or knowledge and then retaking the exam.
- Over 90% of our Yachtmaster candidates pass the first time.
- Can I customise the course or complete the programme over a more extended period?
- Yes. If you'd like a personalised course schedule—either by omitting specific units or spreading training over a year or more—please contact us with your requirements.
- What are the work opportunities once I am qualified?
- Find out more about job opportunities on yachts here.