

Mainstay Sailing is a reputable sailing school and adventure sports centre located in Airlie Beach, Australia. Offering a range of RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sailing courses, Mainstay Sailing provides an exceptional learning experience for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of sailing or an experienced sailor aiming to further enhance your skills, Mainstay Sailing has a course suitable for you. The RYA Yachtmaster training scheme offered by Mainstay Sailing is designed to help participants learn to sail, build confidence, become valuable crew members, and even develop the skills to skipper a sailing yacht and manage its crew.
The courses at Mainstay Sailing can be undertaken individually or with friends and family, including children who meet the minimum age recommendations. The sailing school also provides flexible options, allowing participants to complete the course in one go or split it over several days or weekends, depending on their availability and preferences.
By enrolling in the sail cruising courses at Mainstay Sailing, participants can also progress towards achieving the prestigious RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence. These certificates are recognised by maritime authorities worldwide and can be commercially endorsed for professional skippers and crew, opening up opportunities for a career in the marine industry.
Mainstay Sailing offers various courses to cater to different skill levels and interests. The RYA Coastal Skipper Course takes participants from Coral Sea Marina to Percy Island over seven days and nights, providing an opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Northumberland group and develop advanced sailing skills.
For novices, the two-day RYA Start Yachting course offers a short introduction to sail cruising. Participants will gain hands-on experience in steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework, and onboard safety, ensuring a solid foundation for further sailing pursuits.
The five-day RYA Competent Crew Course is ideal for beginners and those looking to become active crew members. By the end of the course, participants will have learned essential skills such as steering, sail handling, lookout duties, dinghy rowing, and day-to-day routines.
Aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills can enrol in the RYA Dayskipper course. This five-day sailing course equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to confidently and safely skipper a yacht.
All RYA courses offered by Mainstay Sailing provide internationally recognised qualifications. Whether participants have never been on a yacht before or simply want to expand their knowledge, Mainstay Sailing ensures a professional and enjoyable learning experience. The practical courses are conducted on the “Mohawk,” a comfortable and safe Bennetau 40. 7 yacht, providing an ideal training environment.
The Whitsunday region in Queensland serves as the picturesque training ground for Mainstay Sailing. All courses are based at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, allowing participants to explore the stunning surroundings while gaining invaluable sailing expertise.
Mainstay Sailing boasts a team of RYA qualified instructors who prioritise fun and excitement in the learning process. They adapt the courses to accommodate various learning styles and personal preferences, ensuring that every participant has a fantastic learning experience.
For those interested in current course dates, Mainstay Sailing offers a comprehensive range of courses, including RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship, RYA Coastal Skipper, RYA Competent Crew, RYA Dayskipper Practical, RYA Day Skipper Shorebased, and more. Additionally, Mainstay Sailing provides opportunities for participants to complete on-line theory courses, such as RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory.
Mainstay Sailing also offers additional services, including RYA Yachtmaster prep/exam, sea safety and survival courses, ICC course and assessment, and RYA Diesel Engine training, ensuring that participants have access to a well-rounded education and skill set in sailing and adventure sports.
Whether you dream of owning a boat, chartering a yacht for a holiday, or venturing further offshore, Mainstay Sailing can fulfil your sailing aspirations. Join Mainstay Sailing today and embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, adventure, and excitement.