RYA COASTAL SKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE

The aim of this course is to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night. To do this well requires strong navigation, seamanship and leadership skills.

Previous Experience Required- 15 days sea time (2 days as Skipper), 300 miles and 8-night hours. Navigation to Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased or equivalent and sailing ability to Dayskipper practical standard. The minimum age for award of the certificate is 17.

During the week your instructor will guide you through preparations for sea and the safety equipment required for offshore passages, passage planning and pilotage and navigating in restricted visibility. A Coastal Skipper needs good boat handling skills and you will have time to practice berthing and mooring under power and sail in various conditions. You will live onboard during the week and we will be visiting many different ports by night and day and you will learn about preparations for adverse weather sailing and emergency situations.

On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper certificate which is recognised worldwide and can lead to commercial qualifications.

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DURATION

6 Days

INVESTMENT

2875.00

CONTACT

PHONE:

+61 402 429 152

All courses dates Enrol now!

ABOUT US

Meet Terence & Ron – The Faces Behind Mainstay Sailing

At the heart of Mainstay Sailing are two passionate seafarers – Terence Smith and Ron van Schaik – who bring a wealth of experience, a love for adventure, and a deep respect for the ocean to every charter.

Terence is a seasoned skipper with decades of experience on the water. Known for his calm presence, practical knowledge, and deep connection to the Whitsundays, he’s happiest with the wind in his sails and guests onboard discovering the magic of life at sea. With a background in training and marine education, Terence has a knack for making everyone feel capable and confident – whether it’s your first time on a boat or your fiftieth.

Ron brings a unique blend of creativity and precision. A graphic artist by trade and an adventurer at heart. Ron’s attention to detail, and warm sense of humour make him a natural host on board, always ready with local insights or a good laugh.

Together, Terence and Ron have created Mainstay Sailing to share their passion for sailing, the sea, and the unforgettable beauty of the Whitsundays. Whether you’re joining for a day trip or an extended charter, their goal is simple: to give you an experience that feels personal, authentic, and just the right amount of adventurous.

Step aboard, and let’s set sail.

All Courses

RYA Training (internationally recognised)

Whether you have never been on a yacht, or you just want to learn a bit more, we offer professionally run courses which will give you internationally recognised qualifications.

If you are planning to charter locally or internationally, we can offer courses which will give you the knowledge and ability to make it safe and enjoyable, as well as the certificate to present to the charter company.

Our practical courses are run on “Mohawk” a Bennetau 40.7, which is ideal for training in a safe and comfortable environment. Our training ground is the Whitsunday region in Queensland. All courses are run from our base at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach.

Your instructors are RYA qualified and will ensure your learning experience is fun, and exciting. We adapt the courses to suit all learning styles and personal preferences. The accommodation and food will set the ideal learning environment to ensure that you have a fantastic week with us.

Current course dates