RYA START YACHTING COURSE

The RYA Start Yachting course is designed for people who want to experience sailing for the first time and discover what life aboard a yacht is really like.

You don’t need to be an experienced sailor and you don’t need to know your port from your starboard. The course is designed as an enjoyable and practical introduction to sailing, giving you the opportunity to get involved from the moment you step aboard.

During your time on the yacht, you’ll learn the basic principles of sailing and discover how the different parts of a yacht work together. You’ll have the opportunity to take the helm, help with the sails, learn some essential sailing terminology and practise basic knots and ropework.

You’ll also begin to understand how a sailing crew works together and why communication, teamwork and awareness are such important parts of sailing.

Rather than sitting back and watching someone else sail, you’ll be encouraged to get involved and experience the yacht for yourself.

And there is perhaps no better place to discover sailing than the Whitsundays. With beautiful islands, warm tropical waters and a variety of sheltered and open sailing areas, the Whitsundays provide an unforgettable backdrop for your first experience on the water.

RYA Start Yachting is also an excellent way to find out whether you would like to continue your sailing journey. If you enjoy the experience, the natural next step is often the RYA Competent Crew course, where you can develop your skills much further.

Required experience

None

Minimum duration

2 days

Minimum age

Recommended age 8

Content

The yacht, ropework, underway, rules of the road, man overboard recovery, clothing and equipment, emergency equipment and precautions and meteorology.

Certificate issuing criteria

Basic knowledge of yachting

Format

This course is based in the Coral Sea, Whitsundays area.

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DURATION

2 Days overnight

INVESTMENT

From

From $

775.00

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.

Book courses