R Y A Courses
PRICE is what you pay, VALUE is what you get! Warren Buffett
Your Own Bed
Believe it or not, most sailing schools required you to sleep in the same bed with a stranger. We will NOT make you share a bed with anyone you don’t want to.
Less Students Per Boat
We have a low Student/Instructor Ratio. This allows you more training time, and more comfort. Make sure you ask before booking at a school.
Bedding Provided
You do not have to figure out how to transport your bedding, we have you covered. It may sound simple, but it makes a big difference.
Training Focused on Fun
This is an adventure, not a cadet academy. We are here to have a great time, learn to sail, and build lasting friendships. Have a look at our past customers comments.
RYA Start Yachting
The RYA Start Yachting course is the perfect learn to sail course aimed for complete beginners. It’s best for those who have spent very limited time or no time on sailing vessels, but want to be able to go sailing with a basic understanding of what is happening on board.
RYA Competent Crew
Perfect for beginners, this course offers a supportive and immersive learning environment amidst Queensland’s stunning coastal landscapes. Unlock the door to sailing mastery with the RYA Competent Crew course.
RYA Day Skipper
The RYA Day Skipper and Bare Boat practical course is designed to teach you essential practical skippering and sailing techniques. Completion of this course gives you an internationally recognized qualification for bare boat chartering.
RYA Coastal Skipper
The RYA Coastal Skipper practical is the course for more advanced skippers who have a practical ability to RYA Day Skipper level and knowledge up to RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster shorebased standard.
RYA Power Boat Level 2
Ideal for both leisure and professional use, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to powerboating, covering essential skills and knowledge for anyone who needs to operate a powerboat, whether for recreation, work, or as part of another activity such as sailing, rescue operations, or watersports support.
Achieve Globally Recognised Certification with RYA Sailing Courses Mooloolaba
At Sunshine Sailing Australia, we offer a comprehensive range of RYA (Royal Yachting Association) courses designed to provide you with internationally recognised sailing qualifications. Whether you are a beginner looking to start your sailing journey or an experienced sailor aiming to advance your skills, our RYA courses cater to all levels of experience and ambition.
Why Choose RYA Certification?
The RYA certification is highly regarded worldwide, ensuring that your qualifications are recognized wherever your sailing adventures take you. The structured R Y A training program is designed to build your skills progressively, providing you with the confidence and competence to handle various sailing scenarios safely and effectively.
Key Features of RYA Courses
- Internationally Recognised Certification
RYA qualifications are respected and accepted globally. - Comprehensive Curriculum
Each course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of sailing techniques, safety procedures, and navigational skills. - Experienced Instructors
Learn from R Y A-certified instructors with extensive sailing experience. - Flexible Scheduling
Courses are available throughout the year, allowing you to choose a schedule that fits your lifestyle. - Hands-On Training
Gain practical experience on the water, ensuring you are well-prepared for real-world sailing situations.
Many of our RYA courses, such as the RYA Day Skipper, prepare you for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). Obtaining an ICC is essential for those planning to sail in European waters or charter boats internationally. Learn more about how our RYA courses can help you achieve ICC certification.
Achieve Globally Recognised Certification with RYA Courses
At Sunshine Sailing Australia, we offer a comprehensive range of RYA (Royal Yachting Association) courses designed to provide you with internationally recognised sailing qualifications. Whether you are a beginner looking to start your sailing journey or an experienced sailor aiming to advance your skills, our RYA courses cater to all levels of experience and ambition.
Why Choose RYA Certification?
The RYA certification is highly regarded worldwide, ensuring that your qualifications are recognised wherever your sailing adventures take you. The structured R Y A training program is designed to build your skills progressively, providing you with the confidence and competence to handle various sailing scenarios safely and effectively.
Key Features of RYA Courses
Many of our RYA courses, such as the RYA Day Skipper, prepare you for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). Obtaining an ICC is essential for those planning to sail in European waters or charter boats internationally. Learn more about how our RYA courses can help you achieve ICC certification.
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Internationally Recognised Certification
R Y A qualifications are respected and accepted globally.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Each course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of sailing techniques, safety procedures, and navigational skills.
