Advanced Sailing Course

Advanced Course

Develop advanced skippering skills and confidently take command of a sailing yacht on offshore passages.

Course Overview

This advanced sailing course is tailored for sailors seeking to refine their expertise and gain the advanced techniques required to command a cruising yacht safely on coastal and offshore passages, day and night.

Coffs Harbour and Solitary Islands Marine Park

Max 4 students per course

5 consecutive days or 3 weekends.

15 days at sea, 300nm, 2 days as skipper

Option to liveaboard. Full access to marina showers and facility.

Upcoming Courses

Course Content

  • Passage planning and preparation for sea
  • Victualling and crew management
  • Navigation, tides, weather
  • Safety procedures, engine, and equipment checks
  • Skippering techniques
  • Passage-making and pilotage
  • Plan and deliver pilotage into or out of harbour
  • Watchkeeping
  • Use electronic waypoints and routes
  • Yacht handling in close quarters
  • Steer and trim sails effectively on all points
  • Make correct use of preventer and pole when downwind at sea
  • Pick up a mooring under sail
  • Heavy weather and emergencies
  • Emergency drills, including person overboard recovery in an offshore setting

Program*

  • Days 1–2: Navigation and Skippering Techniques
    Develop a passage plan for the offshore passage we’ll do on Days 3 and 4, boat handling learning how to effectively manage boat and crew.
  • Days 3–4: Passage Making
    Execute passage plan practicing skippering skills inc. emergency situation drills.
  • Day 5: Cement Learning and Review
    Ensure all key learning is well grasped. Individual feedback session with instructor. Cleaning of boat.
  • Throughout the Week
    Navigation and chartwork, engine and maintenance, meteorology

* This program may be changed based on weather conditions during the training

What to bring

  • Clothing: waterproof jacket and trousers, non marking sailing boots or shoes, warm layers, quick dry clothing, hat and sailing gloves, swimwear and beach towel
  • Personal Items: sunscreen, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, personal medications, toiletries
  • Miscellaneous: head torch, notebook and pencil, phone charger/power bank  
  • Luggage: please pack your belongings in a soft-sided, collapsible luggage such as a duffel bag, backpack, or sailing bag

What's included

  • Bedding, bath towel
  • Meals and snacks onboard
  • Lifejackets and harnesses
  • Theory material

Sail with Skill.

Sail with Confidence.

Sail with Panache.

Book now
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Have Any Questions?

FAQ's

Didn’t find the answer to your question in the list or would you like more information?

Send us your question by email at info@panachesailing.com.au. We will reply within 24 hours.

Tailored for experienced sailors, this course helps sailors develop essential skills and master new techniques to safely skipper a cruising vessel on coastal and offshore passages in both daytime and night conditions.

The minimum age is 18 for young participants, with no upper age limit for adults.

Other requirements are that you are able to swim and are comfortable sharing and respecting life onboard a sailing yacht in a small group environment.

This course requires a good level of sailing knowledge, including a minimum of 15 days at sea, 300 nautical miles, and 2 days of skippering experience.

Designed for aspiring skippers, the course focuses on building the practical skills and confidence needed to safely take charge of a cruising yacht in familiar waters.

Our weekend and 5-day sailing courses often include participants with mixed experience levels. Instruction is tailored to each individual, allowing you to progress at your own pace while gaining hands-on experience in real sailing conditions.

Although we don’t issue formal sailing certificates, our instruction follows internationally recognised training principles.

Our lessons are led by a principal instructor trained to RYA Cruising Instructor standard, ensuring a strong focus on safe progression, seamanship and confidence-building.

Yes, there may be additional sessions available. Please contact us at info@panachesailing.com.au or call 0450 144 210, and we’ll do our best to arrange an alternative course date that suits your availability.

Yes. For weekend and 5-day courses booked more than 30 days in advance, a 50% deposit can be arranged. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the course start date.

For bookings made within 30 days of the course start date, full payment is required. 

Please contact us at info@panachesailing.com.au or 0450 144 210 to arrange payment options.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled course, you may reschedule once (subject to availability) at the discretion of Panache Sailing. An administration fee of $150 applies.

Cancellation terms:

  • More than 30 days before the course: Full refund minus administrative fee
  • 30 to 21 days before: 50% refund
  • 21 to 14 days before: 30% refund
  • Less than 14 days: No refund

If Panache Sailing cancels a course due to weather or operational reasons, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Courses run in a wide range of weather conditions. If you choose not to attend due to forecast conditions, standard cancellation terms apply.

Panache Sailing holds full commercial insurance.

Participants are encouraged to arrange their own travel insurance to cover personal circumstances such as illness, cancellation, or unforeseen events.