Our Whitsundays School of Sailing offers the Royal Yachting Association accredited practical courses. The five-day courses are run weekly, from Monday to Friday, departing from our private jetty in Shute Harbour, all year 'round.
The 74 Whitsunday Islands are set in the warm, calm Coral Sea and protected by the Great Barrier Reef. Sailing conditions here are superb. During your week of sail training, there will also be time to snorkel in pristine waters and explore secluded beaches and anchorages. You will leave with a certificate of achievement and the skills and confidence to handle charter vessels.
We offer three different courses, so whether you are a complete beginner, perhaps looking to learn to sail before a bareboat holiday or an experienced sailor looking to step it up a notch, we have a course for you!
Courses are $1,980 per person (based on cabin share accommodation).
The theory component for Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper courses must be completed prior to beginning a practical course. The RYA-recognised training centre, Above & Beyond Boating, provides the theory components for these courses online. If completing your theory via Above & Beyond Boating, use reference as Sunsail Whitsundays to link the theory component to your course booking. Your certificate will be sent to your instructor before you arrive to complete the practical component. Fees are payable directly to Above & Beyond Boating.
Our training vessel is a Jeanneau 44, a high-performance cruising yacht built for comfort and designed for excellent sailing. Accommodating five students and an instructor, the spacious interior has two double cabins, two single berths and a teak finish throughout. The Jeanneau 44 features a dual helm station, furling headsail, self-tailing winches and more – perfect for sail training.
Whitsundays School of Sailing can accommodate berthing requests whether you are travelling with someone or alone. Speak to our sales team about your requirements and request a layout image of the boat. Make an enquiry.
Depending on the weather and sail training plans, some of the idyllic locations you will likely visit on your sailing school week include Nara Inlet, Cid Harbour, Butterfly Bay, Whitehaven Beach and Lindeman Island. Here’s how your epic week will look:
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"Our competent crew sailing course was so much fun! Wayne was a great instructor and taught us heaps. I really enjoyed the snorkelling and island exploring as well. Will definitely be coming back"
Ariana Simons – Competent Crew 2022
"I completed my Day Skipper certification with Sunsail Whitsundays. The boat was well fitted, the islands provide great learning conditions, and the instructor (Wayne) was so fun! Very happy about my experience here"
Fontaine Foxworth – Day Skipper Student
"Thanks so much to the team at Sunsail, we had 2 really great weeks throughout the year on the competent crew then day skipper course. We had just a couple hours of sailing experience prior to signing up. Wayne is a fantastic teacher, and we would definitely recommend Sunsail - they are more like a family, and made the process so welcoming and easy. Already planning our next trip back - can't wait!"
Alisha Azmin - Competent Crew, then Day Skipper
Discover the joys of sailing aboard a yacht in the warm, safe waters of the Whitsundays.