Mainstay Sailing
Mainstay Sailing
RYA Start Yachting Course - 2 days - 1 night in the Whitsundays. No experience is needed for this course
If you have never sailed a yacht before but want to have a go, then Start Yachting is the course for you. This course teaches you the basics of sailing a cruising yacht whilst you enjoy two days and one night onboard with all meals and snacks provided.
This RYA accredited, 2 Day Start Yachting sailing course starts and finishes at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach.
During the course you will learn the basic nautical terminology, how to steer the yacht and handle the sails. We also teach you how to tie knots, handle ropes and use the winches. You will learn how to be safe on board and use the correct safety equipment.
We start early at 7am for an eventful day sailing the Coral Sea. The yacht has 8 berths, two double aft cabins, two berths in the saloon, and a double berth in the forepeak (usually skipper / instructor's cabin). We spend the night at anchor on one of the many islands.
We will send you a copy of our joining instructions about 2 weeks before the course commencement. This explains what to bring and where our yacht is located. On the last day of the course we are normally back in the marina by late afternoon to allow time to complete the paperwork. We then have a celebratory drink at one of the local bars.
Is there anything I need to do before the course?
The RYA Start Yachting course does not require anything to be done beforehand.
This course is great fun and a fantastic way of seeing if sailing is for you. Bring the whole family along. The minimum age is 8 years old.
Sailing courses operate with a maximum of 5 students and one instructor.
Course cost
Investment of $650.00, GST inclusive.
What's included
- Tuition and a complimentary RYA logbook
- Life-jackets and safety harnesses are provided and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
- RYA Start Yachting certificate on completion.
MORE MARITIME NEWS
Mainstay Sailing
We wish you a safe, joyful, and peaceful Festive Season, filled with relaxation and time well spent with those who matter most. May the year ahead bring fresh inspiration, new adventures, and many unforgettable memories both on and off the water.
Mainstay Sailing
If your dream is to be happy, sailing and watching sunsets then make it happen.🌅 - Book an adventure with Mainstay Sailing, we’ll make that dream come true.🌴 - - #learntosail #sail #sailing #sailing⛵️ #sailingadventure
Mainstay Sailing
Meet Kayami, the yacht we use for our 5-night / 4-day RYA Day Skipper course here in the Whitsundays.⛵️ - Today, our newest skipper Kate is giving you a quick tour of the boat she called home during her training. - Kayami has four cabins, two bathrooms, and plenty of space to learn the ropes while exploring the islands. Her name means summer in Japanese - fitting for the warm, relaxed sailing life we get out here. - If you’ve been thinking about levelling up your skills or starting your sailing journey, this is a little glimpse into what your week onboard might look like 👀 #whitsundaysailing #dayskippercourse #learntosail #sailingaustralia #sailinglife #boattour #sailingeducation #sailinglifestyle #australiatravel #sailingwhitsundays
Mainstay Sailing
Dreaming of sailing through the Whitsundays? 🌴 With Mainstay Sailing, you don’t just learn to sail — you live it. From helming the yacht to mastering the ropes, every course takes you out on the water and into the adventure. ⚓️ #MainstaySailing #WhitsundaysSailing #LearnToSail #SailingAdventure #RYA
Mainstay Sailing
Get richer with Mainstay🌅 - - - #australia #sailinglife #whitsundays #dayskipper #sailing #sail #sailinglifestyle #learntosail #sailingadventure #boatlife #charteryacht #rich
Mainstay Sailing
Thank you to @amandamatley for creating this lovely video of the latest Mainstay adventure in Greece. 🇬🇷 - To keep up to date with upcoming experiences visit www.mainstaysailing.com.au
Mainstay Sailing
We had some unexpected dinner guests in Nara Inlet this week - A group of curious cockatoos decided to join the crew mid-meal, just another reminder of how special this part of the Whitsundays are. Beautiful water, good company, and the friendliest locals around. 🌅 #mainstaysailing #dayskipper #whitsundays #sailinglife #australianwildlife #narainlet #boatlife #sailing #sail #sailors #birds #australia
Mainstay Sailing
Just 30 seconds on the boat = happiness ⛵️ Nothing makes life’s problems fade away faster than the sea breeze and some wind in your sail. 📲Book now!! Link in bio - - - #sailing #sailinglife #sailinglifestyle #sailingadventure #australia #whitsundays #dayskipper #learntosail #sail #sailing⛵️ #whitsundays #happiness #vitaminsea🌊☀️ #dayskipper #rya
Mainstay Sailing
Meet our newest skippers! 🌅 - This October the crew spent the week with Captain Nick completing their Day Skipper training - learning the ropes, navigating the Whitsundays, and soaking up plenty of sunshine along the way. Such a great group and an even better week out on the water! 🌅 - - #sailinglife #sailinglifestyle #sailingadventure #australia #whitsundays #dayskipper #learntosail
Mainstay Sailing
The Mainstay Sailing Team has arrived in Lefkada, Greece
Demi nailed her Yachtmaster exam!
