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RYA Competent Crew – Learn to Sail in the Solent
RYA Competent Crew course is the ideal starting point if you want to learn how to sail. Designed for complete beginners as well as those with some dinghy experience, this hands-on course introduces you to the fundamentals of crewing a yacht while building confidence on the water.
You will live aboard throughout the course, gaining real experience of sail cruising as part of a small crew. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you will learn essential skills such as steering, sail handling, reefing, rope work and safety drills. Each day is practical and progressive, with an emphasis on learning through participation and developing confidence onboard.
Training takes place in the Solent and along the South Coast, offering varied sailing conditions and short passages between harbours and anchorages. This provides a realistic and engaging environment in which to develop your skills while experiencing life aboard a cruising yacht.
By the end of the course, you will be confident as an active and useful crew member aboard a cruising yacht. Successful candidates will be awarded the RYA Competent Crew certificate and be well prepared to progress onwards towards Day Skipper.
Pre-course Experience
No prior sailing experience or theoretical knowledge is required to attend the RYA Competent Crew Course. It is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those looking to transition from dinghy sailing to cruising yachts.
Itinerary
RYA Competent Crew Itinerary (5-Day Example)
Day 1 – Welcome & Introduction
Safety briefing, yacht familiarisation, ropes and rigging, steering under power, mooring practice, sail handling, man overboard drill, evening in a Solent harbour.
Day 2 – Short Passage & Night Sailing
Weather forecast practice, mooring drills, compass steering, anchoring, helicopter hi-line demonstration, night sail (conditions permitting).
Day 3 – Passage Planning & Seamanship
Passage planning, helming, sail trim, emergency procedures, dinghy drills, meteorology.
Day 4 – Harbour Entries & Practice
Multiple port entries, sailing on different points of sail, extended practical sessions.
Day 5 – Final Sail & Debrief
Comprehensive practice, return to Hamble, yacht clean down, debrief and awarding of RYA Competent Crew certificates.
Course Syllabus
The Competent Crew course
- Nautical terms & yacht parts – understanding rigging, sails and skipper’s commands.
- Sail handling – hoisting, trimming, reefing and safe winch use.
- Ropework – securing a yacht, handling warps, tying essential knots (8 core knots).
- Fire safety – risks, precautions, and emergency actions.
- Personal safety equipment – correct use of lifejackets, harnesses and tethers.
- Man overboard recovery – supporting the skipper in safe recovery.
- Emergency equipment – flares, liferafts, VHF Mayday procedure.
- Seamanship & customs – etiquette in harbour, flag use, courtesy to other crews.
- Environmental awareness – correct waste disposal and protecting the marine environment.
- Rules of the road – maintaining a proper lookout at sea.
- Dinghy handling – rowing and safe loading of the tender.
- Meteorology – using forecasts and understanding the Beaufort scale.
- Seasickness – maintaining effectiveness at sea.
- Helmsmanship – steering under sail and power, compass work, sail trim.
- General duties – domestic and deck responsibilities as part of crew life.
Completion of the course demonstrates you can play a full and active role aboard a cruising yacht.
Weekends from £295
From: £295
Additional Information
Everything You Need Before You Sail
Get your joining pack for practical details, what to bring, and what to expect on your course.
FAQs
Find out answers to frequently asked questions
No previous sailing experience is needed. The RYA Competent Crew course is designed for complete beginners, and your instructor will guide you through everything step by step. By the end of the course, you should feel confident helping to sail the yacht, handling ropes, steering and taking part in everyday life on board. All you need to bring is a willingness to learn and get involved. visit our Training or Learn to Sail page for skill‑level requirements.
We recommend comfortable clothing, non‑slip shoes, sunscreen, and any personal items you may need. A full checklist is available on our Preparation page.
Our cancellation and refund terms are outlined on the Terms & Conditions page. If you have questions about rescheduling, our Contact page is the best place to get quick assistance.
We provide a range of sailing experiences including private charters, training, and corporate events.
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