Sailing School - Frequently Asked Questions
What Experience Do I Need?
Sunsail's Sailing Schools cater for complete novices right through to the most experienced mariners. We have structured our sailing courses so you can start from the bottom, join in the middle or just top up your skills. Some courses have a minimum required seatime and some require that you have completed other sailing courses before starting. Each Sunsail course description contains the relevant prerequisites.
What Sort of Vessels Will I Learn On?
All practical courses are held aboard Sunsail’s luxury fleet of Jeanneau, Beneteau and Sydney 38 yachts, ranging in size from 35 to 50 feet. Shorebased courses are held in Sunsail’s fully-equipped and comfortable training rooms.
Who Teaches the Courses?
Every Sunsail sailing course is taught by friendly, qualified and experienced Sunsail Instructors. Our instructors are RYA-accredited and have years of sea time accrued while sailing and instructing in Australia and abroad.
Do I Receive a Certificate?
Every student receives a Certificate of Competency or a Statement of Attainment upon successful completion of each course. These certificates detail the level of competency achieved and are often required as proof for enrolling in additional courses that have prerequisites attached. Some courses such as Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency will also issue certificates from the authorising organisation, eg. Australian Communications Authority.
Will My Qualifications be Officially Recognised?
The Sunsail Maritime Academy is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and its courses are accredited with the Royal Yachting Association and relevant waterways authorities.
Therefore, your Sunsail qualifications will be acknowledged within the Australian marine industry and by many international sailing organisations.
Will My Qualifications Get Me a Job?
It is now extremely difficult to pursue a career in the sailing and marine industry without sailing qualifications. Sunsail's Sailing School can help you climb the ladder to achieve your ultimate sailing goals and land the best jobs sooner!
We can also advise you on recommended companies and industry sectors to assist you realising your dream job!
What Do I Need to Bring?
Sailing in Australia’s best cruising grounds (the Whitsundays) means you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine. So don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, light clothes, swimsuit and towel. In the colder months, ensure you have the appropriate clothing to protect against the cooler sea breezes. Some of the more advanced courses require students to provide some of their own equipment (eg. navigation instruments and specific resource manuals). See the individual course descriptions for more information or contact Sunsail.
What is the Menu for the Courses?
Sunsail provides food and beverages for the following courses:
- RYA Competent Crew
- RYA Day Skipper
- RYA Coastal Skipper
- MileCatchers & Mini-MileCatchers Voyages
The standard menu comprises:
| Breakfast | Cereals, toast / spreads, juice, fruit, tea and coffee |
| Lunch | Rolls filled with a selection of cold meats, cheese and salad (condiments included). Fresh fruit. |
| Dinner | BBQ dinners each night and fresh garden salads (assortment of meats including scotch fillets, chicken breast fillets, chicken satay kebabs and fish). |
| Snacks | Tea and coffee, juice, sweet biscuits and fruit. |
Menu Notes:
- Special dietary requests can easily be catered for with prior notice.
- As part of your course, students are responsible for the preparation of meals utilising the ingredients provided.
- Drinking water is only supplied on MileCatchers Voyages.
- Other beverages are at student's expense.