Demi nailed her Yachtmaster exam! Watch out world, she’s officially licensed to yell at the crew.
Better Boating Expo
Next Friday we are at Coral Sea Marina gardens - 10am -2pm. Come and see us!
Sailing Adventures: Our RYA Competent Crew Course Experience
Ahoy there, fellow landlubbers and sea enthusiasts alike! Last week, our family embarked on an unforgettable journey.
Mainstay Sailing
https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/race/standings
Mainstay Sailing
One of our students extraordinaire; Jayden Pendleton went bareboating in Greece this year.
Mainstay Sailing
Known to be one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet.
Mainstay Sailing
Last weeks 7 day Coastal Skipper course to Percy Island.
Mainstay Sailing
Only a week ago we took these gentlemen out for a week's sailing on their brand new Bali 4.4 in the Whitsundays.
Mainstay Sailing
Skipper Extraordinaire Terence on his was around the sun again ! Dylan & Shay threw a surprise party at Northerlies last night.
Win a RYA Sailing Course
This week we are joining up with Kristina Travels. Kristina has a YouTube channel with more than 20 million views!
Mainstay Sailing
Mainstay Sailing
Last week's successful Competent Crew / Coastal skipper course from Coral Sea Marina to Percy Island and back to Airlie Beach. looks like the students had a great time as well as learning the ropes. This was the last Percy Island course for 2022. I have setup new RYA Coastal Skipper courses for 2023. Check our website for more information.
Coastal Skipper to Percy Island
Come sail with us to Percy Island and back to Coral Sea Marina.
Mainstay Sailing
Imagine this!
Mainstay Sailing
The maiden voyage to the Percy Isles. The first of the hopefully many RYA Coastal Skipper Courses. Beautiful weather. Thanks Sonia, John, Dennis and Bob - Enjoy yourselves! 😁 If you like to join us on the next course let me know.
Sailing to Thomas Island and Goldsmith Island
A few fun days sailing to Thomas Island and Goldsmith Island 😁
Trip to Goldsmith + Thomas Islands, Whitsundays
Trip to Goldsmith + Thomas Islands, Whitsundays
Tales of the sea
The Coral Sea Academy is an initiative that provides a series of innovative events designed to educate guests, locals and visitors to the Whitsundays about the environment, the Great Barrier Reef, better boating and sustainability.
Mainstay Sailing
Coral Sea Marina to Great Keppel Island RYA Coastal Skipper Course This RYA accredited, 13 Day practical and theory sailing course starts at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach and finishes on Great Keppel Island.
Mainstay Sailing
The First Mainstay Sailing All Girls Course! 😎
Mainstay Sailing
Look what Chantal Henderson sent us from her last RYA Course with Mainstay Sailing ;-) Thank you for the fantastic shots of a cheeky Batfish at Armit Island Chantal!
Mainstay Sailing
Bring your best girlfriend and come sailing!
Mainstay Sailing
2 Day RYA Start Yachting Course commencing 20/21 November. Book now!
Mainstay Sailing
Check this out!
Mainstay Sailing
The last one of the series is tonight!
Mainstay Sailing
Come along
Mainstay Sailing- boating basics
Last Tuesday, Mainstay Sailing gave a talk/presentation about Boating Basics. A collaboration between Coral Sea Marina Mainstay Training and Mainstay Sailing. What could possibly go wrong ....