Experienced Instructors
Learn from RYA-certified instructors with extensive sailing experience.
Flexible Scheduling
Courses are available throughout the year, allowing you to choose a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Hands-On Training
Gain practical experience on the water, ensuring you are well-prepared for real-world sailing situations.
Explore Our RYA Courses
RYA Competent Crew
The RYA Competent Crew course is perfect for those new to sailing. This foundational course teaches basic seamanship and helmsmanship, making you an effective crew member on a yacht. It’s the first step towards becoming a competent sailor.
RYA Day Skipper
The RYA Day Skipper course is ideal for sailors with some experience who want to take on more responsibility on board. This course covers navigation, pilotage, and boat handling under power and sail, providing the skills needed to skipper a yacht in familiar waters.
RYA Coastal Skipper
The RYA Coastal Skipper course at Sunshine Sailing Australia is designed for advanced sailors ready to elevate their skills. Offered in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Bay, this course focuses on advanced navigation, passage planning, and pilotage. You’ll gain hands-on experience in complex decision-making and yacht management, preparing you to skipper a yacht on longer coastal and offshore passages. This comprehensive program ensures you are well-prepared for the RYA Yachtmaster examination and beyond.
RYA Yachtmaster Courses
Our Yachtmaster courses in Australia are designed for experienced sailors looking to achieve one of the most respected sailing qualifications. We offer both Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore courses, each tailored to prepare you for the rigorous Yachtmaster exam.
RYA Training Programs
Our RYA training programs include a variety of courses aimed at different skill levels and sailing goals. From introductory courses to advanced training, our programs are designed to help you progress through the RYA certification pathway.
Yachtmaster Courses Australia
Sunshine Sailing Australia offers comprehensive Yachtmaster courses in Australia. These courses are designed to provide the advanced skills and knowledge required for the Yachtmaster certification. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the rigorous training process, ensuring you are fully prepared for the Yachtmaster exam.
RYA Courses:
- RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory
- RYA Coastal Skipper
- RYA Competent Crew
- RYA Day Skipper
- RYA Day Skipper Theory – Online
- RYA Essential Navigation – Online
- RYA Start Yachting
- RYA Day Skipper Catamaran
- RYA Power Boat Level 2 Course
- RYA Diesel Engines
- VHF marine radio
If you’re planning to sail internationally, obtaining the right certification is essential. Our International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is designed to help you meet the requirements for sailing in European waters and beyond. Whether you’re looking to get your ICC certification through practical assessment or by completing our RYA Day Skipper course, we provide all the training you need to achieve your ICC Certificate. Prepare for your sailing adventures with confidence by obtaining your International Certificate of Competence (ICC) through Sunshine Sailing Australia.
RYA Courses
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Certified Skipper
Embarking on your journey to become a certified skipper through RYA (Royal Yachting Association) courses is an exciting and structured pathway designed for sailors of all skill levels. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to take your sailing career to the next level, the RYA training program offers a comprehensive step-by-step approach. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the process of becoming a certified skipper.
STEP 1
Start with the Basics
RYA Start Yachting
If you’re completely new to sailing, the RYA Start Yachting course is your perfect introduction. This 2-day practical course covers the fundamentals, giving you a taste of life at sea. You’ll learn basic skills like steering, sail handling, and safety procedures. It’s an ideal way to get a feel for the sport and see if sailing is for you.
STEP 2
Progress to Competent Crew
After gaining some initial experience, the next step is the RYA Competent Crew course. Designed for beginners, this course is a 5-day immersive experience that teaches you to be a valuable crew member. You’ll learn essential seamanship skills, including steering the boat, handling sails, and general safety onboard. The Competent Crew qualification is an essential foundation for anyone serious about advancing their sailing skills.
STEP 3
Advance to RYA Day Skipper
Once you’ve mastered the basics and have some experience under your belt, you’re ready for the RYA Day Skipper course. This is where you’ll transition from crew to skipper. The RYA Day Skipper course combines theory and practical learning, covering navigation, pilotage, seamanship, and safety. Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to skipper a yacht on short passages in familiar waters by day.
