Learn to Sail

Build your confidence before you charter

Several ways to prepare for your Whitsundays bareboat charter — from hands-on sailing lessons and online navigation courses to practical club sailing and our experience calculator.

Sailing yachts and sailing catamarans suit guests with some sailing knowledge, while power catamarans offer a similar Whitsundays experience without relying on the wind.

                      
                    
Learn locallyTake lessons in Airlie Beach.

                      
                    
Learn onlineNavigation & safety from home.

                      
                    
Check readinessSee what level of support suits you.

Check Your Experience Explore Sail Guides

Sailing catamaran under way in the Whitsundays with guests enjoying the sun

You don't need a skipper's licence to charter a bareboat in Queensland — but practical boating knowledge, common sense, navigation awareness and understanding how the boat works are all important. The good news is there are several ways to build that confidence before you arrive.

Choose the learning path that suits you

Some guests want hands-on sailing lessons, others prefer online learning, and some just want to understand whether they're already close to being charter-ready.

Learn in Airlie Beach

Take practical sailing lessons locally before your charter and build confidence on the water.

Learn online

Study navigation, safety and weather systems from home at your own pace.

Check your experience

Use our calculator to get a rough idea of what level of support may suit your charter.

Build experience locally

Join a local sailing club or twilight session to get more time on the water before you travel.

Learn locally in Airlie Beach

If you'd like practical, hands-on training before your charter, Mainstay Sailing offers a great local option right on your doorstep.

Featured sailing school

Discover sailing with Mainstay Sailing

Airlie Beach-based RYA training — accessible to CCY guests before charter.

Courses offered

Ready to take your Whitsundays adventure to the next level? Mainstay Sailing offers opportunities to begin or build your sailing skills before your bareboat charter.

RYA Competent Crew — a great introduction to life aboard
RYA Day Skipper — build confidence and control at the helm
Customised lessons — tailored training for you or your group

Visit Mainstay Sailing Contact Mainstay

Learn online or check your readiness

Prefer to prepare from home first? These two options are ideal if you want to build knowledge gradually or get a better idea of what support may suit you.

Online course

NAVatHome — Skipper & Navigation

In partnership with NAVatHome Australia, this introductory course covers navigation basics, safety and weather systems to help you prepare for your charter.

It's a great foundation and can later be upgraded to an RYA Day Skipper certification.

10% off — referral code 2023ccysailing

Enrol in the Course

Quick assessment

Experience Calculator

Use our Experience Calculator to get a rough sense of the boating knowledge and confidence needed to hire a bareboat — and whether extra support may be worth considering.

It's a helpful starting point if you're unsure whether you're charter-ready yet.

Check Your Experience

Learn with your local sailing club

Sailing clubs are a great way to build hands-on confidence, meet experienced sailors and gain familiarity with how boats behave on the water.

Crews are often looking for enthusiastic learners — so this can be one of the most practical and affordable ways to build experience close to home.

Find a Club

Prefer not to learn to sail?

That's completely okay. Here are two great alternatives that still let you enjoy the Whitsundays without taking the helm solo.

Charter a Power Catamaran

Power catamarans offer a very similar Whitsundays holiday experience without relying on the wind or managing sails. Simple, spacious and perfect for first-timers.

View Power Cats

Hire a Sail Guide

If you'd prefer to ease into your charter with more help, a Sail Guide can support you with boat handling, local knowledge and practical confidence — for as little or as long as you need.

Explore Sail Guides

Need help choosing the right preparation path?

Whether you want practical sailing lessons, an online course, or simply help understanding your options — we can point you in the right direction.

Enquire Now Check Experience View Fleet