Yachtmaster/Master of Yachts Fast-track

Yachtmaster/Master of Yachts is Fast-track is the classic course for the confident skipper who has plenty of experience in sheltered waters.

The training is eligible for UK Armed Forces resettlement funding for service leavers. Approved for Enhanced Learning Credits.

The Fast-track is an intensive programme, leading to the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore/Master of Yachts 200gt certificate. This is the benchmark qualification for commercial skippers entering the professional yachting industry. 

If your experience is limited to crewing, please see our Yachtmaster/Master of Yachts Pro Traineeship. The Traineeship includes a full introduction to the role of the skipper, and the opportunity to learn how to take command under supervision.

The Fast-track is a modular course, delivered in three parts.

The first part is Basic Safety Training, lasting one week in the UK. This is devoted to studying for a radio operator's licence and undertaking STCW 95 safety training, which qualifies you to work commercially anywhere in the world and is an absolute requirement for work on vessels above 24 metres.

The STCW 95 training covers: Simulated emergencies / First aid at sea / Sea survival techiques / Safety and social responsibility / Fire prevention and fire fighting.

After the STCW 95 week you fly to Sydney for Master of Yachts Part 2 (Coastal Skipper Training), to start a nine week Australian sailing adventure. 

Practical training in Part 2 includes: Sail trimming / Spinnaker handling and race techniques / Boat handling under sail and power / Passage planning / Navigation, port entry and pilotage / Passage making and skippered passages / Crew management offshore / Watch keeping / Safety and emergency drills / RIB (small powerboat) driving.

We have also included a PADI dive course in the programme but if you don't want to dive we can arrange some extra dinghy sailing. 

The theory syllabus covers: Passage planning; yacht and crew preparation / Advanced navigation and chartwork / GPS and electronic aids/ Meteorology / Tidal heights and streams/ Aspects of oceanography / Vessel stability / Safety equipment and procedures / Collision Regulations (IRPCS) / Racing rules / Race tactics 

Part 2 is based in a spectacular setting at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney. You will practise your inshore skills in Australia's favourite yachting playground, cruising past the Opera House and under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Offshore you explore the New South Wales coast, heading south following the route of the Sydney Hobart race or north towards Broughton Island, Seal Rocks and Coffs Harbour. Weather conditions vary from warm nor'-easterly sea breezes to strong, cool southerly busters. This is offshore sailing at its best. You will experience magnificent seascapes, dolphins, maybe whales and, of course, flying fish. 

By the end of Part 2 you will have enjoyed travel, training, teamwork and adventure. You will understand the basics of racing and have experienced the excitement of competition. You can now expect to be fully confident taking charge of a sailing yacht and its crew in coastal waters. 

At your debrief you will plan the date and location of your Part 3 Yachtmaster assessment. For most people, Part 3 takes place over two weeks in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent in southern England, including a one-day practical exam for the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate. If you prefer a warmer climate, dates are also available in Sydney.