Intermediate Sailing Course

Intermediate Course

Build your skills and confidence as a skipper from day one, guided by experienced instructors in a calm and encouraging setting.

Course Overview

This intermediate sailing course is ideal for sailors who understand the basics but want to feel more confident handling a yacht independently. You’ll gain necessary skills in pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling to skipper a cruising vessel safely, by day, in waters you are familiar with.

Coffs Harbour and Solitary Islands Marine Park

Max 4 students per course

5 consecutive days or 3 weekends.

5 days at sea, 100nm, 4 night hours

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

Upcoming Courses

Course Content

  • Preparation for sea inc. engine checks and sail selection
  • Deck work for mooring, anchoring and berthing
  • Navigation and chartwork (plot courses, read charts and use electronic navigation tools)
  • Passage-making (plan and execute short coastal passages)
  • Pilotage (navigate harbours, marinas and anchorage safely)
  • Meteorology (forecasting and live observations)
  • Rules of the Road
  • Maintenance and repair work
  • Engines and maintenance
  • Emergency situations (radio usage, towing, sea survival)
  • Boat handling under power and sail
  • Night cruising

Program*

  • Days 1–2: Navigation and Skippering Foundations
    Navigation and chartwork, preparation of a passage plan for the coastal passage we’ll do on Days 3 and 4, boat handling learning how to confidently 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.

Designed for sailors with basic experience, this course is ideal for anyone aspiring to take command as skipper of a cruising yacht.

The minimum age is 12 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 basic level of sailing knowledge, including a minimum of 5 days at sea, 100 nautical miles, and 4 hours of night sailing 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. 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.

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.

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.