RYA Competent Crew

Our RYA Competent Crew course is a 5-day program ideal for beginners and those looking to enhance their skills following the RYA Start Yachting course. It's tailored for individuals who want to actively participate as crew members.

Course Highlights:

• Hands-On Learning: The course is primarily hands-on, allowing you to become an integral part of the crew. You'll actively contribute to sailing tasks.
• Teamwork: Experience the thrill of strangers coming together to operate the yacht smoothly.
• Skills Acquired: By the end of the course, you'll have the ability to steer, manage sails, maintain a lookout, row a dinghy, and assist with daily routines on board.
• Exploration: While on the course, you'll have the opportunity to visit interesting places, creating memorable experiences.
• Foundation for Cruising: This course establishes a solid foundation for confident and enjoyable cruising for years to come.
• Recommended Age: Suitable for individuals aged 12 and above.

Join our Competent Crew course and become an essential part of the sailing crew. Book your course today and start your journey towards confident and enjoyable cruising.

 ****Late availability 1 space only 3 day 7/8/9 June Fri/Sat/Sun - call the office to book****

Five day course - Five consecutive days on board, commencing at 2030 hours on Sunday or Tuesday evenings.

Two weekends - Cover the 5 day course over two weekend, please select one 2 day weekend and one 3 day weekend below. 

• 3 day weekend: commencing Friday at 2030 hours and ending approximately 1700 hours Monday
• 2 day weekend: commencing Friday at 2030 hours and ending approximately 1700 hours Sunday.

Three weekends – 3 x 2 day weekends commencing Friday at 2030 hours and ending approximately 1700 hours Sunday for those who find it difficult to take time off during the working week. Please select your three desired 2 day weekends below. 

RYA Comptent Crew Practical Certificate.

If the weather is not looking great or is forecast to be a bit chilly or windy you can hire wet weather gear from us.

Musto Waterproofs available in S, M, L, XL and XXL. £22 for a weekend course & £32 for a week course.

You are expected to bring the following comfort pack items with you; however if you don't want to bring your best duck down pillow or you haven't got a sleeping bag, don't worry you can hire a comfort pack from us!

A Comfort Pack comprises of a freshly laundered sleeping bag with liner, pillow, pillow case and towel - £16.00. 

Sea Terms and Parts of a Boat, her Rigging and Sails

Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning the sailing and day-to-day running of the boat

Sail Handling

Can bend on, setting, reefing and handling of sails

Can use sheets and halyards and their associated winches

Ropework

Can hand ropes including:

• Coiling
• Stowing
• Securing to cleats
• Single and double bollards
• Handle warps

Can tie the following knots and to know their correct use:

• Figure of eight
• Clove hitch
• Bowline
• Round turn and two half hitches
• Reef knot.

Fire Precautions and Firefighting

Has awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fire

Can carry out the action to be taken in the event of fire.

Personal Safety Equipment

Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids.

Man Overboard

Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard.

Understand how cold-water shock can affect a casualty in the water

Emergency Equipment

Can operate distress flares and knows when they should be used

Understands how to launch and board a life raft

Manners and Customs

Understands accepted practice with regards to:

• Use of burgees and ensigns
• Prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other craft berthed.

Has awareness of responsibilities of yacht skippers to protect the environment

Rules of the Road

Is able to keep an efficient lookout at sea

Tender Usage

Understands and complies with the loading rules and safety equipment needed for tenders

The importance of a kill cord on engine powered tenders

Is able to handle a dinghy under oars

Meteorology

Awareness of forecasting services and knowledge of the Beaufort scale

Understands the forecasting servies and where to obtain a forecast

Seasickness

Working ability is unaffected / partially affected / severely affected by seasickness

Helmsmanship and Sailing

Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and trim sails on all points of sailing

Steer a compass course, under sail and power

General Duties

Carry out general duties on deck and below decks in connection with the daily routine of the vessel.