Competent Crew

The four practical courses in the RYA sail Training scheme take the form of a 5-day intensive course or three weekends. We offer the latter option only at Competent Crew level, as the other courses need the continuity of 5 consecutive days. You will live aboard the yacht for 5 days and travel to a different harbour or marina each night. During that time you will be involved in all aspects of living aboard a modern cruising yacht, and participate in all the routine tasks on board, both the exciting and the mundane. You will keep a lookout at night, commune with the stars, be "Ready Steady Cook" chef of the day, and the next minute be helping with day to day maintenance. As you progress through the ranks you can then pass on these skills to your own crew, and speak with authority on all matters!

See the RYA booklet G15 for details. If you can do all these things you will think you must be up at the next level - Day Skipper. If you have not completed a Day Skipper shorebased course you will find it impractical to try to complete the Day Skipper syllabus, both shorebased and practical, in 5 days.

The Competent Crew course includes the following:
• knowledge of terms, parts of a boat, sails and rigging
• sail handling and ropework, use of dinghies
• fire precautions and personal safety
• recovery of man overboard, under sail and power
• emergency equipment, seasickness, helmsmanship and sailing
• maritime etiquette and customs
• Rule of the Road
• meteorology
• general maintenance duties aboard the yacht

Dates are as per "Costs and Dates" depending on season.