RYA Competent Crew: What we cover

RYA Sailing Courses in Cornwall

What Will You Gain from the Course?

By the end of the RYA Competent Crew course, you’ll:

✅ Be a valuable crew member – Confidently assist the skipper with all onboard tasks.
✅ Understand sailing fundamentals – Know how a yacht works and respond to commands.
✅ Gain hands-on experience – Practice real sailing skills in a safe and supportive environment.
✅ Earn an internationally recognized certification – Your RYA Competent Crew certificate is proof of your new skills.
✅ Build confidence on the water – Overcome any nerves and enjoy sailing with competence.

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What You'll Learn and Achieve

The perfect starting point for beginners

The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect starting point for beginners who want to become confident and capable crew members on a yacht. Whether you dream of weekend sailing trips or longer voyages, this course provides the essential skills and knowledge to get you started.

What’s Covered in the RYA Competent Crew Course?

Over five days, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sailing under the guidance of our experienced RYA instructors. The course is hands-on, meaning you’ll spend most of your time on the water, gaining real-world experience.

Key Topics Include:

✔ Boat Familiarisation – Learn the parts of a yacht, safety equipment, and basic terminology.
✔ Sail Handling – Hoisting, lowering, and trimming sails for optimal performance.
✔ Ropework – Essential knots, coiling lines, and handling sheets and halyards.
✔ Helmsmanship – Steering the yacht under sail and power, understanding points of sail.
✔ Man Overboard (MOB) Procedures – How to react quickly and effectively in an emergency.
✔ Mooring & Anchoring – Assisting with docking, picking up mooring buoys, and anchoring techniques.
✔ Safety Briefings – Understanding lifejackets, harnesses, flares, and emergency procedures.
✔ Navigation Basics – Introduction to charts, buoys, and tidal awareness.
✔ Living Onboard – Helping with cooking, watchkeeping, and general boat maintenance.

Ready to Start Your Sailing Adventure?

Our RYA Competent Crew course is your first step towards becoming a skilled sailor. You’ll leave with the confidence to join any yacht as a capable crew member and the foundation to progress to more advanced courses like Day Skipper.