This RYA accredited, 5 Day practical sailing course starts and finishes  at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach.

The first night is spent on board in the marina, ready for an early start the next morning.

The yacht has 8 berths, two double aft cabins, two berths in the saloon, and a double berth in the forepeak (usually skipper / instructor's cabin)

We head offshore to MacKay. Bowen or Port Douglas depending on the weather forecast. When we reach our destination we spend the night in the marina before sailing back. This course requires a lot of offshore miles and night sailing as well as night navigation.

You will be required to plan the passage, provision the boat and manage the crew.

All meals are included, except when we over-night in a  marina where the crewgo out for a meal.

On the last day of the course we are normally back in the marina by mid afternoon to allow time to complete the paperwork. We then have a celebratory drink at one of the local bars.

Previous Experience Required- 15 days sea time (2 days as Skipper), 300 miles and 8-night hours. Navigation to Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Shorebased or equivalent and sailing ability to Dayskipper practical standard. The minimum age for award of the certificate is 17.

The aim of this course is to teach the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night. To do this well requires strong navigation, seamanship and leadership skills.

During the week your instructor will guide you through preparations for sea and the safety equipment required for offshore passages, passage planning and pilotage and navigating in restricted visibility. A Coastal Skipper needs good boat handling skills and you will have time to practice berthing and mooring under power and sail in various conditions. You will live onboard during the week and we will be visiting many different ports by night and day and you will learn about preparations for adverse weather sailing and emergency situations.

On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the RYA Coastal Skipper certificate which is recognised worldwide and can lead to commercial qualifications.