STEP 4
Build Experience with Mile Builders
To gain more experience and confidence after becoming a Day Skipper, consider joining Mile Builder passages. These are longer sailing trips that allow you to log valuable miles and practice your skills in real-world scenarios. Many skippers use this time to build the necessary sea miles required for more advanced RYA certifications.
STEP 5
Step Up to RYA Coastal Skipper
For those aiming to take on longer passages and more challenging sailing conditions, the RYA Coastal Skipper course is the next step. This course focuses on advanced navigation, weather interpretation, passage planning, and handling a yacht in more complex situations. Coastal Skipper certification allows you to take charge of coastal passages by day and night and prepares you for offshore sailing.
STEP 6
Go for RYA Yachtmaster Certification
The RYA Yachtmaster is the pinnacle of recreational sailing qualifications, demonstrating that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle a yacht confidently and competently in offshore conditions. The RYA Yachtmaster exam tests your practical skills under real-world conditions, and it’s widely respected across the globe, opening doors to professional opportunities in sailing, such as skippering commercial vessels.
- There are two levels: Yachtmaster Coastal (for skippers with coastal experience) and Yachtmaster Offshore (for those with significant offshore experience).
STEP 7
Continue with Specialised Training
Once you’ve achieved your RYA qualifications, you can continue to expand your skills with specialised courses, such as RYA Powerboat, RYA VHF Radio, or RYA Diesel Engine courses. These additional certifications will enhance your knowledge and abilities, allowing you to handle various vessels and technical aspects of sailing.
What our past students have to say!
Why Choose Sunshine Sailing Australia for RYA Training?
At Sunshine Sailing Australia, we are committed to providing the highest quality sailing education. Our RYA training courses are delivered by experienced instructors who are passionate about sailing and teaching. Whether you aim to become a skilled crew member or a confident skipper, our courses are designed to help you achieve your sailing goals.
Start your journey with us today and gain the internationally recognised RYA certification that will open doors to sailing opportunities worldwide. Get in touch with us to learn more about our RYA courses and how we can help you achieve your sailing ambitions.
What is the RYA and why should I choose an RYA course?
he Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK’s national body for sailing, and its qualifications are recognised internationally. RYA courses are known for their high standards, offering a clear and structured pathway for sailors at all skill levels.
How do I get my International Certificate of Competence (ICC)?
You can obtain an ICC after completing certain RYA courses, such as the RYA Day Skipper course. The ICC is a certificate that proves your competence to operate a pleasure craft, especially in European waters.
What experience do I need to start the RYA Competent Crew course?
None! The RYA Competent Crew course is suitable for complete beginners with no previous sailing experience. It teaches basic seamanship and sailing skills.
What qualifications do I need for the RYA Yachtmaster exam?
For the RYA Yachtmaster exam, you’ll need significant experience, including logged miles, night sailing, and practical skills. Completing the RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore Theory courses is recommended to prepare for the exam.
Can I skip straight to Day Skipper if I have prior sailing experience?
If you already have significant experience, you may be able to go directly to the RYA Day Skipper course. However, it’s important to have the necessary theory knowledge, such as navigation and pilotage, before taking the course.
What is the difference between Competent Crew and Day Skipper?
RYA Competent Crew is designed for beginners to teach the basics of sailing and seamanship, while RYA Day Skipper is for those ready to take on the responsibility of skippering a yacht. The Day Skipper course includes navigation, boat handling, and passage planning.
How long does it take to complete the RYA courses?
The length of RYA courses varies. For example, the Competent Crew and Day Skipper practical courses are typically 5 days each, while theory courses like the RYA Day Skipper Theory may be completed over a few weeks online or in a classroom.
Can I take RYA courses online?
Yes! Many RYA theory courses such as Day Skipper Theory and Yachtmaster Theory are available online. These courses cover essential navigation, weather, and safety knowledge that you can learn at your own pace.
Do RYA certificates expire?
Most RYA certificates, such as Competent Crew and Day Skipper, do not expire. However, some specialised certificates like RYA VHF Radio may require periodic revalidation.
Are RYA qualifications internationally recognised?
Yes, RYA qualifications are highly respected and internationally recognised. This makes them ideal for those looking to sail or work in different countries, as well as for those seeking to charter yachts overseas.