View Our RYA Courses
Find a Course Based on Your Skill Level
Whether you are looking to set sail for the first time or you’re interested in our RYA courses, there is a course to suit your skill level.
Click each box to be directed to more information.
Want to know more about our RYA sailing courses? Get in touch with the Southern Cross Yachting team on (07) 3396 4100 or at sailing@southerncrossyachting.com.au and learn more about our boat charter and courses.
INTERMEDIATE
Advanced
Yachtmaster Exam Preparation
Minimum 4 day live-aboardRYA Yachtmaster Coastal Exam
Minimum 2 day practicalRYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence
Yachtmaster Exam Preparation
Minimum 4 day live-aboardRYA Yachtmaster Offshore Exam
Minimum 2 day practicalRYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence
Learn the basics of boating and set sail with us! These popular courses are designed for beginners who have spent little to no time on the water. In these beginner sailing classes, you’ll be introduced to sailing, yachting, handling sails, and more. Our courses are offered throughout the year across Brisbane and its surrounding seas, going as far as the Whitsundays. In these beginner courses, you’ll set sail in no time.
Introduction to Sailing (1-day)
Moreton Bay, Brisbane, QLD
Either Saturday or Sunday every 2 weeks
This popular, 1-day course introduces the world of sailing to anyone wanting to learn yachting basics . By the end of the full day (9-4pm) you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and become aware of safety onboard. Beware, you’ll leave with a feeling of wanting more!
RYA Start Yachting (2-days)
Brisbane year round & Whitsundays June-Oct
Sat 9am - Sun 4pm each weekend
This 2-day course provides a short, live-aboard introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
RYA Competent Crew
Brisbane year round & Whitsundays June - Oct
Ongoing
For beginners wishing to learn the ropes, gain confidence on a yacht who have no prior experience. Become acquainted with sleeping at anchor and how life on-the-water truly feels. With weekends and weekday courses, it’s possible to work around any busy schedule.
With our range of intermediate sailing classes, you’ll take your skills to the next level. These courses are designed for those students confident in crewing and want to either brush up on their skills or qualify for RYA Day Skipper. This qualification will allow you to apply for the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (formerly ICC) to be recognised across Europe, opening you up to a world of adventure. Whether you complete these courses in the Whitsundays or Brisbane, we will guarantee you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience that tickles you with adventure. On a practical note, the RYA Day Skipper has the potential to lower insurance policies.
RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
This course is the perfect stepping stone to the more in-depth Day Skipper shore-based course or to courses on the water such as the Start Yachting and Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses.
RYA Day Skipper
Brisbane year round & Whitsundays June - Oct
Ongoing
A hands-on course designed to teach practical skippering and seamanship techniques that will cement the learnings from the compulsory prior theory course: RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship or RYA Day Skipper. Holders of this certificate are eligible for ICC application in order to bareboat charter in the EU.
RYA Day Skipper Theory Online & Classroom
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
This course gives students sufficient knowledge to undertake the RYA Day Skipper practical course and assessment. It is also ideal for anyone contemplating a bareboat charter holiday or considering buying their own boat.
Designed for sailors looking for more intensive courses that will cover coastal navigation techniques, skippering yachts for longer voyages, and the more advanced techniques of position fixing and tidal knowledge. For those interested in completing RYA sailing courses, we have a select range for our advanced students. Sign up now and sail away on your next sea adventure.
RYA Coastal Skipper
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
Skippering a yacht on coastal and offshore passages demands strong navigation, seamanship and leadership skills. The coastal skipper practical course prepares those with previous skippering experience to undertake longer voyages.
RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Online or in Classroom
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
This is an intensive course covering advanced coastal navigation techniques including – position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge and use of charts and other navigational publications and the correct, safe use of the GPS.
VHF/HF Marine Radio Operator’s License – Classroom or Online
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
A course and exam for anyone who owns or will be operating a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures.
Courses by Type
Have you ever dreamed of pulling the ropes on sails and watching them flap in the wind? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to work a powerboat and soar through the waters? Or simply undertaking an RYA course on a yacht to further your personal experiences? At Southern Cross Yachting, we have boats to suit your desire.
