Practical, on board your own boat

An ideal stepping stone for dinghy sailors into yachting and for those who have already done some crewing but wish to learn more.

This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. Experience living on board and really get to know the boat. Virtually all the course is hands on. You are the crew – without you the sails won’t go up and the boat won’t be steered.

At the end of the 5 days, you will have become, as the name suggests, a competent (and confident) member of the crew. The course is designed to provide as much fun and enjoyment as possible in a safe and reassuring environment.

During the RYA Competent Crew course you will spend all 5 days aboard the yacht visiting many harbours and anchorages as the weather allows, complete a longer coastal passage. With a maximum of 4 students per course, we have plenty of time for your individual needs. Safety is paramount in all RYA courses and you will learn how to operate flares, lifejackets, safety harnesses, life rafts, how to assist the recovery of a man overboard and participate in at least four hours of night time sailing during the course.

You will be awarded the RYA Competent Crew Certificate and be an asset to any yacht you join.

Pre course experience
Assumed knowledge
Minimum duration
Minimum age
Course content
After course ability
None
None
5 days (Can be split across weekends and reduced to 3-4 days if you have completed RYA Start Yachting)
None
Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails, sail handling, ropework, fire precautions and fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, helmsmanship, general duties, manners and customs, rules of the road, dinghies
Able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines