Dual-Accredited Academy: ASA & RYA
★ 4.9 / 5.0 Star Rating (120+ Verified Reviews)

Confidence, Freedom & Adventure on the Australian Coast.

Queensland’s premier sailing academy for discerning skippers. Graduate with both your ICC and IPC credentials to charter worldwide—all with guaranteed strict 4:1 student ratios and private cabins standard.

Student skipper Student skipper Student skipper
15,000+ Confident Skippers Trained Since 1989 “Private cabin and 4:1 ratio meant we spent full days at the helm.”
4:1 Max Industry-Lowest Student Ratio
100% Private Cabins & Fresh Bedding
2 Bases Mooloolaba & Whitsundays
Posted on Google Google
Paul Moitzi profile picture
Paul Moitzi
21 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thank you Mark for the invaluable 5 days sailing under your instruction. It was a great experience and I learnt so much in a great way I cannot thank you enough My sailing now is my next chapter in life Cheers to you Oh and thank you Racheal for all your work in making it happen and your food prep, it was was fantastic Cheers Paul
Posted on Google Google
Nimalan Perumal profile picture
Nimalan Perumal
21 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great training, polish my mistake and wonderful learning with buddies Paul and Puncho. Mark is a special trainer with wisdom deep as ocean. Special thanks to Rachel for tucking me in last minute. It’s just the best 4 days of full on practice training and sailing making mistakes and celebrating the success. Thank you 🙏 sunshine sailing Australia for giving me the opportunity.
Posted on Google Google
Xiang Zhao profile picture
Xiang Zhao
39 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+0
I did my RYA level 2 powerboat certification last weekend here. Our instructor Mark is a legend. He is patient, knowledgeable, kind and experienced. You will definitely want someone like him who actually sailed around world for couple of times and who deeply loves and respects ships and the ocean. Sunshine Sailing Australia is great! Good location, nice boats, friendly staff and great beforehand information, etc. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Adrian Perkins (Bronze) profile picture
Adrian Perkins (Bronze)
110 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sailing the Sunshine Coast is an amazing opportunity for anyone from any Walk of Life
Posted on Google Google
Sharn Levis profile picture
Sharn Levis
111 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+15
We just completed our ASA 101 and Day Skipper! We had never sailed before but have had time on the water in our own power boat. Rachel was amazing at catering this course to suit our future goals and experience. We travelled all the way from North WA, so everyone went out of their way to make sure we were able to complete the courses, even with the weather being completely against us on the first week! We absolutely loved the ASA course on the little monohull. Seb was a great instructor, making it fun but informative. Then we went on to the Day Skipper for 5 days live aboard on Allegro. It was great to see the difference between a monohull and catamaran and put our new skills into practice. Mark was our instructor for the RYA Day Skipper and what a wealth of knowledge he is! We feel very lucky to have had him to learn from. He is one of the most patient instructors we’ve ever met and loved hearing all of his sailing stories. The other crew members were really good fun too. Definitely a trip we won’t forget! Thanks again to Rachel and Dave for making it happen for us and thank you to Seb and Mark for teaching us the ropes! Sharn and Tristan :) Karratha, WA.
Posted on Google Google
Warren Jackson profile picture
Warren Jackson
123 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We did the day skipper course on our boat with sunshine sailing . Our instructor, Mark was very experienced a great communicator and easy to get along with . We learnt soo much
Posted on Google Google
Robbert de Ruijter profile picture
Robbert de Ruijter
213 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brilliant sailing course. Clear instruction, heaps of hands-on practice, and a really supportive, professional instructor. Learned a lot, gained confidence on the water, and genuinely enjoyed every day. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Michiel Mel profile picture
Michiel Mel
214 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+1
We did the competent crew course two weeks ago. We had a week with a decent wind and swell and even though we were just beginners, we left the boat confident after five days. The instructor covered a lot more than we needed to know for this course, but still we were very comfortable. I would highly recommend this sailing school.
Posted on Google Google
Luke Duindam profile picture
Luke Duindam
220 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great exposure to real sailing, Mark put us through some very realistic scenarios which was very useful for learning. Plenty of patience for all and any questions. I benefitted greatly from my experience.
Posted on Google Google
Damien Carter profile picture
Damien Carter
324 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We wanted to send a big thank you to the team at Sunshine sailing. We’ve just come back from an incredible week out on the water completing our Day Skipper and Competent Crew course. A huge thank you to Nate our instructor for the week. Nate’s extensive sailing experience was very evident from the outset and his calm and patient approach made a world of difference to the crew. We couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Also a big thank you to the owners of Sunshine sailing Rachel and David. You can tell they both love what they do and it shows in spades in every dealing we had with both of them before and after we completed the course. We’d highly recommend using Sunshine sailing to anyone considering gaining more sailing experience. We hope to see you all again for the next course. Thanks again for an incredible week. Regards Damien and Peta.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Syllabus & Schedule