Sailing Classes
Set sail around the Whitsundays or Moreton Bay. Our courses are offered over one-day, five-day, or the weekend, so you can be sure you’ll find the perfect course to suit your schedule. Learn to steer a yacht, handle sails, ropework, anchoring and more. You’ll find courses that will count towards an RYA certification.
Introduction to Sailing (1-day)
Moreton Bay, Brisbane, QLD
Either Saturday or Sunday every 2 weeks
This popular, 1-day course introduces the world of sailing to anyone wanting to learn yachting basics . By the end of the full day (9-4pm) you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and become aware of safety onboard. Beware, you’ll leave with a feeling of wanting more!
RYA Start Yachting (2-days)
Brisbane year round & Whitsundays June-Oct
Sat 9am - Sun 4pm each weekend
This 2-day course provides a short, live-aboard introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
RYA Competent Crew
Brisbane year round & Whitsundays June - Oct
Ongoing
For beginners wishing to learn the ropes, gain confidence on a yacht who have no prior experience. Become acquainted with sleeping at anchor and how life on-the-water truly feels. With weekends and weekday courses, it’s possible to work around any busy schedule.
Powerboat Courses – Coming 2023
Our powerboat course is a mix of theory and practical experience, ensuring you leave the two-day course will skills in how to drive a powerboat and maintain safety for yourself, your passengers, and that of anyone in your proximity. Southern Cross Yachting even offers RYA courses. From experiencing emergency situations and working through them to low-speed and high-speed handling and other seamanship skills, you’ll be anchoring, handling lines and assigning crew roles in no time.
Southern Cross Yachting’s theory courses act as the perfect steppingstone to sailing and a requirement of some RYA practical courses. We offer courses in the classroom and online including yacht master ocean theory, and more to get you on the road to sailing.
RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
This course is the perfect stepping stone to the more in-depth Day Skipper shore-based course or to courses on the water such as the Start Yachting and Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses.
RYA Day Skipper Theory Online & Classroom
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
This course gives students sufficient knowledge to undertake the RYA Day Skipper practical course and assessment. It is also ideal for anyone contemplating a bareboat charter holiday or considering buying their own boat.
RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory Online or in Classroom
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
This is an intensive course covering advanced coastal navigation techniques including – position fixing, course shaping and plotting, tidal knowledge and use of charts and other navigational publications and the correct, safe use of the GPS.
Specialty Courses
These courses are specially designed to areas of sailing and boating that suit your needs. Choose courses that focus on sea survival and safety, ropework, diesel engine course, or other to brush up your skills. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a ladies’ weekend on the sea, we have ladies’ exclusive sailing courses held on board. New yacht owners can choose to use their own vessels and learn the ins and outs of their yacht.
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Moreton Bay, Brisbane QLD
Ongoing
Gain knowledge and experience over two days with this intensive training program involving practical and theoretical upskilling needed for capable and safe powerboating. You will learn to drive our ex-police, rigid inflatable rescue craft.
Own Yacht Tuition
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
Have you recently purchased a yacht, wishing to refresh your skills and become more confident onboard your own vessel?
Under the calm and experienced guidance of our skippers, you will gain confidence and skills to make the most of your own yacht.
VHF/HF Marine Radio Operator’s License – Classroom or Online
Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane, QLD
Ongoing
A course and exam for anyone who owns or will be operating a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. A radio is an important piece of safety equipment on board and it is vital to understand the correct procedures.
Why Choose Our Sailing Classes?
Experienced
Established in 1996, Southern Cross Yachting is the world’s original international RYA training centre.
Trusted
More than 10,000 students, over 25 years have trusted Southern Cross Yachting with their marine training needs, gaining certification and confidence.
Industry Recognised
Southern Cross Yachting works closely with many local and national marine industry peers, such as, charter companies, brokerages and industry experts.
Book RYA Courses With Us Today!
Southern Cross Yachting courses range to suit novice sailors and experienced seamen, so whether you’re looking to brush up on specific skills for sail boat training or you’re getting into the water for the first time, our educators will show you the ropes – and anchor, sails, safety jacket – and more of our sailing classes! Sail away with us today and call our team at 07 3396 4100 or contact us online!
