RYA YACHTMASTER PREP / EXAM

RYA Yachtmaster: The Ultimate Step in Your Sailing Journey

The RYA Yachtmaster qualification is one of the most respected and sought-after sailing certifications in the world. Designed for experienced sailors who want to develop their skills to an advanced level, the course challenges you to become a confident, capable, and knowledgeable skipper.

At Mainstay Sailing, our RYA Yachtmaster preparation combines expert tuition, real-world experience, and the incredible sailing environment of the Whitsundays. You will refine your boat handling, navigation, passage planning, seamanship, and decision-making skills while building the confidence required to skipper safely in a wide range of conditions.

Whether your goal is to achieve the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster qualification, prepare for the practical exam, or simply become a more accomplished skipper, this is the opportunity to take your sailing to the next level with experienced instructors who understand what it takes to become a truly competent yachtmaster.

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The exam will include an assessment of your skippering skills, boat handling, general seamanship, navigation, safety awareness and knowledge of the IRPCS, meteorology and signals.

RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore exam pre-requisites

1/ 50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages.

5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be conducted in tidal waters.

All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

Before applying for the practical exam you must have a valid first aid certificate and marine radio licence

The exam has a minimum duration of 8-12 hours for 1 candidate, 10-18 hours for 2 candidates. No more than two candidates can be examined in 24 hours and no more than four candidates can be examined in one 2 day session.

There is a minimum age requirement of 18.

After 5 days of prep the examiner will come aboard. The cost for the examiner will be shared by the students conducting the exam.

Also check out the following article in the Captain's Log

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Watch this video

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DURATION

5 days and 5 nights

INVESTMENT

From $

2995.00

CONTACT

PHONE:

+61 402 429 152

Book 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.

Book courses