Fast Track

Yachtmaster Sailing School offers a Fast Track for those sailors who already have some experience but little or no formal qualifications.

The Fast Track course is a comprehensive series of training modules covering all certificates in the RYA Sail Cruising and Yachtmaster Scheme as well as short courses in Sea Safety & Survival, MROCP (VHF & HF) Radio Licence and Diesel Engine course.

If you are an experienced sailor or have some qualifications, Yachtmaster Sailing School will go over your existing qualifications and develop a suitable program to help you complete the RYA Yachtmaster certificate.

Port Phillip is a unique sailing area. It’s a very large bay so we have rough weather, tricky sandbars and strong tides all of which will help give you the experience you need.

DO I NEED A MINIMUM MILEAGE AND SEA TIME BEFORE TAKING THIS FAST TRACK COURSE?

There is no minimum sea time requirement or mileage required to start this course. This course will provide the minimum sea time requirement to get you to RYA Coastal Skipper Certificate of Competence (a commercial certificate), but extra sea time is required for the RYA Yachtmaster certificate.

Our Fast Track course will provide you with approx 500 miles and 20 days of sea time and 14 days of classroom theory.

The RYA Yachtmaster certificate requires 50 days and 2,500 miles. The exam for RYA Yachtmaster can be taken once the miles have been accumulated. If you already have 1,500 miles and 30 days logged experience, by completing the Fast Track course you will have the minimum sea time experience to take the RYA Yachtmaster exam.

WHY DO I NEED A RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER CERTIFICATE?

This is the only certificate available in Australia that is recognised worldwide as a commercial ticket and is mandatory for work as a skipper on super yachts.

This certification allows you to work as Captain/Master on private vessels, commercial vessels and super yachts up to 24 metres. Over 24 meters and less than 200gt as Master up to 150nm from safe haven, beyond 150 miles from safe haven you are able to work as Chief Mate.

Note that all Masters and Crew must have the STCW10 short courses to secure work on vessels greater than 24 metres. We do not teach the STCW10 courses. For information on STCW10 courses, please contact the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania on 03 6335 4711.

The RYA Yachtmaster exam is conducted on the water by an independent examiner. Taking part in or completing the Fast Track course does not give a guarantee of passing the exam.

The RYA Yachtmaster certificate requires a high standard of seamanship and knowledge. You will need to do a considerable amount of work/study outside classroom and sailing hours.

Yachtmaster Fast Track Syllabus:

What do I bring?

FOR SAILING

Wear clothes suitable for the season and rubber soled shoes, preferably with a white or light coloured sole. A cap, sunglasses, bottle of water and sun screen are also a good idea. You will also need change of clothes, toilet kit, sleeping bag and any special medicine you may require packed in a flexible soft bag. We provide you with wet weather gear (with the exception of boots) if required.

FOR THEORY

• Plotter*
• Dividers*
• Two soft 2B pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Eraser
• Note pad and pens

* Must be pre-ordered 2 weeks prior and will be supplied on the day, please phone or email details.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• RYA theory course notes and training charts
• Most meals on practical sailing courses (except for a few dinners ashore per course)
• Course completion certificates
• Radio Operator Licence (subject to exam)
• YA Safety and Sea Survival certificate

First Aid can be organised if required.

Please note that accommodation or meals are not included for theory courses.