RYA Practical Courses: Competent Crew

5-Day RYA Competent Crew Course:
Mylor, Falmouth

Competent Crew Course – Overview

The RYA Competent Crew course is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to become an active crew member rather than just a passenger. Over five days and five nights onboard, you’ll gain hands-on sailing experience and develop the confidence and skills needed to contribute safely and effectively on a yacht.

You’ll experience practical sailing in a supportive environment, learning essential tasks such as helming, rope work, and general boat handling.

For full details on course duration, dates, pricing, location, group size, and equipment, please refer to the FAQ section below.

Whether you’re trying sailing for the first time or looking to improve your skills as part of a crew, this course offers a fun and engaging introduction to yachting.

Mileage Building and Skill Practice

In between courses you will need to gain milage and practice your skills, we offer mile builders and skills weekends throughout the year to help you achieve this.

Convenient Location and Facilities

Our courses start and end at Mylor Yacht Harbour, close to Falmouth and Truro. We provide free parking for all course participants.

Check Course Availability

On this calander you will see the start dates of each course. Each course spans five full days, starting at 17:00 on Sunday and concluding at 15:00 on Friday, with participants required to spend all five nights on board as part of the training.

You can then select the course you wish to book, select ‘next’ and complete our quick booking request form.

You can also check available dates and course duration in the FAQ below

Cost per person - £850
Booking 2 people on the same course - £800 per person
Private course (up to 4 people) - £2800
Private Course (up to 5 People) - £3200
Private courses can run over 3 weekends or start on different days, please call to discuss your requirements

Competent Crew FAQ

No — the RYA Competent Crew course is designed for beginners and those wanting to become active crew members rather than passengers. It requires no previous sailing experience.

You’ll learn practical skills to become a useful crew member, including helming under sail and power, ropework, sail handling, man-overboard procedures, understanding boat parts, meteorology, tides, and day-to-day duties onboard.

The Competent Crew course spans five full days with five nights onboard. Courses start on Sunday at 17:00 and finish Friday at 15:00. Available 2026 dates include 22–27 March, 5–10 April, 10–15 May, 31 May–6 June, 5–10 July, 2–8 August, 6–12 September, and 4–9 October.

The course costs £850 per person. If booking two people on the same course, the price is £800 per person. Private course options are £2800 for up to 4 people or £3200 for up to 5 people. Contact the team to discuss private course options.

Courses start and end at Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth and Truro. Free parking is provided. Accommodation onboard the yacht for five nights and practical sailing tuition are included.

The advertised course group sizes are limited to 4 people to ensure personalised instruction. For private courses, the maximum group size is up to 5 people.

Breakfasts and lunch are included each day, with four evening meals onboard. One evening is usually spent ashore (not included). Snacks and hot/cold drinks are provided, and dietary requirements can be notified when booking.

Competent Crew courses use larger 3-cabin yachts. The instructor takes one cabin and students share the remaining berths. Single occupancy can be arranged, and occasionally smaller yachts may be used for very small groups.

Lifejackets and all safety equipment, onboard food, fuel, and marina fees are included in the course price.

Bring a passport-style photo for your certificate, a copy of any relevant theory certificate, waterproof jacket and trousers, sailing-appropriate footwear with non-marking soles, sunscreen, anti-seasickness medication, warm layers, sleeping bag and pillow, refillable water bottle, head torch (red light useful), notebook/pencils, and toiletries.

Courses are flexible to conditions — timings and activities may be adjusted to make the best use of time on the water, but safety is always the priority.

You can check course availability and book via the booking calendar on the Take A Turn Yachting website or contact the team directly.