yachting association australia

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Discover Sailing Day

Got questions?

I've never sailed before, where do i start.

Each program (Tackers, Dinghy, OutThere Sailing, Keelboat, Windsurfing and Powerboat) is composed of different levels of courses to suit all participants from new to the sport to experienced sailors wanting to race. Select a program at the top to find individual course information and register for a course.

Do I need a boat to try sailing?

You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy sailing.

There are clubs that provide boats and boat owners looking for crew. You don’t need to be a member to get started in sailing because all the Discover Sailing Programs are accessible for people who are not members of clubs.

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• Jun 6, 2023

…and the winner is... AUSTRALIA!!!

June 6th, 2023.

The International One Metre International Class Association has officially announced, The Australian Radio Yachting Association (ARYA) as the hosts of the International One Metre Class World Championships, to be held in Gladstone, Queensland, in October 2024.

ARYA President Andrew Reid acknowledged the efforts of the ARYA World Championship Working Group in preparing the Australian bid. “The Australian Radio Yachting Association is thrilled to announce that the 2024 International One Metre World Championships have been awarded to Australia. "The ARYA would like to acknowledge the support provided by the Gladstone Ports Corporation and the Gladstone Regional Council. Their backing of the event is pivotal to the success of the submission and to the event itself” , said Mr Reid. It’s a popular misconception that the International One Metre Yacht design (IOM) is a model or toy. The IOM is a stand-alone registered and governed class of yacht, internationally recognised and raced in over 30 countries by thousands of sailors. Matt Burnett, Mayor of the Gladstone Region, is thrilled with the decision.

“As far as I am aware, this will be the first world championship sporting event to be held in the city - ever, and I can’t wait for the competitors and their families from around the globe to descend on the region and sample our local hospitality and enthusiasm” , Mayor Burnett said. IOMICA commended the bid prepared by an ARYA-appointed working group that worked closely with the Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) to prepare the submission using Gladstone Marina as the venue for the event and commended the ARYA for such a professional and genuinely exciting bid. Gladstone Ports Corporation Chief Executive Officer Craig Haymes said GPC are thrilled to hear the news and is looking forward to hosting the event in their pristine Marina Parklands.

“We look forward to working with IOMICA and ARYA as we welcome the world to our Gladstone Marina Parklands. It’s going to be fantastic to have international competitors racing in Gladstone for the first time,” Mr Haymes said.

Radio-controlled racing stands proudly as one of the few truly inclusive sports where men and women compete on equal terms, regardless of age or physical attributes, and as such, only one Open World Championship Event is held every two years. Australian skippers have participated in numerous World Championship events held overseas and now will have the opportunity to host this prestigious event on their home waters.

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Commentaires

Welcome to the Classic Yacht Association of Australia. Our mission is sailing and preserving wooden classic yachts. 

Latest CYAA news

CYAA Cup Regatta 2024

November in Melbourne…. Football fades to a memory as the roses begin to bloom, and spring promises, then disappoints, and

Zephyr – On the move

17 July, 2024 Great to see on the television the other night, the footage of Zephyr at her new home,

2024 Winter Series Entries Now Open

Entry for the CYAA (Victorian branch) 2024 Winter Series is now open.  The first race is on 5th May. Enter

Vale – Iain Oughtred

15 March, 2024 The CYAA would like to note the passing of renowned traditional yacht designer and builder, Iain Oughtred,

Smiles in Auckland – CYANZ ABD Group Regatta

23-25 February, 2024 – Auckland Smiles all around, I’m reliably informed from the CYANZ 2024 ABD Group Regatta in Auckland.

Summer Series Race 6 Post Race News

Covered in thie newsletter: A race six report from Martin Ryan Skipper of Mercedes III Race six management team Report

Sayonara Summer Series Race 6 Post Race Report and Gallery

A Sayona Summer Series moment… A special pictorial report for Race 6 of the 2023/24 Sayonara Summer Series to celebrate

VALE – JOHN STREET

The committee and members of the CYAA are saddened to learn of the passing in Decmber 2023, of a legend

See all CYAA News posts  

Announcements

Cyaa cup regatta announcement.