Mainstay Sailing
Some shots of Airlie Beach Race Week yesterday.
Mainstay Sailing
A great weekend sailing to the Great Barrier Reef and Blue Pearl Bay - Hayman island
Mainstay Sailing
Want to know about the Great Barrier Reef? Come along
Mainstay Sailing
The better boating series continues!
Mainstay Sailing
AFTERNOONS on the boardwalk ~ Enjoy this view with our delicious menu Wed - Fri 3pm-9pm & Sat - Sun 12pm-9pm.
Mainstay Sailing
Learn to Sail now! Due to Covid restrictions in New South Wales we have availabilities for our Comp Crew and Dayskipper courses starting 15 July -19 July
The joining Instructions
This is how we meet prior to leaving shore.
We have a new crew member.- Welcome Oscar
After Bob's sudden demise, we have taken on "Oscar" on to help our students with Man Overboard training.
BOB leaves us after a number of years of loyal service.
BOB moves on after traumatic years aboard Mohawk. When we asked him to stay on his reply was "I'm a frayed knot"
Mainstay Sailing - new office!
We finally did it - we moved into a new office at Coral Sea Marina!
Does Mainstay Sailing only teach sailing skills?
At the end of each course the students get together to celebrate an end to a fantastic week in the Whitsundays. Exhausted but very happy.
A thought for today in a COVID world
This message was received today on board Mohawk after a student posted a picture of us peacefully anchored at Gloucester Island.
Congratulations to James and Bec
James and Bec from Sydney managed to get up to Airlie just before borders closed. They spent a week of interesting sailing around the region.
Sea Safety and Survival Course Changes.
With COVID-19 restrictions around the world as well as the need to move with the times, the official Sea Safety and Survival Course (SSSC) has changed its format to be a blended learning course.
One of our favourite Brazillians drops in for a visit and a sunset sail
Ricardo, who over the last few years has gone from zero to Dayskipper with us, arrived out of the blue in his van "Bella" He was on his way home from an over-land trip to Cape Tribulation when he decided to pop in.
Tony completes his Coastal Skipper Course in the Whitsundays
Tony Stockton from Northern NSW successfully completed his Dayskipper course in the Gold Coast, and went on to breezing through his Coastal skipper course on arrival in Airlie Beach.
Coastal Skipper course from Brisbane to the Whitsundays
Leaving from Rivergate Marina in Brisbane, Mainstay's incredible crew; Tony, Jodi and Dylan, embarked on an epic adventure that would bring many smiles
Sea Safety and Survival Courses scheduled in Queensland for buildup to Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
2 new course dates have been set for the Australian Sailing Sea Safety and Survival course in Queensland.
RYA Interactive courses are available now..
The course offers a great introduction to navigation and safety awareness for new or inexperienced skippers and crew.
Remote assessment process for marine radio examinations
Mainstay Sailing has adopted the newly allowed remote assessment method for VHF marine radio, and HF marine radio licences.
Mainstay Sailing adjusts to life in the COVID world
Following a risk assesment on board,we are doing our bit to reduce risk of infection to our students, staff and guests.
REVIEWS
I recently joined Terence for a sailing trip through the Whitsundays and it was genuinely one of the highlights of my year. Terence has a depth of experience that shows in everything he does. The way he reads the wind, the routes he chooses, the confidence he brings to the boat and the patience he showed me in navigating the water. I appreciated how naturally he drew me into the experience of sailing itself and especially how he helped me find the wind, work out how to maintain speed and balance, and think through decisions. He is a very professional instructor and thoughtful in his suggestions. When I had questions he answered them with real knowledge and genuine interest. We made our way between some beautiful spots throughout the islands and the experience felt both adventurous and relaxed. If you're looking for a trustworthy sailing experience, you can depend on Mainstay Sailing. I highly recommend Terence to deliver something genuinely special.
