RYA DAYSKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE

The RYA Day Skipper practical course is designed for sailors who want to take the next step and develop the skills and confidence required to skipper a cruising yacht by day in familiar coastal waters.

This is a significant step up from simply being crew. As Day Skipper, you begin taking responsibility for the yacht, the crew and the decisions made during a passage.

The practical course brings together a wide range of sailing and seamanship skills. You’ll develop your ability to handle the yacht under sail and power, manoeuvre in confined spaces, anchor and moor, manage the crew and respond appropriately to changing conditions.

Navigation is an important part of the course. You’ll learn to plan and execute coastal passages, determine your position, use charts and electronic navigation equipment, understand tides and tidal streams, and make appropriate decisions based on the weather and prevailing conditions.

You will also develop your understanding of safety procedures, emergency situations, collision regulations and the responsibilities of the skipper.

The Whitsundays provide an exceptional environment for this practical training. The region offers a mixture of sheltered waters, open passages, tidal areas, channels and numerous islands, giving you the opportunity to experience a variety of situations within a relatively compact sailing area.

Please Note: RYA Day Skipper is not a beginner sailing course. It is recommended that candidates have previous sailing experience and undertake the appropriate RYA Day Skipper Theory training before the practical course.

The RYA day skipper practical is for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.

Previous Experience Required - 5 days sea time, 100 miles and 4 night hours. Navigation to Dayskipper shorebased or equivalent and basic sailing ability (competent crew), minimum age for the award of the certificate is 16.

The aim is not simply to show you how to sail a yacht. It is to help you develop the knowledge, practical ability and decision-making skills required to take responsibility for a yacht and crew during a coastal passage.

DURATION

5 days

INVESTMENT

From

From $

2195.00

CONTACT

PHONE:

+61 402 429 152

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Our Story

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.

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