See all announcements

Upcoming events.

See more on the full CYAA Calendar

Download a print version of the 2024/25 CYAA Racing Schedule. Current at 26th August 2024

Sayonara Summer Series...

Sayonara Summer Series links...

Race documents and links on the RMYS Classics – Documents, Results and Start Sheets page.

2023/24 Sayonara Summer Series Entries and Results (or click QR Code)

2023/24 Sayonara Summer Series Boat racing and PoB Sign on (or click QR code)

CYAA establishing a General Maintenance Fund…

CYAA has set up a General Maintenance Fund to encourage restoration and sailing of Classic yachts. The first beneficiary will be the Tumlare YVONNE. 

Boats in our fleet are invited to contribute to the fund to keep Yvonne on the water.

Click through to read more about the CYAA General Maintenance Fund and see the Tumlare Yvonne Sponsors Board . And, read more about Yvonne and her restoration in Yvonne, by Charlie Salter .

From the Locker...

1967 Admiral’s Cup, from CYCATV. 

Notices and links...

The Tradition Lives On...

Coffee Table Book: “The Tradition Lives On – a register of the historic Couta Boats”. From the Couta Boat Association.

The Doug Jenkin Library

Australian Sailing magazines from CYAA member, Doug Jenkin’s library.

Alwyn - Still "Sailing On"

Hobart 1923 A classer ALWYN, turned 100 on 1 February 2023. Her first 100 years story.

42 Australian Wooden Sailing Boats

Mark Chew's COVID 19 project - a personal list of 42 boats that are important to Australias sailing History.

1934 Centenary Regatta

2020 CYAA Cup Regatta entrants, Acrospire III and Acrospire IV, competed in this 1934 regatta - click through to see the program.

• Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
• Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
• Sydney Amateur Sailing Club
• Hobsons Bay Yacht Club
• CYAA Queensland Branch
• Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand
• The Association of Yachting Historians

South Australian Radio Yachting Association Representing sailors in the five radio yachting clubs South Australia. See ARYA Calendar of events here (Link also on RH frame of upcoming events) Images from the 2016 Nats here Marbleheads at the 2016 National Championships at Hart's Mill Port Adelaide IOMs at the 2016 Nationals     page last edited on 08/06/2021

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• Yacht Charters
• Experiences
• Kayak Tours

Royal Yachting Association

Learn to crew or skipper a yacht.

Manly Sailing works with an accredited Royal Yachting Association teaching centre, for adult yacht training. The talented instructors can take you from complete beginner to qualified skipper in a matter of weeks!

Why choose RYA?

RYA is an internationally accredited global leader and trusted standard of excellence in yacht training, maritime certification, and safety.

Manly Sailing and it’s partners have a team of instructors who are passionate about sailing and have years of experience

Options to learn the differences between monohulls and catamarans. Gain experience on both.

We can arrange a bespoke training programme for you, based on your experience and availability

Your sailing pathway

Not sure where to begin? Click here and fill out a quick form telling us about your sailing experience and goals, and we’ll be in touch with the most appropriate options!

Learn to Crew

Rya competent crew certificate.

Become a confident and effective crew member

Includes marine safety, anchoring and mooring, wind awareness, terminology, knots

Practical hands on course

Suitable for those with some basic sailing experience. If you’re a complete beginner, complete our Australian Sailing course first , or choose a learn-to-sail holiday .

Recognition of prior learning and shortened course options available

Practical 5 day course $1,950

Learn to Skipper

Rya day skipper.

For experienced sailors looking for a certification allowing them to charter a yacht

5 day course including 1 night passage

Includes inshore or close offshore passages

Optional theory study recommended (not included)

Qualifies for an International Certificate of Competence upon completion of all steps

Extra fees for ICC issue and VHF Radio Course.

RYA Costal Skipper

Includes inshore and offshore passages

Must complete theory examination (not included)

Option for some experience on catamaran

5 day live aboard practical $2,125

Upcoming training dates

All days are 9am-5pm except the days in which the night passage is completed.

There are a number of courses scheduled (weekdays and weekends). Get in touch to find one that suits you.