Een geweldige zeilschool zo lijkt het (aan de goede reviews te zien), maar helaas een heel andere ervaring tijdens onze geboekte 3-daagse tour naar Whitsunday Islands. Wat heel goed ging waren de communicatie vooraf, de schipper (thanks Nick!) en de crew en het leren zeilen (erg leuk om te doen!) Wat niet goed ging? Eigenlijk al het andere, en vooral de communicatie door Mainstay Sailing zelf. Ze nemen je helaas niet serieus als er iets helemaal misgaat. Een week voordat we zouden gaan varen werd er erg slecht weer voorspeld. Vooral (heel) veel wind, veel te veel om comfortabel mee te zeilen (25 - 30+ knopen). Daarom vroegen we Mainstay Sailing of het niet verstandiger was om te verplaatsen naar een later moment. Hun antwoord? 'Maak je geen zorgen over het weer'. Dus we vertrouwden erop en lieten het doorgaan. Wat er gebeurde? Dag 1 zeilden we van de haven naar Nara Inlet, om daar te schuilen voor de harde wind (25+ knopen). Misschien zou het morgen een beetje opknappen. Op zich een mooie plek, maar jammer dat we daardoor de rest van de dag niet konden zeilen. Dag 2 zouden we zeilen naar South Mole en Hamilton Island. Na ongeveer 45 minuten zeilen ging het al mis. Het head sail scheurde eerst licht. En daarna volledig. De wind was veel te sterk (27+ knopen). Dus moesten we terug naar de haven van Airlie Beach. Halverwege de middag konden we verder. Maar schipper Nick gaf aan zeker niet meer naar Whitsunday Islands te willen varen. De wind stond het niet toe. Dus in een uurtje gezeild naar een baaitje om de hoek, op het vasteland. Dag 3? Teruggevaren op de motor naar de haven van Airlie Beach. Kan gebeuren, het weer kun je niet beïnvloeden. Maar het was wel voorspeld. En de reactie van Mainstay Sailing? 'Ach, er staat hier wel vaker wind'. Terwijl, het head sail is gescheurd, waardoor dag 2 in het water viel omdat we terug moesten naar de haven. En op dag 1 hebben we een paar uur gezeild, en op dag 3 hebben we helemaal niet kunnen zeilen. Dus moet je zo'n tocht laten doorgaan in deze omstandigheden? Jammer, omdat ze adverteren met een 3-daagse zeiltocht langs 'alle hoogtepunten van Whitsunday Islands'. We hebben van die hoogtepunten precies 0 plekken zien. Terwijl we vooraf (in de periode dat we gratis mochten annuleren) aangaven te twijfelen over het weer. We hebben er het beste van gemaakt met Nick en de crew. Maar Mainstay lijkt erg slecht voorbereid om tours naar Whitsunday Islands te organiseren. En misschien nog wel het ergste voor ons, ze nemen je als klant totaal niet serieus. Ook niet als je hun meest uitgebreide 3-daagse tour boekt. Die dus duurde van dag 1 om 10:00 uur tot dag 3 om 12:00 uur, in ons geval. Waarvan in totaal een paar uurtjes zeilen. Kan allemaal gebeuren, en het weer kun je niet beïnvloeden. Maar je bepaalt wel zelf hoe je daarmee omgaat als je klanten zoveel geld laat betalen. Er kon telefonisch toen we ze belden toen het zeil gescheurd was nog geen 'sorry' of 'wat vervelend' van af. In plaats daarvan vertelden ze ons dat het vooral voor hen vervelend was, omdat zo'n niet zeil erg duur is. Mainstay heeft onze vragen op geen enkel moment serieus genomen, en lachte ons als het ware een beetje uit. 'Kan gebeuren', zeggen ze dan. 'Je hebt toch gezeild?' Dus kijk zelf goed naar het weer en annuleer als dat nog gratis is, omdat ze ons later op geen enkele manier meer tegemoet wilden komen. Hadden we maar geannuleerd denken we achteraf. Maar we wilden graag vertrouwen op hun oordeel dat het goed zou komen. En vonden het niet netjes om een paar dagen voor de trip nog te annuleren. Een harde les, wij weten voortaan wel beter. Misschien toch even verder kijken dan Mainstay als je zoekt naar een mooie tour. Of probeer rechtstreeks bij schipper Nick te boeken bij wijze van spreken. Die gaf ons halverwege nog aan 'Ik zou jullie deze trip voor niets hebben aangeboden, maar Mainstay zit anders in elkaar.' Heel jammer allemaal. Deze review wilden we niet plaatsen bovendien. Maar Mainstay reageert op geen enkele vraag of verzoek van ons, dus delen we onze ervaring hier toch maar.
