Sydney's #1 Private Boat Training
Can't dock without stress?
We fix that.
On your boat, in real conditions.
Your vessel. Your marina. Real results.
Sound familiar?
You've got the boat. Docking is still the hard part.
This is exactly what we train for.
See our training packagesHow It Works
Three steps to total confidence on the water
Book your
package
Choose Your Level
We come to
your marina
Train on your boat
Leave with real docking skills
And total confidence
Our Training Packages
Choose your path to confident skippering
Confidence Kickstarter Session
incl. GST
1 session - 3 hours
Confident dock departure and return
Slow-speed manoeuvring in tight spaces
Wind and current awareness
Pre-start checklist built for your vessel
Foundations of calm, repeatable boat handling
Confident Skipper Program
incl. GST
5 sessions · 15 hours · Save $130
Dock confidently in wind, current and tight spaces
Anchoring that holds - and how to reset when it doesn't
Onboard systems: panels, sounders, VHF, thrusters
Power management and trim tabs
Emergency readiness and safe solo techniques
Session recaps and personalised progress plan
Includes BoatWise Handbook, nav sticker and co-skippering session
Harbour Master Program
incl. GST
10 sessions · 30 hours · Save $511
Everything inside the Confident Skipper Program
Lifetime WhatsApp and voice note access to your instructor
Captain's Vessel Manual - custom-built for your boat
Priority booking and weather window access
Tristian's trusted marine contractor network
Use session hours as trainer-skippered outings.
Your instructor runs the boat on real trips while you observe and build mastery.
What's included at each level
trainer-skippered outings
What our clients say
Real skippers. Real results.
I can hear Tristian’s voice in my head every time I step on my boat. I never panic — I just know what to do.
Frank Fortuna
Boat Wise Client
I was absolutely petrified of stepping near my boat. Now, within less than 10 lessons with Tristian and the Boat Wise team, I can manoeuvre out through all these boats, have a conversation, drive with one hand, and feel really confident. I didn’t even want to start driving this boat initially, then in about five lessons I really built up the confidence to take it out.
Marcus & Sorcha
Boat Wise Client
Coming down the marina when I was by myself was terrifying. When we worked with Boat Wise it was just a very calm approach. Everything’s very calculated but easy to understand. I’m confident every time I’m coming down the marina now. The biggest concern for me was smashing the boats. Tristian’s been great in teaching me exactly how to use those skills and techniques to manoeuvre the boat really well.
Elliot
Boat Wise Client
My concerns were docking a larger boat in a windy situation. Tristian sees the boat you’re in, quickly gauges your skill level, addresses the gaps, and guides you through it. He’s a good teacher. Patient, which you need. Now I feel more in control and getting to the point where I can enjoy my day out on the boat, which is what it’s all about.
Chris
Boat Wise Client
I just completed a four-hour training session with Captain Tristian and already feel confident enough to drive the boat on my own. He was friendly, patient and very practical, taking enough time to explain everything in detail, including all the boat controls. His experience and guidance were excellent. Highly recommended!
Tristian has been a marvellous and very patient boating tutor. It's been very enjoyable working with him. My boating skills and confidence have improved enormously. He has been very helpful in ensuring warranty issues and improvements on my boat are completed. Highly recommend.
Tristian has been great at inspiring confidence in driving my boat. He is knowledgable, encouraging, and has the perfect temperament to help you stay calm and in control in a situation which would otherwise be quite stressful.
I upgraded to a 9m boat from a 5m one. Tristan was able to give myself and my partner the ability to dock, take up a mooring single handed and to anchor effectively. His patience humour and ability to explain things clearly made all the difference.
I had an excellent experience with Tristan. He was professional extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire course. He explained everything clearly and made sure I understood everything before moving further. His calm and encouraging approach gave me the confidence to operate a boat safely and responsibly. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to get their boat licence. If you’re after an instructor who genuinely cares about his students success and safety, you won’t find anyone better. Thank you for making the learning experience enjoyable and helping me pass with confidence! Thank you once again Mohamed
My wife & I had a fabulous 4 hour introductory boat skills course with skipper Dave. Seamlessly arranged through Tristian and Boat Wise. We learnt skills in confidently docking our boat, cardinal markers, safe waterway rules and assessing environmental factors. Will definitely be booking more courses and continue to gain confidence on the water.
Absolutely essential service if you want to learn how to efficiently and SAFELY operate your new boat. I can’t thank Tristan enough for the help and support that he has provided my family and I. With Tristan’s cleare concise and no nonsense approach, he has helped my confident skyrocket when operating my boat, especially when it comes to docking. Tristan’s knowledge on the water truly is priceless, and the best part about Tristan, is that he’s offering his experience and skills for anyone who truly wants to operate safely and efficiently on the water. 10 star service, highly recommended!
I would highly recommend doing the day Boat course with Tristian. His knowledge and experience on the water was invaluable and as I am a newly licensed boat owner it gave me the confidence I needed.
Brilliant service! Tristan and Dave were absolutely professional, gave clear instructions, always followed up and made things all simple. Highly recommended!
A truly memorable day on the harbour despite the pouring rain, as Tristian gave us wonderful & worthwhile lessons in boating & navigation . Even if you feel you’re fairly experienced as I did, I highly recommend engaging Tristian as you’ll quickly realise there’s so much more to know or brush up on .
I can’t recommend Tristan and the Boatwise crew highly enough. As a first-time boat owner, I was looking for guidance, knowledge, and confidence, and Tristan has delivered all of that and more. He has taken the time to ensure both my teenage daughter and I feel comfortable, capable, and safe on the water. His patience, professionalism, and practical approach to teaching have made our boating journey enjoyable and stress-free. Thanks to Tristan and the Boatwise team, we now have the confidence to get out there and make the most of our boat. If you’re new to boating or looking to build your skills and confidence, Boatwise is the team to call.
I recently completed my boat licence course with this maritime training provider, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. The trainers were highly professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. The theory and practical components were delivered efficiently within the same day, making the course both convenient and engaging. The practical training was excellent, providing clear instructions and hands-on experience that helped build my confidence on the water. The theory sessions were also well-structured, easy to follow, and covered all the essential information required to operate a vessel safely. Thanks to their professional approach and quality training, I successfully completed the course and obtained my boat licence on the same day. I highly recommend this training provider to anyone looking to obtain their boat licence in a professional, friendly, and well-organised environment. Thank you to the entire team for a great experience! 🚤⚓
Gaining my Coxswain Grade 3 with Tristian, followed by my Powerboat Handling course, gave me real confidence on the water and ultimately helped me secure a position as a deckhand with All Occasion Cruises. Throughout my boating journey, I felt supported and encouraged every step of the way. Your training helped me transition from a complete novice to confidently operating a 42ft Axopar. I genuinely appreciated the guidance, patience, and professionalism you showed throughout the process. Thanks for all of your support Tristan!
The best private boat tuition overall. I completed my practical logbook and boat licence training with Tristian, and the experience was excellent. He was very patient, professional, and easy to learn from throughout the whole process. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to get their boat licence or improve their boating skills. I’ll definitely be coming back for more practice in the future.
Excellent instructors! I had the pleasure of having Tristian and Dave for my handover session and for taking my boat out on the open water for the trip home. They were both extremely friendly, professional, and patient throughout the experience. Their knowledge and experience were invaluable, especially for new boaters, and they made the whole process enjoyable and reassuring. Very happy with the sessions and highly recommend them 😊
I recently got my boating license, but I felt I still needed more training. I was a bit worried because my English isn’t very fluent, but Tristian explained everything clearly and kindly, step by step. I had so much fun during the lesson, and it was a really enjoyable experience. Even if you already have a boating license, I think regular lessons are very helpful. I look forward to seeing him again!
Great session with Tristian. Went from novice having only had smaller boat experience to feeling pretty good within 3hrs. Could berth my 42ft flybridge cruiser on my own by the end. Very patient and helpful, just what I was looking for. Cheers Tristian
Absolutely loved the experience, great detail on everything we need to know about boating. would recommend to anyone looking to get a boat license today, do not hesitate to contact Boat Wise now.