Catamaran training

Looking to charter a catamaran for your sailing holiday? Need to gain handling experience on this popular vessel type?

Get in touch to discuss.

Sailing Holidays

Choose a one or two week sailing holiday, and fast-track your progression toward chartering your own yacht! Our day skipper course include your radio licence, our costal skipper course includes radio licence and online theory.

Crew Course Sailing Holiday

Complete course, suitable for absolute beginners

7 day course. Option for live-aboard

2 days on keelboats, 5 days including one night sail on 40ft yacht

Free twilight yacht race included

RYA Skipper Sailing Holiday

Rya day skipper and costal skipper sailing holidays.

Suitable for sailors certified to RYA Competent Crew / RYA Day Skipper level or equivalent.

5 days inc one night sail on 40ft yacht

2x free twilight yacht races included to build sea time and experience

Marine Radio course included

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i apply for an international certificate of competence.

In order to receive the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), you must:

• Successful complete RYA Day Skipper course
• Pay your $89 VHF Licence Fee (directly to the Office of Maritime Communications)
• Pay the $50 fee charged by RYA for an issue of the ICC certificate (free if you are an RYA member)

What is the minimum age to complete RYA training?

Competent Crew Certificate – 14 years of age

Day Skipper – 18 years of age

Costal Skipper – 18 years of age

Can we book a private course?

If you have a group of friends or family looking for private lessons in yachting, please contact us for private rates.

We can organise sessions where all participants are working towards the same, or different qualifications (ideal for family groups).

I have no experience - where do I start?

Welcome to the world of sailing!

If you’re only available on weekends, we suggest starting with an Australian Sailing Start Crewing course on the keelboats, then progressing to the Royal Yachting Association certificates.

If you have a week to spare, consider our learn-to-sail holiday , which includes two introductory days on the keelboats before four days on Solace.

Get in touch if you have any questions about these options!

Manly Sailing Ground Floor Manly Yacht Club East Esplanade Manly NSW 2095

• (02) 9977 4000
• [email protected]
• Monday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm (office)

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International Certificate of Competence

What is an icc, the icc is a certificate which is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries..

Many European countries require the skipper of a pleasure craft to provide evidence of competence in the form of an ICC (or to give it its full title  International Certificate for operators of Pleasure Craft ).

While the requirements vary from country to country, the ICC is recognised to a greater or lesser extent throughout the European Union.  It is of particular importance if you are chartering a vessel in a foreign country, or using the European inland waterways.  However, there are variations meaning that you should always check what is acceptable in foreign states before you go.

Who can and cannot obtain an ICC?

Australian Sailing's partnership with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) provides access to obtaining ICC's issued in the UK.  Please note the following.

The UK ICC issued by the RYA is issued in conformity with Resolution No. 40. It is intended for UK Nationals and UK residents i.e. people who are settled in the UK and whose primary residence is in the UK.

The RYA will also issue the ICC to nationals of other countries that have not accepted Resolution No. 40 because they may otherwise be unable to obtain an ICC. However should the relevant country later accept Resolution No. 40, the certificate holder will no longer be eligible to have an ICC issued by the RYA and will not be able to amend or renew that certificate.

Unless the applicant is resident in the UK, the UK ICC issued by the RYA is not available to the nationals of the following countries that have currently accepted Resolution No. 40: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Ukraine.  

For more information regarding eligibility, please contact [email protected] .

How to Gain an ICC within Australia

An ICC can be achieved in one of two ways:

1.   Completing an ICC test on the water comprising practical and theory components

2.   Completing a practical course from the RYA Sail or Motor cruising schemes at Day Skipper level or higher

Both options can be completed at an accredited ICC Test Centre and it may be possible to complete a test in your own boat.  If you take this option the boat owner or candidate being is responsible for the vessel at all times and 'testers' are only permitted to conduct tests that begin and end at their Training Centre.

If you wish to go boating on the Inland Waterways or Canal systems you will also need another endorsement commonly known as CEVNI.  This is a theory test to ensure you understand the inland waterway rules and signage.

