RYA Competent Crew

This RYA Competent Crew practical sailing course teaches you the basics of sailing and all the skills you need to be an effective member of a yacht crew. It is a complete basic sailing course suitable for beginners or those with some sailing experience (perhaps in dinghies) who want to ensure a good foundation before the next level. You will learn how to steer the boat on a compass heading and ‘on the wind’, how to set and trim sails, operate winches, how to prepare a boat to enter and leave harbour, how to pick up moorings and anchor, and of course all the ropework and knots. You will live aboard the boat with the instructor and 3 or 4 other students/crew.

Each day will involve a mixture of short passages from port to port and intensive exercises. We will be in harbour or anchorage every night but on one evening you will get a few hours experience of night sailing. The courses are always great fun. All meals are provided aboard but there will be opportunities to go ashore during some evenings.

Useful Information

Required Previous Experience or Knowledge

The Competent Crew course requires no prior experience or knowledge.

Age

There is no minimum or maximum age limit.

Achievement

RYA Competent Crew Course Certificate. You will be welcome as crew aboard any yacht. Many owners and skippers are looking for crew and this certificate could be your passport to lots more sailing.

What’s included

The price includes a berth on the yacht, all meals aboard from dinner on the first evening to lunch on the last day, tea, coffee etc and all operating expenses including berthing and fuel. (When comparing prices with other schools you may find that some meals are either not included or taken ashore at your expense and berthing costs may be charged to students). Water from the boat’s tanks is drinkable. Alcoholic drinks, bottled water or other soft drinks are not included but you are welcome to bring your own. Often people contribute to a ‘kitty’ to buy some wine with dinner. Wet weather clothing hire (jackets and trousers) is available at only £10 per week or weekend.  There are no other essential extras but you may want to buy one or two books (see below) and bring a little pocket money for use if you go ashore.

What will I need to bring?

The only specialist requirement is a sleeping bag and some suitable footwear – deck shoes (trainers will do) and in case of rain we recommend sea boots. We provide pillows but ask that you bring your own pillow slip.  Further information is provided in the suggested packing list – see below under Downloads.

Books

There is no essential pre-course reading before this practical course. However, if you would like to learn some basics beforehand we recommend that you buy the RYA Competent Crew booklet. This is an excellent introduction and helps with the sailing vocabulary. You might also want to buy your own copy of the RYA Sail Cruising Log Book (£5.50) so you can keep a record of your sailing trips and check your progress against the whole of the syllabus at all levels. Both books are available to buy on-line from the RYA website or from our reception when you come to Chatham.

And After my Competent Crew Course?

Get more sailing. Consider joining one of our Adventure Sailing Holidays which offer superb experience and training in varied locations and conditions. Do the RYA Day SkipperTheory Shorebased Course.  And if its your aim to go on to complete day skipper or beyond, why not look at a complete package from beginner to Day Skipper.  There are big savings to be made in booking a package – and if you need to keep flexibility you can even leave some elements open dated.  See Special Packages for details.

How to Book

Check out dates, prices and availability on the course calendar near the top right of the page.  Click on any dates of interest and they will appear in the email form below.  Then add your request – either just for confirmation of availability or to make the reservation.  Then press SEND.  For weekends, only the individual prices are shown.  If you want to book a package tell us in the email what you want and include any dates you would like to include. We will then work out the package price and make the reservation.