Our FAST-TRACK course, Australia’s original, has been designed to take the novice yachtsperson from the basics of yachting through to the RYA Coastal Skipper Certificate and then onto the internationally recognised RYA Yachtmaster.  This programme has been specifically designed with the perfect balance of theory and practical training, providing a direct route to internationally recognised RYA certification.

Moreton Bay in South East Queensland is the perfect setting to undertake sail training with its sub-tropical climate, consistent winds and of course relaxed Queensland lifestyle – the wind blows, the sun shines and the places we sail to, will blow you away!

  • Aims and outcomes of the courses

    Whether your outcome is to seek a new career in the world-wide yachting industry, the superyacht industry or simply to go cruising with confidence and safety this is the course for you.

  • Course Duration

    12 weeks

  • Title 3

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A great place to learn all things about sailing, experienced Captains who are only to happy to answer any and all questions, a great experience,

Michael MacCormack 2021
Michael MacCormack

Well organized with a wonderful team and instructors. Completed my Comp Crew and looking forward to doing the Day skipper next.

N Dashti 2020
N Dashti

We were lucky enough to spend a day with Jamie on Moreton bay and can’t speak highly enough about it. Three of us with varied previous experience of sailing joined with a father and son to share in a day of learning the ropes. The day was tailored to our varied needs and at all times we were able to ask questions and glean experience from Jamie’s wealth of knowledge. We would highly recommend signing up for a course if you’re interested in getting back on the water after a hiatus. Thanks so much guys! It was a priceless day!

Maria Bukala 2021
Maria Bukala

We cannot express how wonderful our experience was with Jamie . He is very professional and patient in teaching us how to handle our new acquisition. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice, it’s well worth spending time with a calm and knowledgeable instructor from Southern Cross. Thanks Jamie

Lee-Anne Savin 2021
Lee-Anne Savin

Shorebased and practical courses are interweaved with short courses and offshore experiences relevant to the level and all activities are programmed to compliment and reinforce the previous learning module.  Participant numbers are restricted so progress can be monitored carefully. Our instructors act as mentors to the students ensuring that each individual’s learning needs are addressed. After all, your success is our business!

Included in the programme are the following:

  • RYA 5 Day liveaboard Competent Crew
  • RYA Essential Navigation (online)
  • RYA Day Skipper classroom course (classroom or online)
  • RYA 5 Day Skipper practical liveaboard course
  • RYA Yachtmaster and Coastal Theory class – either online or face to face
  • Yacht maintenance, rigging and rope workshop
  • Marine First Aid
  • Sea Safety and Survival
  • Short/Long-range Radio operators’ licence
  • RYA Radar
  • RYA Diesel maintenance
  • International Certificate of competence (ICC)
  • Yachtmaster 5 day live-aboard preparation week
  • RYA Exam (RYA exam fee is paid directly to the examiner)

Courses can be tailored to suit previous study and yachting experience. Radar and Boat Safe Recreational Boat Safe License courses can be arranged if required.


Accommodation

During all onboard practical training students live aboard the yachts for the duration of the module. When onboard all meals are included except for the 1 or 2 nights that we eat out ashore.

Pre-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for the course.  During the course you will log the miles and sea time required to achieve the RYA Coastal Skipper certificate.  For those who wish to do the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster exam additional sea time is required – a total of 50 days at sea and 2500 miles.

You need to be at least 18 years of age.

A medical by an MCA approved doctor is required for commercial endorsement of the RYA Yachtmaster and we will provide a form for completion by the medical officer.  MCA (the UK’s Marine & Coastal Agency) endorsement is a commercial endorsement to work as Captain/Master on commercial, red ensign vessels up to 24 meters.

Training Yachts

The fleet is fully equipped to the highest specification, are all in commercial survey and conform to the demanding MCA Code of practice requirements.  They have been assembled to offer students a wide variety of experiences, on yachts similar to those that commercial skippers will be operating.  The fleet includes both racing and cruising “Charter style yachts” – all 35 feet or over and all comfortably fitted out.

Visas

Information about a six-month tourist visa can be found at the Australian Immigration Website www.immi.gov.au