For both options you will also need to complete an application form and make a payment to the RYA

Categories and Endorsements for ICC's

The category of ICC is relevant to the type of boat you plan to use and the type of waters you intend  to enter.  An ICC can be issued or endorsed for:

• Coastal Waters
• Inland Waterways Endorsement ( Click here for more information ) - known as CEVNI
• Powerboats up to 10 metres LOA
• Powerboats of 10m LOa and over
• Sailing boats
• Personal Watercraft

It should also be noted that the ICC does not replace the need to comply with any manning requirements imposed by the country in which the boat is registered, wherever in the world the boat may be.  Where evidence of competence is required by the country of registration, pleasure boaters must comply with the regulations of both the country of registration (the Flag State) and the requirements of the visited country (the Coastal State).

Booking your test and applying for an ICC

Step 1:   download and complete the application form, step 2:   find an rya training centre and book a test.

Fees for ICC tests are set by Recognised Training Centres (RTCs) and include fees for use of a training vessel (unless own boat).  Application fees to the RYA are in GBP and are provided on the application form.

Once you have booked a test you will need to ensure you turn up on the day with  your application form, proof of residency, payment details, and a passport photograph.

The Tester will sign the completed form and send it with a copy of your residency and photograph for processing to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK.  Your ICC Certificate will be sent directly to the address on the form.  Processing times vary according to the season so you should allow up to six weeks for normal post and if opting of the fast track service allow approximately 2 weeks (this will enable you to receive an electronic copy of the certificate in a matter of days prior to receiving the hard copy by mail).

Who do I contact regarding my ICC application?

All queries regarding ICC applications should be directed through your ICC Centre or to RYA certifications:

Phone :+44(0) 2380 604 356

Email:   [email protected]

Postal address : Certification, Royal Yachting Association, RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA

Learn more about the ICC (including application form)  

Find an ICC Test Centre near me

FAST TRACK RYA YACHTMASTER

Course dates:, booking a course:, as keelboat syllabus, rya theory syllabus, rya practical syllabus, fast track rya yachtmaster program.

Listed here are the steps from beginner to RYA Yachtmaster. You can enter at any level and our sailing advisors are here to advise where to start depending on your knowledge level and experience.

The RYA Yachtmaster® Certificate of Competence is often the ultimate aim of aspiring skippers. It is a well known, highly respected qualification worldwide, proving your experience and competence as a skipper.

There are a number of RYA navigation courses that will help you prepare for your exam. Many RYA Yachtmaster candidates also choose to book themselves into an RYA training centre for some specialised exam preparation training, but this is not compulsory.

Program breakdown (in the above image).

This Program includes the following courses from:

The australian sailing as – keelboat program & the royal yachting association (rya) – yacht training program.

Certificates of Competence Include:

• International Certificate of Competence 
• RYA  Yachtmaster Coastal
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean

Option 1 – Keelboat courses on our J24 Yachts (or go to Option 2 with the RYA 5 day Competent Crew on larger yachts)

Australian Sailing Keelboat Program

The knowledge to skipper and navigate your own Keelboat by day on sheltered waters

Prices when booked as a Program

Start Crewing

• 4 x 3-hour practical lesson
• 1 x theory lesson and social evening
• Lessons every day

Start Helming

• 4 x 3-hour practical lessons or 2 days

Keelboat Start Skippering

• 2 x 6 hour practical days
• 1 x Theory lesson and social evening
• Best do just before your 5-day practical Coastal Skipper

On our J24’s you will have hands-on instruction on helming (steering the boat), main sheet (controlling the power of the boat), winches (turning the boat through tacks and gybes etc) and the foredeck. After each lesson is your most important part of the day is the debriefing session with your crew and instructor at the Deck bar at the CYCA! (Home of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race). 

The sailing lessons on the J24’s are available every day except Thursdays and you can choose your lesson times. Session times are 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and weekend sessions extend to 4 pm to 7 pm during daylight saving. As we have several training yachts, booking in is really easy and flexible – all you need to do is give us a call. You can even do 2 lessons in one day if you wish.

