Over 15K Students w/ 4.9 Average Review

☆☆☆☆☆

World-Class Sail Training & Global Yacht Charters

Proudly based on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Sailing Australia delivers internationally recognised RYA & AS courses and organizes customer charters in the world’s premier sailing destinations in over 50 countries.

Book My Course Now

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.

Ready To Charter - We're Here To Help

Help Me Book My Charter

New to Sailing?

Start My Journey

Beginner – Start Here

Have you always wanted to learn to sail?

We offer a range of sailing courses designed for beginners who are eager to explore the world of sailing. The best, and fastest, way to learn to sail is on our smaller yachts (19′-24′). This is where you can quickly learn all the fundamentals much faster than on the larger yachts.

Start Living My Dream

Ready to learn the fundamentals?

We offer a range of sailing courses designed for beginners who are eager to explore the world of sailing. The best, and fastest, way to learn to sail is on our smaller yachts (19′-24′). This is where you can quickly learn all the fundamentals much faster than on the larger yachts.

LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS>>

Catamaran Courses

Looking to buy or charter a catamaran?

We have so many options for you to get started on your catamaran journey. Whether you are looking to brush up on skills with our Bareboat Prep-Course or work towards your ICC after completing RYA Day Skipper, we have a course for you.

Find My Catamaran Course

Want to sail a catamaran?

We have so many options for you to get started on your catamaran journey. Whether you are looking to brush up on skills with our Bareboat Prep-Course or work towards your ICC after completing RYA Day Skipper, we have a course for you.

FIND MY CATAMARAN COURSE >>

Monohull Courses

Experience the Freedom of Monohull Sailing.

Don’t just dream about it – do it! Our monohull sailing courses cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced sailors. Our courses offer a unique opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and find your adventure. Book your course today and start your journey to monohull mastery.

Begin My Monohull Training

Start My Monohull Training

Don’t just dream about it – do it! Our monohull sailing courses cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced sailors. Our courses offer a unique opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and find your adventure. Book your course today and start your journey to monohull mastery.

START MY MONOHULL TRAINING >>

Private Tuition

Our boats, or yours, sail with your friends.

How about learning on our boat with friends and family? With Private Tuition, you can have up to 6 people join you. We will tailor the training to exactly what you need and want. If you have your own boat, we can teach you right on your own boat.

Customize My Training

How about learning on our boat with friends and family? With Private Tuition, you can have up to 6 people join you. We will tailor the training to exactly what you need and want. If you have your own boat, we can teach you right on your own boat.

CUSTOMIZE MY TRAINING

RYA-Sailing-Training-Courses-Provider-QLD

Achieve Excellence with
RYA Sailing Courses

Unlock the potential of your sailing journey with our RYA sailing courses. As a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised teaching establishment, we meet and exceed the strict guidelines for conducting both sailing and power courses. Our vessels, yachts, instructors, and safety protocols adhere to the highest standards, ensuring you receive the best training possible. Whether you’re aiming for coastal sailing, world sailing, or obtaining your International Certificate of Competence (ICC), our expert team is here to help you find the perfect sailing course or program tailored to your goals.

View Available RYA Courses

Start Yachting

Comp Crew

Day Skipper

Coastal Skipper

Powerboat Level 2

Theory

Start Sailing - Weekend Course

Why not join us for an amazing weekend. This introduction to sailing is perfect for those looking to get into sailing.

Explore Courses

RYA Competent Crew Training

This is the perfect 5-day course for beginners. If you want to learn the basics of yachting, this course is for you.

I Want To Learn

Earn You ICC

You not only get your Day Skipper, but you can also receive your ICC to charter around the world.

Earn My ICC & Day Skipper

Explore With Coastal Skipper

Do you dream of going somewhere amazing by sail? We can help you make that happen.

Explore The Coast

Internationally Recongized Powerboat

If you are planingon working on a super yacht, or private boat, this is the course for you.

Get ICC Qualified

From Essentials to Yachtmaster

We offer the largest range of theory courses for beginners and experts alike.

Explore Theory Options



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.



catamaran



monohull



whitsundays



weekend

New Course

Mooloolaba

Charter Prep-Course

(Reviews)

2 Days

6 Persons

Starts From – $795.00

ICC Prep

Mooloolaba

ASA 103 - Coastal Cruising

(Reviews)

3 Days

5 Persons

Starts From – $1350.00

Popular Course

Mooloolaba

ASA 118 - Docking Endorsement

(Reviews)

1 Day

3 Persons

Starts From – $695

New Course

Mooloolaba - Sunshine Coast

Charter Prep-Course

(Reviews)

2 Days

6 Persons

Starts From – $795.00

Mooloolaba - Sunshine Coast

RYA Competent Crew

(Reviews)

5 Days

4 Persons

Starts From – $795.00

Mooloolaba - Sunshine Coast

RYA Day Skipper

(Reviews)

5 Days

4 Persons

Starts From – $2250.00

Coming Soon

Whitsundays

Earn you ICC in the Whitsundays

(Reviews)

6-Days

4 People

Starts From – $3200

Coming Soon

Whitsundays

ASA 101, 103, & 104 Package - Premium Catamaran

(Reviews)

9-Days

4 People

4 Private Ensuite

Starts From – $6200

Coming Soon

Whitsundays

ASA 101-103

(Reviews)

5-Days

5 People

Starts From – $2850

Perfect Start

Mooloolaba

ASA 101 - Start Sailing

(Reviews)

2-Days

4 People

Starts From – $765

Featured

Mooloolaba

Charter Prep-Course

(Reviews)

2-Days

6 People

Starts From – $795

Mooloolaba

ASA 118 - Docking Endorsement

(Reviews)

1-Day

3 People

Starts From – $495.00

What our past students have to say!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 116 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Moitzi 
 20/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Nimalan Perumal 
 20/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Xiang Zhao 
 03/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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  
   
   Adrian Perkins (Bronze) 
 24/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Sharn Levis 
 22/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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  
   
   Warren Jackson 
 11/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Robbert de Ruijter 
 09/02/2026
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Michiel Mel 
 09/02/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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  
   
   Luke Duindam 
 02/02/2026
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Damien Carter 
 21/10/2025
 
 
 Trustindex 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.