Congratulations to James and Bec
Congratulations to James and Bec
James and Bec flew in to Airlie the day before the lockdown was enforced. They spent a week of interesting sailing around the region, and were both successful in completing their qualifications while having fun with us at Mainstay.
We had winds peaking at 30 knots for the first few days, and Bec had a quick lesson about wind against tide. During the week Bec completely overcame seasickness, and is able to stop worrying about it!
We completed a lovely coastal passage up to Bowen via Gloucester Passage, and after a big fish breakfast, we headed back with ZERO wind, with totally flat water, but surrounded by whales and dolphins.
They are now safely back in Sydney, planning their next adventure on the water with Mainstay Sailing in the beautiful Whitsundays.
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
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.
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.
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
Had an awesome time doing our sailing course with Mainstay Sailing. Being the only legitimate RYA accredited sailing school in the area you know that the knowledge and skills that was being taught was second to none. Terrance and Nick our instructors were fantastic, really patient and clear with their instructions the whole way through. Felt like we were in great hands from start to finish. We also got to visit some amazing locations along the way in the Whitsundays which made the whole experience even better. Can't recommend these guys enough!
Sam and I had an absolutely fantastic time with Terrance, Ron & Nick. The scenery was spectacular and the trip was informative. We would recommend this as a great way to explore the Whitsundays whilst also learning from very experienced sailors. The food was delicious and we had everything we needed on the boat. The hospitality was excellent and we absolutely loved getting to know the crew and everyone aboard the sailing boat. We can’t wait to come back!! Thank you Mainstay crew!!
RYA Competent Crew Certificate - 23/5/26 At 61yrs young, this experience is one I will truly carry with me for the rest of my life. The expert tuition received from Terence was not only first rate, but his knowledge, guidance and warm friendly disposition during my week long sailing adventure through the Whitsunday Islands, totally exceeded my levels of expectation on all fronts. If you are looking to advance your sailing credentials then I highly recommend Mainstay Sailing for the complete package into this wonderful tropical paradise… it’s never too late to follow your dreams. 🏝️⛵️
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.
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