RYA Competent Crew Practical  5 Day Practical (5 Days and 4 Nights onboard)

•  All Provisions on board inclusive
• $2350 on Monohull Beneteau 38.1
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran  1170
• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran 1260

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Shorebased theory available online or virtually $390

Then the RYA Day Skipper Certifications: 

RYA  Day Skipper Shorebased Theory

• 40 hours Elearning plus 4 virtual evenings with a RYA Yacht Master Instructor 

Or Online (40 hours + exams) in your own time $750 – Course materials posted

RYA Day Skipper Practical   5 Day Practical (5 Days and 4 Nights onboard)

• $2460 on Seawind Catamaran 1170

It is recommended to complete the theory prior to the practical.

On successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper Practical, you can automatically apply to the RYA for the  ICC International Certificate of Competence  This is required to skipper your own yacht or hire a yacht or powerboat in over 140 countries. The certification is for sailing up to 24m .

Then RYA Yacht Master Certificate of Competence –  Enable the skipper to navigate and skipper on any coastal passage.

RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Theory

• 40 hours eLearning and 6 virtual evening sessions with an RYA Yacht Master Instructor

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical  5 days and 4 nights onboard

• $2350 on monohull Beneteau 38.1

Marine Radio Licence (LROCP)

• Online theory and 1 x evening and practical course
• VHF, HF and DSC
• $450 plus $89 licence fee

Australian Sailing Safety and Sea Survival

• eLearning & Practical
• Includes flare and pool session

Optional Courses 

Radar Course

Diesel Course

• 1-day course

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Course

• 40 hours plus exam

RYA Exams and Commercial endorsement for Australia and International.

Included & benefits

• Free unlimited 3-hour practice sails on a standby basis for 4 weeks after Keelboat Courses
• 1 x 3 hour private lesson on our J24 (normally $450)
• Course packs for all RYA virtual and online courses
• Free use of wet weather gear for Keelboat Courses
• Free introduction to boat owners as crew to race or mile builders/deliveries after SSSC is completed
• PSS is located in the CYCA and has operated from this base for over 40 years.
• Opportunities for crewing are unlimited.
• Starting on smaller yachts like our J24s and progressing to our bigger yachts provides the best outcome in sailing skills.
• Flexible course dates – can be altered with the required minimum notice as per our booking conditions
• Fast track – RYA Yachtmaster program completed in 3 months if requested

Not included:

Exam for RYA Yacht Master Offshore Certificate of Competence

• The exam is independent and approximately $500 is paid directly to the RYA
• PSS registration, Insurance, logbook and certificate fees $150
• Textbooks (if required) approximately $230

Practice Sails 

Unlimited and available on a standby basis for 6 weeks on our J24 Yachts.

ICC Assessment

ICC assessment cost is included in the 5 day practical assessment.

On successful completion of the RYA Day Skipper practical, ask about the ICC International Certificate of Competence. During the RYA Day skipper practical course you will be assessed for your theory, sailing and seamanship skills. This is a pass or fail and a pass is the minimum requirement for the ICC.

Sonata Yacht Association

for Sonata Yacht Owners

The home of Sonata Yachts

Since 1978 the Sonata Yacht Association of Victoria has operated successfully as an association for owners of Sonata Trailerable yachts. The membership base is primarily in Victoria with a growing membership in most other states of Australia.  To reflect this we are now known as the ‘Sonata Yacht Association’ (SYA).

The Sonata Yacht Association caters for all yachts built from a number of “Sonata” hullshapes. These comprise; Sonata 6, Sonata 6.3, Sonata 6.7, Sonata 7, Sonata 8, Sonata 26, Southern Cross 23 & Northwind 7 yachts.

T h e Sonata Yacht Association is affiliated with Australian Sailing, which represents all Class Associations and Yacht Clubs in Australia. P leas e enjoy our website. If you wish to  contact the association details are on the  Contacts page.

2024 Sonata Regatta – 10-11 February

Details including the Notice of Race and Entry Form are now available from the Racing page .

Our Membership Application Form is available from the Documents page.

Found an error on the web page 🙁 Please contact us at [email protected]