Is the RYA Competent Crew Course Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide. - Andrew Simpson Yachting
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Is the RYA Competent Crew Course Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide.

If you’re eager to start your sailing journey, you might be wondering whether the RYA Competent Crew course is the right stepping stone for you. Designed for beginners or those with minimal sailing experience, this five-day course introduces you to life onboard a yacht and prepares you to be an active, useful crew member. But is it worth the investment? And what can you expect from the course itself? Let’s dive in. 

Cost of the RYA Competent Crew Course 

The RYA Competent Crew course is priced at £725. This fee includes everything you’ll need for the duration of the course: 

  • Fuel and mooring fees 
  • Tuition 
  • Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments 
  • One evening meal 

For five days of training, this price covers all the essential components, allowing you to focus on learning without worrying about additional costs. 

What is the RYA Competent Crew Course? 

The RYA Competent Crew course is an entry-level qualification aimed at individuals who are new to sailing. It’s perfect for those who want to gain basic experience before stepping into the role of a skipper or taking on more responsibility on a yacht. 

Over the course of five days, you’ll be introduced to essential skills and tasks that help you become a valuable crew member. Whether you’re keen to charter a yacht, join a flotilla holiday, or eventually progress to more advanced qualifications like the RYA Day Skipper, this course sets a solid foundation. 

Is the course right for you? 

If you have limited or no prior sailing experience, this course is definitely a great way to begin. You’ll learn everything from how to handle sails to basic navigation skills. But if you already have experience sailing dinghies or have been on yachts before, you might want to skip ahead to the RYA Day Skipper course. This more advanced qualification prepares you to take command of a sailing yacht and is ideal if you’re looking to become a skipper sooner rather than later. 

What Will You Learn on the Course? 

The RYA Competent Crew course covers a variety of essential skills to ensure you’re a competent crew member aboard a yacht. You’ll be trained in a hands-on environment, spending time at sea and learning through real-life sailing scenarios. 

Here are some key topics you can expect to learn: 

  • Basic Sailing and Sail Handling – Understanding how the boat moves, how to handle sails, and how to adjust them according to wind conditions. 
  • Knots and Ropework – Learning essential knots like the bowline, cleat hitch, and figure-of-eight, which are crucial for securing sails and handling lines. 
  • Mooring and Anchoring – Gaining practical experience in tying up to a dock or mooring buoy, and understanding how to safely anchor the yacht in different conditions. 
  • Safety Equipment – Becoming familiar with the various pieces of safety gear onboard, such as life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers, and learning how to use them in an emergency. 
  • Navigation Basics – Introduction to charts, plotting courses, and understanding the basics of coastal navigation. 
  • Onboard Etiquette and Roles – How to work effectively as part of a team, follow commands, and contribute to the running of the boat. 

Throughout the course, you’ll also have the chance to explore beautiful destinations in the Solent area, such as the Isle of Wight, Southampton Water, and Poole. The hands-on training, combined with these stunning locations, makes for an unforgettable learning experience. 

Competent Crew and Career Opportunities 

While the Competent Crew course doesn’t directly open many career paths, it does provide an essential stepping stone for those looking to progress in sailing. If you decide you want to move forward, the next logical course to take is the RYA Day Skipper, which is a more advanced qualification. 

The Day Skipper course not only enhances your sailing skills but also offers commercial endorsement, allowing you to work professionally as a skipper. With this endorsement, you could find work in some of the world’s most iconic sailing destinations like Croatia or Tahiti, leading flotillas or managing private yacht charters. 

So while the Competent Crew course itself isn’t a professional qualification, it’s an ideal way to test the waters (so to speak) and see if a career in sailing might be right for you. 

Is the course worth it? 

If you’re new to sailing, the RYA Competent Crew course is an excellent investment. Not only will you gain essential sailing knowledge and hands-on experience, but you’ll also open doors to further training, chartering opportunities, and potentially even a sailing career. 

For £725, the course offers great value—especially considering the included tuition, food, fuel, and mooring fees. Plus, the stunning Solent coastlines make the experience even more memorable. 

So, if you’re ready to embark on a sailing adventure and learn the basics of life onboard a yacht, the RYA Competent Crew course could be the perfect starting point for you. And who knows? It might just spark a lifelong passion for the sea. 

Ready to set sail? Book your spot on the next RYA Competent Crew course and start your sailing journey today! 

by Thalia Burke, Sales and Communications Coordinator, Andrew Simpson Yachting  

Thalia has spent a substantial amount of time on the water, having been immersed in sailing since her early years. Her experience ranges from crewing small dinghies to achieving the Yachtmaster Coastal certification.