About Mainstay Sailing
Mainstay Sailing is an RYA Training Centre based at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, using the Whitsunday Islands as its training ground. It is run by skipper Terence Smith and Ron van Schaik, and teaches everyone from first-time sailors to candidates preparing for an RYA Yachtmaster exam.
Practical courses run as liveaboard programmes, starting with the two-day RYA Start Yachting course and moving through five-day Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses to Coastal Skipper, including a seven-day passage south to Percy Island. Online RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore theory, Essential Navigation and Seamanship, the RYA Diesel Engine course, ICC assessments, an LROCP marine radio course and Sea Safety and Survival training are also offered, along with private tuition on a Mainstay yacht or the client's own boat.
Mainstay suits sailors who want to learn by living aboard in sheltered island waters, and owners wanting tuition on their own yacht. Itineraries depend on the weather, so confirm the yacht, accommodation and inclusions when booking.
## Accreditation - RYA Training Centre - RYA ICC course and assessment
Services and expertise
- Sailing academy / training
Service area: Whitsunday Islands (Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach), with Coastal Skipper passages south to Percy Island
Confirm availability, scope and pricing directly with the business before making arrangements.
A closer look
Make your first enquiry useful.
Describe your boat, where it is based and what you need help with. Include a realistic date and ask what information the team needs to assess the job.
Tell the school your experience and what you want to do next. Ask about boat type, group size and practical time aboard.
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