Competent Crew

The Competent Crew course introduces the complete beginner to cruising and teaches personal safety, seamanship and helmsmanship to the level required to be a useful member of the crew on a cruising yacht.

If you are a complete beginner, the Competent Crew sailing course will last for 5 days. If you’ve already done the RYA Start Yachting course then it may only take 3 days.

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.

By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, and assist in all the day to day duties on board.

You should also have visited some interesting places and had an enjoyable holiday.

Course content

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.

Ability after the course: able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, and assist in all the day to day routines

On successful completion of the RYA Competent Crew course, your Instructor will sign your logbook to enable you to keep a record of your sea miles and syllabus completed.

Pre-course experience – None

Assumed knowledge – None

Minimum duration 5 days – Often run over 3 weekends or 3 days plus a weekend. If you have done the Start Yachting course, this course can be completed in 3 or 4 days

Minimum age – None

What is included:

Fully qualified professional instruction

Fuel and mooring fees

Accommodation on board for 6 nights

RYA Competent Crew Certificate upon successful completion.