If a life on the ocean is for you, then our Yachtmaster Professional is the course to set.  The aim of the training is to become a qualified Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster.  As a Yachtmaster, you are not only a highly skilled skipper, but are eligible for a wide range of work in and around boats, which means almost anywhere in the World.

The growth of the activity and yacht charter markets ensures there is always a demand for qualified skippers.  Many of our graduates choose to work their way around the world, which is now possible thanks to the huge number of independent charter companies and the scale of worldwide companies.  This is our most popular skipper-training programme. It offers a reliable route to the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore/Master of Yachts 200gt certificate, the benchmark for commercial skippers entering the professional yachting industry.

The course is suitable for experienced sailors and newcomers alike.  Candidates with previous experience will find they are fully stretched, while the flexible, modular programme allows beginners to progress at their own rate. The course is delivered in three parts.

Master of Yachts Part 1 (Pro Crew Training) is a UK-based, six week foundation course. Periods of training ashore in Cowes alternate with periods living and learning on board a Dehler 34 or Beneteau 40.7 sailing yacht.

The shorebased syllabus in Part 1 includes: Vessel familiarisation / Navigation and pilotage/ Rules and regulations / Safety and seamanship / Food safety and hygiene on board / Basic yacht maintenance / Diesel engine maintenance / Marine radio techniques / Weather forecasting. You will also complete five days of STCW95 Basic Safety Training which includes: Simulated emergencies / First aid at sea / Sea survival techiques / Safety and social responsibility / Fire prevention and fire fighting.

After Part 1 you fly to Sydney for Master of Yachts Part 2 (Coastal Skipper Training), to start a nine week Australian sailing adventure. Practical training in Part 2 includes: Sail trimming / Spinnaker handling and race techniques / Boat handling under sail and power / Passage planning / Navigation, port entry and pilotage / Passage making and skippered passages / Crew management offshore / Watch keeping / Safety and emergency drills / RIB (small powerboat) driving.We have also included a PADI dive course in the programme but if you don't want to dive we can arrange some extra dinghy sailing.

The theory syllabus covers: Passage planning / Yacht and crew preparation / Advanced navigation and chartwork / GPS and electronic aids / Meteorology / Tidal heights and streams/ Aspects of oceanography / Vessel stability / Safety equipment and procedures / Collision Regulations (IRPCS) / Racing rules / Race tactics

Part 2 is based in a spectacular setting at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney. You will practise your inshore skills in Australia's favourite yachting playground, cruising past the Opera House and under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Offshore you explore the New South Wales coast, heading south following the route of the Sydney Hobart race or north towards Broughton Island, Seal Rocks and Coffs Harbour. Weather conditions vary from warm nor'-easterly sea breezes to strong, cool southerly busters.

This is offshore sailing at its best. You will experience magnificent seascapes, dolphins, maybe whales and, of course, flying fish.

On this date you complete Part 2 with an extended offshore voyage to build miles and log qualifing passages. A professional training skipper watches your progress, but during your periods as acting skipper you are effectively in charge. By the end of Part 2 you will have enjoyed travel, training, teamwork and adventure. You will understand the basics of racing and have experienced the excitement of competition. You can now expect to be fully confident taking charge of a sailing yacht and its crew in coastal waters.

At your debrief you will plan the date and location of your Part 3 Yachtmaster assessment.  For most people, Part 3 takes place over two weeks in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent in southern England, including a one-day practical exam for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate. If you prefer a warmer climate, dates are also available in Sydney.

Our Users Say..."The passage from Airlie Beach to Sydney was such an adventure; we experienced a variety of weather from huge storms to idyllic peaceful days with gentle breezes. It was wonderful to see whales and dolphins swim past the boat! At Lady Musgrove Island we navigated our way through a perfect coral reef that encircled the deserted island. With no land for miles the untouched white sandy island surrounded by turquoise waters was spectacular. Our skipper was great, a walking encyclopedia of sailing, in addition he made you feel very safe at all times. He ensured that the boat was always happy and kept us entertained on long nights with his fascinating knowledge of movies! We arrived in Sydney and it was amazing. I had only really looked at Sydney on the map before I booked the course and was completely unprepared for the beauty of the place. Our first stop after sailing past the Sydney Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge was the fish market where we indulged ourselves and feasted on 2kilos of fresh prawns! My accommodation in Sydney was superb, luxury beach front apartment it’s so great to hear the waves at night. I really enjoyed the sailing in Sydney Harbour, with so much going on it’s a great time to re-enforce technical skills learnt offshore.I would summarise my whole Flying Fish experience so far as BIG! Australian’s really are great friendly welcoming people and the beach life is fantastic'. - Baris Kansu