RYA Competent Crew

Duration: Typically run over 5 consecutive days or 3 weekends

Previous experience required: None

Content: to experience being at the helm, helping with the sails, dealing with ropes, learning about being safe on the water and being a competent crew member. This introductory course is ideal for anyone new to sailing. Topics covered include:

•Yachting Terms - Understand what everyone is talking about from ‘you’re in irons’ to ‘tack’ to ‘mind the boom’ and being able to respond to any orders given

•Rope Work - How to tie the yacht up securely, learn to tie a few knots and to safely hand ropes.

•Steering - Experience helming the yacht under different sail settings, including under power, setting the sails and dealing with ropes attached to the sails.

•Fire - Awareness and actions required.

•Emergency Equipment - What’s on board and what to do with it.

•Highway Code - Just helping the more experienced know what to be aware of.

•The Weather - Where to obtain the weather and a little bit of understanding.

•Man Overboard - No volunteers necessary just learn to help out.

•Personal Safety - Learning to make use of the safety aids to keep the sport a fun safe pleasure experience.

•Dinghies – Oh yes, some one has to know how to steer and be safe. How else can you get to the remote island pub?

•Manners and Responsibilities - Don’t forget tradition and the environment.

•Night sailing - Usually a short sail in sheltered waters, to let you experience a whole new perspective out on the water, is undertaken during the weekend.

On successful completion of the course you will be awarded the RYA Competent Crew Course completion certificate.