Learn to sail in the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Marine Academy is the ideal way to learn to sail while enjoying the magnificent and unspoilt beauty of the Whitsundays and the great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This sailor's paradise is not only an ideal place to learn to sail, it is also a very diverse tropical environment with coral reefs, beautiful sandy beaches, tropical rainforests and an abundance of marine life.

With the Whitsundays Marine Academy you are also sailing with an experienced team. The Academy is one of a small number of sailing schools accredited by Yachting Australia to conduct courses up to the most senior level of Yachtmaster Ocean. Our senior instructors are all Yachtmaster Ocean or Yachtmaster Offshore certified and we limit our instructor to participant ratio to 1:6. This ensures our guests receive a personalised experience from a professional and experienced crew.

CRUISING & LEARNING (Live-aboard)

All the fun of the Whitsundays on a crewed overnight sailing adventure plus a Y.A. (Yachting Australia) Introductory Course, Competent Crew Certificate, Inshore Skipper Certificate or Yachtmaster Offshore Course.

Courses are conducted on one of our approved Aussie Adventure Sailing vessels or dedicated sail training vessels while you enjoy the adventure and discovery of a three or six day cruise through the magnificent waters of the Whitsunday Islands.

In addition to learning to sail you will also be enjoying the fun of cruising, swimming, snorkelling and visiting islands with a group of like minded people.

All cruising & learning prices include accommodation on vessel, instructor, course notes, Yachting Australia log book, certificate, all meals, linen, snorkelling equipment & beautiful destinations. You can book onto a cruising & learning course as an individual or couple and join others on the cruise or you may book as a group of at least 4 persons on a private charter.

Our crews are a lot of fun as well as being very experienced Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean Instructors, they will teach you to sail and show you all the great experiences of the Whitsunday Islands.

DAY SAILING

Complete your Introductory Certificate (one day) or Competent Crew Certificate (3 days) aboard one of our crewed sail training vessels departing from Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach.

Each day starts at 9.00am and finishes at 4.00pm and drinking water, tea & coffee and a light lunch are provided and you can purchase soft drink on board. Cost is $150 per person per day.

COASTAL PASSAGES  (Live-aboard)

The Academy conducts regular coastal passages along the Queensland Coast on which you can complete the Competent Crew, Inshore Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore. Not only is this an exceptional learning experience, coastal passages also provide valuable sea miles for those wishing to upgrade their sailing qualifications. These passages are true adventure travel & participants should note that schedules and itinerary are subject to change or delay due to weather or other safety considerations.

The Whitsunday Marine Academy is also accredited to conduct Yachtmaster Ocean Courses and these are held annually for those already with Yachtmaster Offshore qualifications who wish to learn Celestial Navigation and the skill of crossing Oceans. The Coastal Passages and Ocean courses are seasonal so please contact us for the latest schedules.