Learn to sail with RYA Competent Crew
The RYA Competent Crew course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day duties on board.
RYA Competent Crew is five days in total. If you have already done a two day RYA Start Yachting course you can top up to RYA Competent Crew with a further three days or two weekends. We aim to run a three day RYA Competent Crew top up course on the second weekend of every month.
“I remembered and possibly learnt more in those five days then on past sailing trips. The skipper was very knowledgeable and was able to teach at all the levels of competence of students. As a dyslexic I like to see pictures and enjoyed the visual aids. Thank you for being great and staying ethical while demonstrating total professionalism.”
“I couldn’t recommend Sail Boat Project more highly. What you do and the people genuinely have a love for the water and it shows. The course was perfect – as an introduction but in actual fact I learnt so much more. We had an excellent skipper in Bruno and support too. It was one of the most rewarding five days I’ve spent with a group of great folks doing something totally new in years. The professionalism, knowledge, practical hands on experience and warmth was exceptional. The food was bloody amazing. It’s inspired me to do more sailing when I get the chance.”
Courses run from Itchenor in Chichester harbour.
We also offer RYA Competent Crew as Teen sails exlusively for 13-17yr olds.
Prices for the full five day course are inclusive of food onboard, visitor moorings and wet weather gear.
Assumed knowledge: None
Ability after course: A basic knowledge of yachting and how to be a useful crew member
Course content
- Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
- Sail handling
- Ropework
- Fire precautions and fighting
- Use of personal safety equipment
- Man overboard
- Emergency equipment
- Meteorology
- Helming
- Affected or not by seasickness
- General duties
- Manners and customs
- Rules of the road
- Using dinghies
- By the end of the course you will be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines
This chartlet gives an idea of the sailing area we have to choose from during this trip. The shelter afforded by the Isle of Wight keeps many options open with plenty of anchorages and marinas to choose from.
Frequently asked questions
Please see our FAQ for tips on what to bring and what to expect.