Popular Courses & Certification Pathways

Strict 4:1 student ratio and 100% private cabins standard across all liveaboard cohorts.

Sailing Foundation 2-Day Course

ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing

The World's Most Popular Intro to Keelboats

Learn basic keelboat sailing fundamentals: points of sail, seamanship, steering, tacking, gybing, and maritime rules of the road on responsive coastal keelboats.

Fast-track 2-day Format
Direct Tiller Time & Wind Awareness
Official ASA Logbook Included
Free Online Course Included
Beginner Friendly 2-Day Practical

Bareboat Charter Preparation Course

Practical Skills for Confident Holiday Cruising

Designed specifically for holiday charterers wanting a stress-free start. Build confidence in close-quarters marina handling, mooring pick-ups, anchoring protocols, and essential boat systems before taking the helm on your holiday.

Beginner-Focused Hands-on Coaching
Twin-Engine Docking & Mooring Ball Pickups
Anchoring Setup, Windlass Use & Basic Systems
Coastal Stepping Stone 3-Day Practical

ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising

Auxiliary Inboard Engine & Coastal Passage-making

Transition from day sailing to commanding an auxiliary cruising sloop. Learn engine systems, reefing underway, anchoring protocols, VHF radio use, and basic coastal piloting.

Auxiliary Diesel Operation & Docking
Cruising Sloop Rigging & Heavy Weather Reefing
Essential Prerequisite for ASA 104 Bareboat
Holiday Charter Standard 4-Day Liveaboard

ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising Skipper

Qualifies for International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)

Live aboard our cruising yacht, navigating coastal passages, dropping anchor in secluded bays, running auxiliary diesel systems, and gaining full command confidence.

Guaranteed Strict 4:1 Ratio
100% Private Cabins Standard
Diesel Maintenance & Anchoring
Modern Navigation & Wind Prediction
High Demand 3-Day Practical

ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran Endorsement

Master Twin-Screw Maneuvering & Bridle Anchoring

Specific multihull handling for skippers planning to charter catamarans in the Whitsundays or Mediterranean. Master tight marina docking and multihull stability.

Modern Cruising Multihull Fleet
Twin Engine Marina Berthing
Bridle Setup & Windage Control
Introductory Weekend 2-Day Liveaboard

RYA Start Yachting

First Taste of Cruising • Zero Experience Required

A short, hands-on introduction to cruising under sail. Spend a full weekend living aboard, getting comfortable with steering, basic sail handling, safety gear, and discovering if the cruising lifestyle is right for you.

Ideal Weekend Entry Point for Absolute Beginners
Direct Helm Time, Sail Trim & Basic Line Handling
Counts Directly Toward RYA Competent Crew
Beginner Friendly 5-Day Liveaboard

RYA Competent Crew

Zero Experience Required • Complete Immersion

Live aboard for 5 full days while learning seamanship, sail trim, helm control, line handling, and onboard safety drills. Log over 100 nautical miles at sea.

Zero Experience Needed
Private Cabins & 4:1 Student Ratio
100+ Logged Miles & Night Sailing
Commercial Track 5-Day Liveaboard

RYA Day Skipper (Practical)

Prerequisite for International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

The worldwide standard for skippering. Learn to command a cruising yacht, delegate crew tasks, navigate night passages, and manage arrivals under power and sail.

Qualifies for European ICC
Strict 4:1 Student Cap & Private Cabins
Night Pilotage & Nav Calculations
Essential Theory Online

Essential Navigation Theory

Chartwork, Tides, Meteorology & Engine Teardown

Navigation calculations, secondary port tides, collision regulations, and hands-on maintenance for diesel fuel systems, impellers, and cooling circuits.

