Experience the thrills of sail cruising for the first time through the 5 day Competant Crew Course.

The RYA Competent Crew course designed for beginners as an introduction to cruising. The five day course covers topics such as boat handling, rope work, sail handling, mooring and anchoring, with the aim of becoming a competent and confident crew member. On this course you will also learn valuable skills such as what to do in an emergency and how to deal with a man overboard.

Pre-course experience

No pre-course experience is required as this course is designed for beginners.

Assumed Knowledge

None

Minimum Age

There is no age limit for children want to participate but those under the age of 8 will not receive a certificate (children must be accompanies by an adult).

Minimum course duration

Five Days

Course Content

The Competent Crew course covers knowledge of nautical terms and parts of the boat, knowledge of the rigging and sails, boat handling, rope work, sail handling, meteorology, fire fighting and precautions, personal safety and equipment, emergency equipment, man overboard drills, seasickness, general duties, rules of the road and use of the dinghies.

Ability after the Course

After completing this course you should be able to steer the boat, handle the sails, have knowledge of keeping a good look out, assist in all the day to day routines on board and row a dinghy.

The Next Step

Once you have completed your Competent Crew course, we recommend you move on to take the Day Skipper Theory course.

What to Take

What you need to take will vary depending on the time of year and where you are taking your course, but there are some basics that apply across the board. For more information on specific destinations please contact us or see the relevant course destination page.

Sun Protection – regardless of what the climate is it is important to remember that you are on the water and exposed to the reflection of the sun. This means that you can suffer sun/wind burn and sun glare even on the coldest of days. We advise you always take sun cream, a sun hat (or warm hat if it cold) and sun glasses.

Music – most modern yachts have CD players (most with the ability to plug in MP3 players) and you are welcome to take your own music.

Medications and seasickness – you should take any medication you are on and ensure you inform the skipper of what you are taking. Whilst many boats carry a limited supply of seasickness medication if you know you get seasick or have not been sailing before you should always take some with you. Seasickness medication can be purchased over the counter from most pharmacists.

Clothing – This will depend greatly on where you are taking your course but there are a few things to remember. You will need to take a pair of shoes with non-marking bottoms to wear on the boat. You will generally need to take a waterproof jacket just in case (water trousers are also good for the colder climates). Some companies provide waterproofs on board but we will always advise you if this is the case and it is best to assume they don’t. Finally it is important to remember that it is often colder when you are on water and underway so always plan for this.

Guide price

Competent Crew courses vary in price depending on where you would like to do the course however as a guide line courses start from around £475 per person up to around £650.