RYA Competent Crew is the essential starting point for your RYA training. The course introduces the absolute beginner to the delights of sailing aboard a cruising yacht. It is also an ideal stepping stone for dinghy sailors to try yachting and for those who have already done some crewing but wish to learn the right way. 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.
You will be taught the fundamentals of crewing such as knots, nautical terms, sail handling and helming, as well as how to "live" in the environment of a cruising yacht. During the RYA Competent Crew course you will spend all 5 days aboard the yacht visiting many of the beautiful harbours and anchorages of the Solent and if the weather allows, complete a longer coastal passage. With a maximum of 5 students per course, your fully qualified instructors devote plenty of time to your individual needs. Safety is paramount in all RYA courses and you will learn how to operate flares, lifejackets, safety harnesses, liferafts, 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 crew you join.
Weekends: 1830 Friday until approximately 1600 on the last day. Weeks: 0900 on the first day until approximately 1600 on the final day. Click here for an example schedule of how you will spend the week or weekend.
All food except the evening of joining, wet weather gear and accommodation onboard. Mooring fees are an extra and we suggest that you budget ampproximately £15 per weekend and £20 for 3 and 5 day courses. For details of what you should bring please refer to the FAQ's section.
RYA Online Essential Navigation and Seamanship Course for small craft users such as RIB's and day boats or RYA Day Skipper Theory for cruising yachts, you can also complete the 9 day Day Skipper combined course
Duration:5 Days (Monday to Friday or Wednesday to Sunday) or 3 weekends (reduced to 2 weekends for holders of the RYA Start Yachting certificate) or one 3 day weekend and 1 normal weekend.
Previous Experience Required: None
Course Overview: Introduction to yachting including basic seamanship and helming skills under sail and power. Normal course ratio 4:1. 3:1 on selected dates.
Click here to view full course syllabus
Cost: 5 Days £699 - £760. 5 Days £945 3:1 Ratio. 3 Weekends £795 - £895. 3 Day weekend plus 2 day weekend £795 - £835.