By far the best in business, thats if you have competition Tristan haha Love your work and support . Thank you 🤩
I did a boat handling course with Tristian from Boatwise and couldn’t recommend it more highly. I had basically no experience docking a 35-foot flybridge beforehand and wasn’t very confident, but after just one session my confidence improved more than I expected and I was able to do it on my own. Tristian explains things in a really clear, practical way and stays calm the whole time, which makes learning close quarters handling much easier. He’s also a great guy to spend a few hours on the water with - easy going, patient, and knows his stuff. Worth every cent.
Have had some great lessons with Tristan on the water. Help me out on the weekend with a small issue. He was happy to take the call and advise me. Thanks again, Tristan.
Boat Wise is an excellent step for those wishing to gain boating skills in skilled hands.
Great service and great tuition lesson by Tristian. His lessons make you gradually feel better as you practice. Very happy I choose him today and loved Boat wises work. Thank you 🙏🏼
My training with Boat Wise was excellent. My instructor, Tristan, was professional, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He explained everything clearly, making the entire process straightforward. The practical training truly built my confidence on the water. I highly recommend Boat Wise!
Tristan is a fantastic mentor with amazing mentorship qualities. He has taught me the cirrect simplified steps with respects to all aspects of boating. I strongly recommend his service to those wishing to learn from a professional who has great ability to Transfer knowledge and teach beginners, and also to refine skills of experienced boaters
Great powerboat handling course with Tristian. Practical and professional, I felt confident docking an Axopar 28’ straight away, great day out on the water.
The team at Boat Wise are the best. Highly recommended if you want to take your boating skills to the next level.
Highly recommend - great service. We're new to boating, Tristian took us through all the basics launching and retrieving, docking and pulling away from dock, manoeuvring in wind and swell, anchoring, staying on plain, navigating around the harbour. We can head out with a lot more confidence.
I cannot recommend BoatWise highly enough. My friend and I got our boat licenses together, but as total newcomers to boating we wanted to get a solid base of knowledge beyond what is provided in the licensing course before heading out on our own. We booked a one day course with Tristian, and spent 6 hours out on the water with him. Every element of the training was exceptional. Tristian is in the first instance a fantastic teacher - extremely knowledgeable, well-organised, clear in his instruction, patient, and good-natured - but he is also just a great guy to spend a day with out on the water. He built the training specifically for our level of experience and capabilities, and throughout the day was constantly checking in the make sure that we were confident and happy before moving on to the next skill. The amount of knowledge and number of skills that he was able to transfer to us over the course of the day was honestly unbelievable. When we had covered the basics by mid-afternoon and felt confident handling the boat in a range of scenarios ranging from slow speed handling and docking to driving through heavy sailboat traffic, Tristian was happy to take us out to the heads to teach us how to read and navigate through waves and rougher waters. The training was totally hands-on: other than when Tristian was demonstrating various skills for us to practice we were behind the wheel for the entire time. I started the day having essentially never driven a boat, and by the end I felt completely confident to handle a boat in a wide variety of conditions within the harbour. If you're getting started out and want to fast track your journey to be one that is safe, stress-free, and just plain fun then there is quite simply no money better spent than booking in some training with BoatWise.
Highly recommend if you are new to boating. I took private lesson and it was well worth. By the end of my practice session, I was so much confident to drive a boat on my own. Had a good fun in the harbour.
I recently completed a private training course with Boatwise for myself and my son, and our instructor Tristane was absolutely fantastic. Before this course, I had been trying to learn boat handling on my own for almost a year with very little success. Within minutes of training with Tristane, everything finally clicked. His hands on teaching style, clear techniques, and calm approach made driving and docking feel simple and stress free. Tristane made me feel extremely confident on the water, especially when manoeuvring and docking, something I previously found very challenging. He breaks things down in a practical, easy-to-understand way and stays right there with you until you truly get it. I highly recommend Tristane to anyone who wants to be fully in control of their boat on the water. Give him a call — he will literally change the way you boat.
As a first time and somewhat anxious boat owner, today was our first experience with Tristan. His true passion for boating and enthusiasm for his clients to enjoy the instructor experience impressed me from the minute he stepped on board. Tristan’s attention to detail, clear instructions and intuition of what our specific requirements were, made for a very productive day, leaving us more confident and more enthusiastic than ever about our future in boating. … Tristan is a credit to his profession and passion.
I found Tristan to be extremely professional , his boating skills and how he teachs and helps you remain calm whilst taking you through manoeuvres is second to none . I can’t recommend Tristan enough! If you find berthing a boat as nerve racking as I did … hire Tristan.. used my boat the next day ….docked first go with confidence!
Tristan gave my brother and I an amazing time on his brand new boat, teaching us different skills whilst also showing us how to drive well in all situations. Was super friendly and a great teacher.
I highly recommend booking a session with Tristian to anyone who is either new to boating or rediscovering their boating journey. Tristian is a skillful and patient educator and he is willing to share his knowledge and experience with students of all backgrounds. If you approach his sessions with openness, positivity, and a keen ear, you will be rewarded with some real gems to cherish as you build your own boating experience.
Tristian is awesome with his boating knowledge and the ability to share this in an easy to understand manner. He also instills confidence in you during the training, which is a great help and helps you minimise mistakes. Tristian is next level with all sorts of other boating advice and assistance, liaising and assisting you to source boat repair slips and mechanics, ensuring your boat is operationally sound and ensuring any future issues are addressed in advance, and providing a wide range of resources via their webpage, suggested Apps, and other similar resources. Tristian is also always ready to take your call, and help you work through whatever issue you have. I highly recommend Tristian and thank him for his training and related assistance.
I had an excellent experience with Tristian as my private boating coach. He understood everything I asked perfectly and explained things clearly with a great communication throughout the session. His boating knowledge is truly impressive, and he shared tips and the insides that were both practical and easy to apply. I left the lesson feeling much more confident and the better propelled thanks to his expertise. Highly recommend Tristian to anyone looking for a skilled and reliable instructor.
My husband and I have been training (and a sunset and evening cruise!) with Tristian since August last year, and he is honestly one of the best operators you’ll ever meet. He’s professional, patient, funny, and makes every session feel relaxed and enjoyable — even when you’re learning something new. We always walk away feeling more confident, and every time on the water with him becomes a beautiful memory. If you’re looking for training, a skipper, or just an unforgettable day out, we can’t recommend him enough. A genuinely good person and an exceptional instructor. Thanks so much, Tristian — see you again soon!
Tristan and Dave were both super responsive, helpful and pleasant to deal with. I had lessons using our own boat in our local waters which was just what I needed to be more confident on the water. Dave was an extremely experienced skipper who had a lot of knowledge to share - both my husband and I learned so much from him - we’ve changed things around on our boat and we are buying a few other items for safety and ease of using the boat. During the lessons we did a mix of practical things like mooring and anchoring as well as setting a passage for the morning. Dave was always pleasant and upbeat and just a really great teacher - we always felt safe with Dave and had a lot of fun too. I highly recommend both Dave and Tristan for boating lessons or getting your boat licence.
Tristian was terrific. Knowledgable, clear and focused on what we wanted and needed to know. Highly recommend!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! After buying our dream boat, the Princess 61 Motor Yacht, my wife and I quickly realized we needed proper training on how to operate and maneuver her safely and confidently. We contacted Boat-Wise, had Tristan assigned to train us, and has been fantastic! He trained us on our own boat – getting us up to speed in no time. He has helped Julie and I work together as a team, and our confidence grows with every lesson. It has been a great experience, and I would highly recommend Tristan for any level of boat training – whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills. Thank you Tristan for training us!
These guys are unbelievably good I strongly recommend them regardless of how much you know they will definitely bring you to another level you can only benefit from them.
I had a fantastic experience with the Boat Wise team, during my private boat tuition. Captain Dave was patient, knowledgeable, and made me feel completely comfortable and confident on the water. The session was not only informative but also really enjoyable. I’d highly recommend the Boat Wise Team to anyone looking to learn boating in a safe and fun way!
