

Canary Sail have successfully run RYA Yachtmaster Exams for the past 10 of the company´s 16 year history.
“Fastrack” Yachtmaster is an alternative option to reach this internationally acclaimed and professional sailing qualification over a 15 week period starting from the sailing basics and working towards the ultimate goal of RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate.
Since introducing the “Fastrack” option just a year ago, Canary Sail ran a good number of these specialist courses, some for the full 15 week program and many more as a bespoke “mini program” for those already experienced, with mileage and qualifications.

The company runs RYA and sailing skills courses every week of the year across a significant number of available yachts in its fleet. Result? Flexibility!
All enquiries are handled personally by Jim Grey, Chief Instructor and Principal of Canary Sail sailing school. Whether enquiring for the complete course or “dove-tailing” part way through the Yachtmaster Offshore scheme, Jim will handle individual circumstances and requirements with a flexible approach, giving clients options to suit them and their commitments.
Split into 3 modules for the full course, the only fixed weeks to consider are the mileage building Canary Islands Cruise weeks, dates for which are pre-set through the year with 2 cruise weeks offered each calendar month.
This bespoke Canary Sail RYA Yachtmaster “Fastrack” program approach gives clients a real advantage and the option to:
- Start the program part way through the scheme – at any point!
- Pre-prepare before arrival with on-line theory courses taken at home
- Choose classroom theory course options if preferred (subject to availability)
- Choose our own cabin option!
- Take breaks to return home part way through the scheme
- Take breaks to fulfil other commitments back at home or at work
- Choose sailing skills over mile building – many have sea miles already and so can save cost or concentrate on the skills course weeks

Some examples of how Canary Sail RYA Yachtmaster Fastrack clients have taken advantage of flexibility offered by these bespoke schemes:
- Chris – Chris had chosen a Bareboat Charter as one of his weeks. At the twelfth hour his crew let him down. Chris needed to top up his required miles so Canary Sail found willing & able volunteers to crew. That week they sailed the Eastern Canary Islands all skippered by Chris and managed 385 NM!
- Ross – Ross needed a break. He sat with his course review team and discussed the importance for him to take time out and re-group, catch up on some theory and so on. We re-structured Ross´s program. He took two weeks away from yachts and the sea to return refreshed and energized. Ross finished his last few weeks and left us with a Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate holder. Ross recently returned again to join Canary Sail for Cruise and Course weeks….just for fun!
- Tim – Tim came to Canary Sail with a wealth of sea miles and experience. He wanted to take a Cruise Week and skipper a couple of 60 NM qualifying passages, take skills courses at Coastal/Yachtmaster level and Dedicated Yacht Handling courses. Tim was then was ready to successfully pass the Yachtmaster Exam.
- Pierre – Pierre knew how to sail when he joined Canary Sail. He took Mile Building Cruises, courses at RYA Coastal Skipper level and now has taken an extended break. Pierre will return to Canary Sail to complete his program and Yachtmaster Offshore exam later this year.
Canary Sail understand how busy life is. This approach is different to many sailing schools offering sail training at this level but it caters for the wishes and needs of its clients – family, work, health and offers everyone the opportunity to get that “ticket”.
Send an email to Jim with details of your circumstances and requirements and let us see what Canary Sail can do for you. We run yacht training courses for all levels, not only the Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate!



For more information and enquire about the Yachtmaster course price, contact us.