Navigation Plotting & Tide Heights
Passage Planning
Rules of the Road & Safety Theory
Queensland's Multihull Authority

Master the Multihull: Dedicated Catamaran Training

Catamarans account for over 70% of bareboat holiday charters worldwide. If your dream is to skipper a spacious 40ft to 50ft catamaran in the Whitsundays, Croatia, or the Caribbean, learning solely on a monohull leaves critical skill gaps.

Precision Twin-Engine Maneuvering: Spin 45 feet of cruising catamaran in its own length, dock in crosswinds, and eliminate berth anxiety.
Multihull Bridle Anchoring: Learn correct anchor bridle attachment, swing radius calculations, and mooring pickup protocols.
Sail Trimming Without Heel: Catamarans do not heel to signal overpower. Master wind speed tables and early reefing safety.

Bareboat Catamaran Requirements

What charter companies review before handing over a $1M multihull:

Bareboat Skipper Certification (ASA 104 or Day Skipper) Mandatory
Multihull Endorsement (ASA 114) Preferred
Demonstrated Twin-Screw Docking Competence Verified
Marine VHF Radio License Mandatory
Worldwide Charter Credentials

Dual Authority: Earn Both ICC & IPC

Planning to charter a yacht in the Whitsundays, Mediterranean, or Caribbean? Don't let confusing licensing rules spoil your holiday. Sunshine Sailing qualifies you for both international credentials.

European Legal Requirement
EU

ICC (International Certificate of Competence)

Mandated under UN Resolution 40

Required by maritime port authorities and coast guards in Mediterranean countries (including Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Spain). The ICC legally certifies your competency to skipper pleasure craft in foreign territorial waters.

Government-backed international legal compliance
Satisfies European harbor master check-ins
Obtained through RYA Day Skipper or American Sailing assessment
Worldwide Bareboat Standard
🌎

IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)

American Sailing Global Fleet Standard

The premier charter certificate recognized by leading charter companies worldwide (including Dream Yacht, Sunsail, and The Moorings) across the Caribbean, South Pacific, and the Whitsundays.

Instant recognition by 500+ commercial charter fleets
Unlocks bareboat insurance without professional skippers
Automatically issued upon completion of ASA 104 Bareboat

Unsure which international license your destination requires?

Our chief instructors will review your dream holiday itinerary and guarantee you earn the exact credentials needed.

Check My Destination Licensing

Why Your Sailing Adventure Should Start With Us!

Discounts On Charters Around The World

We have partnered with the charter companies around the world, offering charter opportunites in over 50 countries.  Learn with us, and sail anywhere in the world. 

Personal Mentorship, Not Crowded Boats

Your journey deserves personal attention. We guarantee a maximum crew of four, ensuring you spend less time watching and more time with your hands on the helm. This direct mentorship from our expert instructors is the fastest way to build the real-world skills and unshakable confidence you need for your adventures.

Your Private Cabin, a Sanctuary on the Water

A great day of exploration is built on a great night’s rest. Unlike other schools, we provide every guest with their own private cabin. This is your personal space to unwind, reflect on the day’s learnings, and recharge for the journey ahead—an essential comfort that makes your experience restorative, not just educational.

A Legacy of Adventure Since 1989

Confidence comes from experience—both yours and ours. As one of the founding RYA schools in Australia and Queensland’s longest-running private sailing school, we have a 35-year legacy of transforming over 15,000 students into capable sailors. We don’t just follow the standards for world-class education; we helped set them.

Queensland's Catamaran Specialists

Your dream of sailing a catamaran in all parts of the world, and as Queensland’s premier RYA catamaran training centre, we have the expertise and the fleet to make you a master of multi-hull sailing.  We help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime around the world.

Proven Excellence, Trusted by Sailors Worldwide

Our commitment to your success is reflected in the words of those who have sailed with us before you. With an average of 4.9-star reviews and a community of over 15,000 successful graduates, you can be confident you’re investing in a world-class experience trusted by adventurers for decades.

20+

Courses Offered

10K+

Miles Sailed Each Year

#1

AS Certifier in Australia

Popular Trips

Explore Course Packages

Get started with handpicked top rated experiences.

Reach Out to Us

Still Have Questions?

Call Before Stopping By

We are always on the move, but can meet you at the office.

sailing@learn2sail.com.au

33-45 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba, QLD 4557

sailing-courses-brisbane
yachting-and-sailing
sailing-school
sailing-course-near-me
sailing-australia