THE TIME IS NOW TO LEARN HOW TO SAIL!
Get Started With Our RYA Competent Crew Course
Your First Step Towards a Lifetime of Sailing Adventures
Step 1
BOOK YOUR COURSE: This 5-day liveaboard course is the first step in your pathway to becoming a confident and capable skipper. You will focus on hands-on practical skills.
Step 2
TIME ON WATER: This is where you can join our SeaPeople sailing community, and get more time on the water before your next course.
Step 3
CHARTER AROUND THE WORLD: Use your skills on adventures around the world. We will help you plan the perfect sailing vacation through our Partnership with Dream Yachts International and Navigare Yacht Charters.
The All-Inclusive Advantage
The Sunshine Sailing Way
Your Own Private Cabin
A personal sanctuary to rest and recharge. No sharing with strangers.
Complimentary Early Boarding
Settle in the night before and SAVE OVER $250 on a hotel room.
Maximum 4 Students
Maximum helm time and direct, one-on-one coaching.
All Bedding & Linens Provided
Pack light and step aboard. We take care of the comfortable details. SAVE AIRLINE FEES.
A complete, comfortable, and premium learning adventure.
The Other School's Way
Shared Bunks
Often requires sharing a small space with another student.
Hotel Required
An extra cost and hassle you have to arrange yourself.
Crowded Boat (Up to 6:1)
Less hands-on time, more time just watching.
Bring Your Own Bedding
You’ll need to pack and carry your own sleeping bag and pillow. (Could mean extra airline charges for exta bag).
A basic course with extra costs and compromises.
Your Investment
Choose your preferred vessel to see current pricing.
Mooloolaba
Catamaran
Lock-in your date with just a 30% deposit, refundable up to 60-days before the course. Invest now for your future sailing adventures.
Solo Adventurer
$2795
Per Person - Single Occupancy
Private Cabin
Linen Provided
Maximum of 4 Students
Early Boarding
Double Occupancy Discount
The Partner Crew
$4490
Two People - Double Occupancy
Private Cabin
Linen Provided
Maximum of 4 Students
Early Boarding
Double Occupancy Discount
YOUR ADVENTURE INFORMATION
Course Details & Highligts: What You’ll Experience & Master
Our school has been teaching sailing since 1989. As one of the RYA foundational schools in Australia, we have offered RYA certifications since 1995. With 35+ years of experience, and over 15K sailors trained, we know a thing or two about teaching sailing.
Who is this couse for?
- Aspiring skippers who want to cruise safely with family and friends.
- Sailors with some crewing experience ready for the next step.
- Anyone planning to charter or bareboat a yacht in the future.
Course Highlights
- 5 days / 4 nights living aboard, fully immersed in the sailing lifestyle.
- Navigate the beautiful waters of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and the Gold Coast.
- Gain an internationally recognized RYA certification.
Skills You'll Master
- Preparation for Sea: Engine Checks & Safety Briefing
- Deck Work & Seamanship: Reefing, anchoring, mooring.
- Navigation & Pilotage: Chart work, electronic navigation.
- Boat Handling: Steering, sail trim, marina maneuvers.
- Passage Planning: Creating and executing a safe passage plan.
- Rules of the Road: Collision regulations.
- Emergency Situations: Man overboard recovery.
My daughter and I completed the ASA 101 with Luke.
He is an awesome teacher. He was so patient with us and we really enjoyed the 4 days out on the water with him. We can’t wait to do more sailing and consolidate the skills we learned. David is great to deal with – I highly recommend Sunshine Sailing.
TRACEY HUGHES
Dave and Luke were amazing teachers! They were patient and talked us through everything while still allowing us to make mistakes and learn. My wife and I had an amazing weekend learning to sail and are signing up for the next level. It’s a great spot as well with lovely beaches around. Would highly recommend.
AP Srinivasan
Testimonials
What Our Students Have to Say About Us
We strive to offer the best service we can from the first contact email or phone call. It is our goal to build a lasting relationship, and share in your sailing adventures and triumphs.
Common Questions
We are here to help answer any question you have. Below are some common questions, but please do not hesitate to reach out with any other questions. You can also schedule a 1:1 training plan consultation to help build a custom training plan.
Do I need any sailing experience at all?
No, none whatsoever! This course is designed specifically for absolute beginners. We start from scratch and teach you everything you need to know to become a confident and useful member of a sailing crew.
What will I actually be able to do after this course?
You will be a capable and reliable crew member. You’ll be able to steer the yacht, handle sails, keep a proper lookout, tie essential knots, and understand the basic routines and safety procedures of life on board. You won’t just be a passenger; you’ll be an active participant.
Is the course very physical? What if I'm not very strong?
Modern sailing is much more about technique than pure strength. Our experienced instructors will teach you the correct, safe way to handle lines and sails using leverage, not brute force. The course is suitable for people of all fitness levels.
What's the difference between this course and the Day Skipper course?
Competent Crew is the essential first step. It teaches you how to be a great crew member. The Day Skipper course is the next level, where you learn how to become the skipper who is responsible for the yacht and everyone on it. We recommend every aspiring skipper starts here to build a solid foundation.
Will I feel seasick?
It’s a possibility for some, but it usually passes quickly as you get used to the motion of the boat. Our instructors are very experienced in helping students feel comfortable, and we’ll share plenty of tips to prevent it. We also stay in relatively sheltered waters for this course.
What is the minimum age?
The generally recommended minimum age is 12, but it can vary by person. Reach out to us and we can figure out whether this course is right for your child.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No. You will be wearing a high-quality, automatic lifejacket whenever you are on deck, and instructors are aware of who can and cannot swim.
What should I pack?
Pack light in a soft, flexible bag (no hard suitcases). Here is a more complete list of items you will need. PACKING LIST
What's the difference between this and the Start Yachting course?
The Start Yachting course is a 2-day “taster,” while Competent Crew is a full 5-day immersive course that makes you a genuinely useful crew member. If you’ve done the Start Yachting course, you may be able to complete Competent Crew in a shorter time.
Is all food included? What about dietary restrictions?
Yes, all meals, drinks, and snacks aboard the yacht are included in your course fee. Any meals on-shore, are the responsibility of the student.
We can happily accommodate most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and specific allergies. Please be sure to let us know of any dietary needs when you make your booking so our crew can be fully prepared for you.