RYA Yachtmaster Courses
Flying Fish is an RYA-approved training centre offering Yachtmaster courses in power and sail. Whether you are working towards a career as a professional skipper, looking to progress in the superyacht industry, or want to take your sailing to the highest level, we have a course to get you there.
Power courses run from our base in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Sail courses run in Sydney, Australia – taking you from complete beginner to qualified Yachtmaster in some of the finest sailing waters in the southern hemisphere.
Power or Sail?
The first decision is whether you are pursuing Yachtmaster Power or Yachtmaster Sail. This usually comes down to the type of yachting you enjoy and, if you are thinking professionally, the type of vessel you want to work on.
If you work on motor yachts or superyachts with a power focus, Yachtmaster Power is the natural route.
If your career is on sailing yachts, or you simply want the fuller qualification, Yachtmaster Sail is the one to go for.
Which level is right for you?
There are three different Yachtmaster qualifications to choose from. The path you take depends on your goal.
Yachtmaster Coastal: Yachtmaster Coastal allows you to skipper a yacht up to 60 miles offshore, day or night. It is a good option if you sail in home waters and want a recognised qualification to build confidence and competence in coastal passages.
To sit the exam, you need a minimum of 800 logged miles, 30 days at sea on a vessel under 24 metres, two days as skipper, 12 night hours, a valid first aid certificate, and a GMDSS VHF radio certificate. You must be at least 17 at the time of the exam.
Yachtmaster Offshore: Most popular route. Yachtmaster Offshore is the most popular qualification and the one most relevant to professional skippering and superyacht careers. It allows you to skipper a yacht up to 150 miles offshore, day or night.
Yachtmaster Ocean: Yachtmaster Ocean is the pinnacle of the RYA qualification framework. It qualifies you to take a yacht on an ocean passage and is popular with Offshore holders who want to progress to transatlantic and bluewater routes.
View all our Yachtmaster Courses
Yachtmaster Power Courses – Cowes, Isle of Wight
Our power courses run from Cowes, one of the UK’s best-known sailing towns and a short ferry ride from the mainland. You will train aboard our own Fairline Phantom 40, a 40-foot motorboat that gives you hands-on experience in real conditions on Solent waters, tidal, busy, and demanding enough to prepare you well for the exam.
Classes are small, which means more time at the helm and more direct input from your instructor.
Yachtmaster Power Theory and Practical
Combines both RYA Yachtmaster Theory and the practical prep week. The Course price included the £266 exam fee.
14 day(s)
From £3,200
Yachtmaster Power Prep Course
To prepare you for the RYA Yachtmaster Power Exam. The Course price includes the £266 RYA exam fee.
7 day(s)
£2,730
Yachtmaster Sail Courses – Sydney, Australia
Our sail courses run from Sydney and are designed as complete zero-to-hero programmes, taking you from novice sailor to qualified Yachtmaster in a single course. You do not need any prior sailing experience to join.
Sydney is one of the world’s great sailing cities. During your course you could find yourself on a passage to Lord Howe Island, sailing down to Tasmania, or racing with local yacht owners at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, one of Sydney’s most active racing clubs.
Yachtmaster Coastal Course
Our Yachtmaster Coastal course takes you from novice sailor to RYA Yachtmaster Coastal in 9 weeks
61 day(s)
From £7,722
Yachtmaster Offshore Course
Taking you from complete beginner to RYA Yachtmaster Offshore in 12 weeks, sailing the stunning waters of Sydney, Australia.
82 day(s)
£11,358
Yachtmaster Ocean Course
Our Yachtmaster Ocean Course takes you from beginner to Yachtmaster Ocean in 16 weeks.
110 day(s)
From £16,472
Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and Passage
This course is for sailors who hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate and want to qualify as Yachtmaster Ocean.
26 day(s)
£4,540
Sydney Hobart Race
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is arguably the world’s most prestigious and toughest ocean yacht race
18 day(s)
From £6,813
What is a Yachtmaster?
The RYA Yachtmaster is a certificate of competence for skippers of sail or motor yachts who have demonstrated the highest level of knowledge, skill, and experience in yacht handling and navigation.
Benefits of becoming an RYA Yachtmaster
The qualification can open many doors and opportunities, such as:
- Recognition: The Yachtmaster certification is recognised worldwide as a professional skipper’s qualification.
- Employment: With the RYA Yachtmaster under your belt you can begin a career as a professional skipper, whether that is on a sailing, motor yacht or Superyacht.
- Personal achievement: Becoming an RYA Yachtmaster is a significant personal achievement and demonstrates your dedication and commitment to the industry. The Yachtmaster certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to sail confidently and safely, both in coastal waters and on long offshore passages.
- Confidence: This can provide peace of mind and a sense of security when sailing with others or on your own.
Ready to launch your Yachtmaster career?
Now you have chosen your perfered route, power or sail, then the next question is how to I get there? below are some great options to choose from.
If you are still not sure then simply get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you get the ball rolling.