Boatwise has been of the most professional and personal experience when it comes to charter, training and guidance. Would recommend Tristan anytime and will keep using his services for our Chap 290 luxury yacht.
After retiring to sunny Sydney 18 months ago, my wife Kylie and I dove headfirst into the ultimate cliché: snagging a gorgeous Princess F55 motor yacht with absolutely zero boating know-how! Thank goodness for Tristian at BoatWise – he’s been our absolute lifesaver (and boat-saver)! From guiding us through the boat licence course to hands-on, personalized training right on our own vessel across Sydney Harbour, Tristian’s warm, engaging vibe makes every session a joy while laser-focusing on building real skills and confidence. We’ve leveled up after every fun-filled lesson, feeling way more ready for those epic cruises. If you’re starting from scratch like us, BoatWise is pure gold – can’t recommend Tristian enough! 🚤✨
Training from Tristian has dramatically enhanced my confidence on the water and in particular with docking and anchoring. Highly recommend spending a few hours with him if you are new to boating or in need of a refresher.
Tristan was a great instructor, he taught me very well and I am now able to confidently drive my boat with thanks to his help and advice. He was very friendly and encouraging as well. I highly recommend his service.
Amazing training facility ran by an awesome team will definitely be using again :)
Tristian, you are an amazing person both as a friend and boat mentor. All the very best to you mate!
Super helpful and friendly, no judgement guidance on getting to know your boat. Good for old and new skippers alike
Docking is where we start. This is where we take you.
We cover every skill a confident skipper needs on Sydney Harbour.
Core Training Areas Covered
Common questions
Do I need a boat licence before booking?
Not at all. If you don’t have your licence yet, we’ll guide you through that first, then get you straight into real on-water training. Most people come to us right after getting licensed because that’s when the gap hits… you’re qualified, but not yet confident. That’s exactly what we fix.
What if my boat is large or complex?
That’s exactly where we come in. Bigger boats, twin engines, thrusters, tight marinas… it can feel overwhelming. We break it down step by step on your boat, in your environment, until it feels calm, controlled, and repeatable. No guesswork, no pressure.
Can my partner or crew member join the session?
Yes, and it’s one of the best things you can do. Boating is a team sport, and when everyone understands their role, everything becomes smoother and less stressful.
We keep sessions to a maximum of 2 people so you both get proper hands-on time and coaching.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day?
If conditions are unsafe, we simply reschedule. No stress. That said, some wind and movement can actually be valuable for training, because that’s real boating. We’ll always make the call with your safety and confidence as the priority.
What is the difference between the Kickstart and the Confident Skipper?
The Kickstart is your first breakthrough. It gives you immediate clarity and control.
The Confident Skipper is where everything locks in. Through repetition and real-world scenarios, hesitation turns into instinct. If you want to feel calm every time you approach a dock, this is the difference.
Where do sessions take place?
On your boat, where you actually use it. Sydney Harbour, Middle Harbour, your marina… real conditions, real scenarios. That’s why the results stick. If you don’t have a boat, we can run sessions on ours as well.
Is there ongoing support after my sessions?
Yes. Ongoing support depends on the program you choose. Our higher-tier programs include continued guidance and support so you’re not left figuring things out alone. The goal is long-term confidence, not just a one-off session.
What if I’m not located in Sydney? Can you travel?
Yes. We travel interstate and internationally to train clients on their own boats and in their home waters. We’ve worked with clients in Melbourne, Queensland, and Papua New Guinea, helping them build real confidence where they actually operate.
Each trip is handled case by case depending on what’s needed. The client covers travel, accommodation, and related expenses, and we deliver the same high-level, hands-on coaching wherever you are.
How much training do I need?
It depends on you, your boat, and your environment. Every setup is different, from vessel type to marina layout to wind and current.
As a general guide, most new boat owners need around 20 hours of structured training to become confident with docking and slow-speed manoeuvring. That’s where most of the stress sits.
There are a lot of variables, and it takes repetition in real conditions to build calm, consistent control. We tailor everything to you so you get the right amount of training without wasting time.