RYA Competent Crew Course

An introduction to sailing for those who want to become active crew members rather than just passengers. By the end of this hands-on course you will have learnt to steer, work sails, keep a lookout and assist in all the day-to-day routines. You will also have the opportunity to start preparing for the Day Skipper course if you wish to do so.

Duration: Six day course from 2pm Monday to late Saturday afternoon.
Price: (click here for prices in euro)
£400 Jan, Feb, Mar 3rd and 10th.
£500 March 17th to Oct 20th.
£475: Oct 27th, Nov, Dec 15th.
This price includes 6 days RYA tuition, accommodation, bedding provided, food and drinks onboard, mooring fees and waterproofs.

No previous experience necessary.

Summary of subjects covered in Competent Crew course:

Knowledge of sea terms and parts of the boat, rigging and sails.
Sail handling, reefing, use of sheets, halyards and winches.
Ropework, the most important eight knots and when to use them.
Man overboard drill and safety equipment.
Manners and customs in port and at sea, rules of the road, keeping a good lookout.
Helmsmanship and sailing, basic principals of sailing, steering and trimming sails on all points of sail. Steering a compass course under sail and power. Basic boat handling under power.
Meteorology, reading a forecast.
Sailing at night for (4 hours from sunset).
Responsibility for avoiding pollution and protecting the marine environment.

Winching during a training course

Sunset sail from Gibraltar to Morrocco

Whale watching
Quotes about our skippers...

Our instructor Dave was totally excellent. He was extremely thorough and never seemed to get flustered when faced with many of our questions from beginners. I felt he was always available and really ‘taught' us how to sail, not just instructed us.
Barbara Moran UK

I want to thank you for turning me into a competent crew member and, most particularly, for one of the best holidays Val and I have had.
David Crane UK

We both had a fabulous time and are inspired to do our Day Skippers now.
Jenny Scott

contact: cathy@trafalgarsailing.co.uk for a brochure or further info.