Couldn’t recommend more highly! Did the RYA Day Skipper course in May 2026. A beautiful part of the world and an excellent holiday - and we learnt so much, Terence was an excellent teacher, very invested in teaching us to be safe and confident sailors, and took us to some spectacular spots around the region too. If you’re looking for a skippered charter experience or to complete a course and improve your sailing, you won’t be disappointed with Mainstay. We will definitely recommend to friends and look to come back to do our Coastal Skipper cert and beyond.
My partner and I just did our RYA day skipper practical with Mainstay Sailing in May and it was superb! Terrance is a 5 star sailing instructor - he is patient, a very good teacher, and has so much sailing experience to draw on and share. He is also so friendly and happy to chat about his very interesting life experiences, and is an excellent cook catering so effortlessly for us vegetarians. We really appreciated how we were so well looked after and how much we got to learn - and in between it all we found time to do some snorkelling and exploring a couple of islands by foot. Thank you for an awesome week of learning experiences in the whitsundays! Hopefully we’ll be back in a few years with a small sailor by our side :)
FAQ's
The Royal Yachting Association is the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inland waterways cruising.
Our internationally renowned training schemes steer 250,000 yacht sailors, power boaters, small craft leisure boaters, windsurfers and canal boaters towards confident and successful boating every year.
So whether your end goal is to spend more quality down time on the water, to travel, to compete, to work, or to advance your career; there’s a course for you.
An ICC (International Certificate of Competence) assessment is a practical and theoretical test for boaters, proving competence for sailing in countries requiring formal qualifications, covering safety, navigation, rules, pilotage, and boat handling (power/sail), often based on RYA standards, with experienced sailors able to take a shorter assessment or convert existing qualifications.
What it covers:
Safety: Onboard procedures and emergency situations.
Rules & Regulations: Collision avoidance (COLREGs) and maritime rules.
Navigation & Pilotage: Chart work, buoyage, and coastal navigation.
Boat Handling: Under power and sail, including close-quarters maneuvering and berthing.
Man Overboard: Recovery procedures.
How to get it:
Convert Existing Qualifications: If you hold a recognised RYA qualification (like Day Skipper), you can apply to convert it.
Take an Assessment: For experienced boaters without formal certification, a one-day practical and theoretical assessment is available.
Take a Course: You can take an RYA training course (like Day Skipper) and then apply for the ICC.
Key Points:
It's a certificate of competence, not a qualification itself, providing assurance to foreign authorities. An RYA Essential Navigation course is recommended for theory. You might also need a VHF Marine Radio license.
Payments are taken prior to course, tour or charter start. We have payments plans to make it easier for you.
Our escapades bring you back to the fundamentals of life. Spending a few days on a boat brings out the best in human nature. Living and working together we talk a lot, laugh a lot, and put the world to rights. It is more than an escape from the complexity of life ashore; the fresh air, natural adrenalin and outdoor activity give your body a good physical detox too.
We have the knowledge and skills to safely deliver your boat to its new port.
We respect the trust owners place on us. Years of blue water sailing experience has ensured that careful preparation, regular watch keeping and making sure the boat is safe at all times is essential for the safety of the people on board and the yacht.
At the same time we can provide tuition for you and your crew during the planning of the passage and the actual delivery itself. Extra crew can be arranged if required.There are four stages to a delivery exercise – preparation, leaving port, passage making and arrival with debrief
The ultimate getaway for 2! Yacht charters and sailing cruises are one of the best ways to experience beauty of the Whitsundays. Choose from romantic overnight yacht charters for two, sailing cruises with meals and drinks, hands-on sailing trips or something with a touch of luxury. Once out on the glittering waves you'll see why we think yacht charters and sailing cruises are such a treat!
Coral Sea Marina
Shingley Drive
Airlie Beach
QLD 4802
AUSTRALIA
Postal address
PO Box 890
Cannonvale
QLD 4802
AUSTRALIA
Lat: 20° 16′ South
Long: 148° 43′ East
Phone: +61 402 429 152
