Listed here are the steps from beginner to RYA Yachtmaster. You can enter at any level and our sailing advisors are here to advise where to start depending on your knowledge level and experience.

The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.

There are a number of RYA navigation courses that will help you prepare for your exam. Many RYA Yachtmaster candidates also choose to book themselves into an RYA training centre for some specialised exam preparation training, but this is not compulsory.

Program breakdown (in the above image).

The Australian Sailing AS – Keelboat Program & the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – Yacht Training Program

Certificates of Competence Include:

• International Certificate of Competence 
• RYA  Yachtmaster Coastal
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean

Option 1 – Keelboat courses on our J24 Yachts (or go to Option 2 with the RYA 5 day Competent Crew on larger yachts)

Australian Sailing Keelboat Program

The knowledge to skipper and navigate your own Keelboat by day on sheltered waters

Prices when booked as a Program

Start Crewing

• 4 x 3-hour practical lesson
• 1 x theory lesson and social evening
• Lessons every day
• $860

Start Helming

• 4 x 3-hour practical lessons or 2 days
• 1 x theory lesson and social evening
• $860

Keelboat Start Skippering

• 2 x 6 hour practical days
• $860
• 1 x Theory lesson and social evening
• Best do just before your 5-day practical Coastal Skipper

On our J24’s you will have hands-on instruction on helming (steering the boat), main sheet (controlling the power of the boat), winches (turning the boat through tacks and gybes etc) and the foredeck. After each lesson is your most important part of the day is the debriefing session with your crew and instructor at the Deck bar at the CYCA! (Home of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race). 

The sailing lessons on the J24’s are available every day except Thursdays and you can choose your lesson times. Session times are 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and weekend sessions extend to 4 pm to 7 pm during daylight saving. As we have several training yachts, booking in is really easy and flexible – all you need to do is give us a call. You can even do 2 lessons in one day if you wish.

Option 2

RYA Competent Crew Practical 5 Day Practical (5 Days and 4 Nights onboard)

•  All Provisions on board inclusive
• $2350 on Monohull Beneteau 38.1
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran  1170
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran 1260

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Shorebased theory available online or virtually $390

Then the RYA Day Skipper Certifications: 

RYA  Day Skipper Shorebased Theory

• 40 hours Elearning plus 4 virtual evenings with a RYA Yacht Master Instructor 
• $1395

Or Online (40 hours + exams) in your own time $750 – Course materials posted

RYA Day Skipper Practical 5 Day Practical (5 Days and 4 Nights onboard)

•  All Provisions on board inclusive
• $2350 on Monohull Beneteau 38.1
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran 1170
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran 1260

It is recommended to complete the theory prior to the practical.

On successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can automatically apply to the RYA for the ICC International Certificate of Competence This is required to skipper your own yacht or hire a yacht or powerboat in over 140 countries. The certification is for sailing up to 24m .

Then RYA Yacht Master Certificate of Competence – Enable the skipper to navigate and skipper on any coastal passage.

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory

• 40 hours eLearning and 6 virtual evening sessions with an RYA Yacht Master Instructor
• $1695

Or Online (40 hours + exams) in your own time $750 – Course materials posted

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical 5 days and 4 nights onboard

• $2350 on monohull Beneteau 38.1
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran 1170
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran 1260

Marine Radio Licence (LROCP)

• Online theory and 1 x evening and practical course
• VHF, HF and DSC
• $450 plus $89 licence fee

Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival

• eLearning & Practical
• Includes flare and pool session
• $695

Optional Courses 

Radar Course

• 1 day
• $450

Diesel Course

• 1-day course
• $450

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Course

• 40 hours plus exam
• Virtual
• $2,100

RYA Exams and Commercial endorsement for Australia and International.

Included & benefits

• Free unlimited 3-hour practice sails on a standby basis for 4 weeks after Keelboat Courses
• 1 x 3 hour private lesson on our J24 (normally $450)
• Course packs for all RYA virtual and online courses
• Free use of wet weather gear for Keelboat Courses
• Free introduction to boat owners as crew to race or mile builders/deliveries after SSSC is completed
• PSS is located in the CYCA and has operated from this base for over 40 years.
• Opportunities for crewing are unlimited.
• Starting on smaller yachts like our J24s and progressing to our bigger yachts provides the best outcome in sailing skills.
• Flexible course dates – can be altered with the required minimum notice as per our booking conditions
• Fast track – RYA Yachtmaster program completed in 3 months if requested

Not included:

Exam for RYA Yacht Master Offshore Certificate of Competence

• The exam is independent and approximately $500 is paid directly to the RYA
• PSS registration, Insurance, logbook and certificate fees $150
• Textbooks (if required) approximately $230

Practice Sails 

Unlimited and available on a standby basis for 6 weeks on our J24 Yachts.

ICC Assessment

ICC assessment cost is included in the 5 day practical assessment.

On successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper practical, ask about the ICC International Certificate of Competence. During the RYA Day skipper practical course you will be assessed for your theory, sailing and seamanship skills. This is a pass or fail and a pass is the minimum requirement for the ICC.