RYA Competent Crew Course

The RYA Competent Crew Course is a great introduction to sailing for beginners. In just five days, you’ll gain the necessary skills and practical knowledge to become a useful crew member on a cruising yacht.

With no prior experience or skills required, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sailing through real-life training on the water, supported by experienced RYA instructors.

Why Take the RYA Competent Crew Course in the UK?

Your instructor will show you the ropes (quite literally) as you learn ropework and boat handling. You’ll be sailing, manoeuvring, handling lines and rowing a dinghy in no time. 

During your training, you will:

• Learn to helm (steer) the yacht on all points of sail (wherever the wind is coming from)

• Get experienced at tacking and gybing 

• Learn about trimming sails, rope work and boat rigging

• Gain knowledge of parts of the boat, important sea terms and other general duties

• Build your confidence through practical RYA training

• Try running before the wind (which doesn’t actually require you to run!)

This course teaches fundamental boating techniques that will be a valuable part of your RYA Day Skipper Course.

Take the helm in your yachting journey. Enrol in the RYA Competent Crew Course with Prometheus Sailing for jam-packed adventure.

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What’s Included

• 5 nights onboard accommodation on the yacht (can be split across 2 + 3 days dates)

• Experienced instructors for support and guidance throughout your training

• Breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snacks onboard  

• Wet weather gear 

• Fuel, gas and engine hours

• RYA Competent Crew Certificate upon successful completion of the course 

Courses start at 19:00 and finish on the last day at 17:00. You get to enjoy five full days of RYA training and practical crew experience.

 

Cost

5 Day courses - Please see our online booking calendar for dates

• Off-peak (1st November – 31st March): £735pp

• Peak Season (1st April – 31st October ): £785pp

Split weekend 2+3 courses - Please see below for upcoming dates 

• Off-peak (1st November – 31st March): £750pp

• Peak Season (1st April – 31st October ) : £800pp

 

Next available 2026 split weekend course dates 

• 22nd–25th May (1st weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Monday
• 29th–31st May (2nd weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Sunday

 

• 19th–22nd June (1^st weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Monday
• 26th–28th June (2^nd weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Sunday 

 

• 17th–19th July (1^st weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Sunday
• 24th–27th July (2^nd weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Monday

 

• 21-23rd August (1st Weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Sunday
• 28-31st August (2nd Weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Monday

 

• 25-28th September (1st Weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Monday
• 2-4th September (2nd Weekend) 19:00 Friday – 17:00 Sunday

 

Please note that split weekend courses cannot be booked online. Please call 02394 350 505 or email learn@prometheus-sailing.co.uk to make an enquiry or booking.

 

 

NEXT STEPS

Want to take your sailing further after your RYA Competent Crew course? Much like driving, more time at the helm boosts your confidence. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the next step is to progress to the RYA Day Skipper practical and theory courses, where you’ll take charge of the boat.

To participate in RYA courses, children must meet the minimum age requirements:

• Start Yachting Course - 8+

• Competent Crew Certification Course - 12+

• Day Skipper Certification Course - 16+

We welcome older children (16+) on any of our courses at any time of year, provided they are accompanied by at least one adult (18yrs+). Those under 16 will need to join you on a family sailing course.

Family Competent Crew Sailing Courses can be booked throughout the season (subject to yacht availability). Family courses must have at least 2 adults (18+) on board.

Teenagers aged 13-17 can also take the RYA Competent Crew Course or RYA Day Skipper Certification Course (16+) during our Youth Sailing Academy weeks. These courses build valuable yachting skills and confidence to become great crew members from a young age.

Master essential sailing skills in the heart of the Solent sailing region. Contact us today to book your course.