Competent Crew Course
Sail Squad’s Competent Crew Course is designed to teach students helming skills, personal safety, and seamanship in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some limited experience, the RYA Competent Crew Course UK is a fantastic introduction to spending time on a cruising yacht. It will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to enjoy your time on the water. The course is ideal for novice crew members who want to become helpful and active participants on board.
Competent Crew Course Format
The RYA Comp Crew Course is not an exam, but you will receive a certificate if you participate in all five days and demonstrate the skills covered in the syllabus. Our practical course runs in the Solent, UK, covering a thorough syllabus designed to transform new sailors into proficient crew members. Over five days, you will:
Master Helmsmanship
Gain hands-on experience steering the yacht under both sail and power.
Participate in General Duties
Get involved in all aspects of yacht life, from cooking and cleaning to keeping watch.
Prioritise Personal & Boat Safety
Understand essential safety procedures, including emergency drills and managing seasickness.
Handle Sails with Confidence
Learn to raise, lower, and trim sails effectively.
Understand Meteorology
Discover the importance of weather conditions and forecasting.
Embrace Seamanship
Learn the fundamentals of being courteous to other vessels.
Gain Rope Skills
Master common knots and handling lines with ease.
Learn Dinghy Handling
Understand how to safely board and row a dinghy with confidence.
Who Is This Course For?
Complete Beginners
No prior sailing experience? No problem! Our structured curriculum will guide you step-by-step.
Families & Teenagers
Young sailors aged 12 and above are welcome, making this an ideal family learning activity.
Experienced Passengers
If you’ve sailed as a passenger and want to enhance your skills, this course is perfect for you.
Future Sailors
Build a solid foundation for advancing your sailing qualifications and enjoy a more engaging sailing experience.
Combining Courses
Perfect for crew members who want to join a course alongside a Start Yachting or Day Skipper candidate.
Pricing & Booking Options
The Competent Crew Course spans five full days aboard one of Sail Squad’s well-maintained 37ft Beneteau yachts, with a maximum student-to-instructor ratio of 5:1. This ensures personalised attention, allowing you to develop your skills comfortably.
Our popular RYA Comp Crew course in the UK covers approximately 100 nautical miles and includes stops at top UK marinas like Cowes, Portsmouth, and Lymington. With excellent facilities available at each harbour, including showers, toilets, and nearby dining options, you’ll enjoy both comfort and adventure.
Pricing Information
Our base prices start from £709 per person in low seasons, inclusive of wet weather gear, fuel, moorings, refreshments, and a complimentary RYA log book to document your journey.
Course Options
- 5-Day Continuous: Starting Monday at 9 AM until Friday around 4 PM.
- 2-Day + 3-Day Split Weekend: We understand that carving out 5 days for a sailing course can be challenging. That’s why we offer the flexibility of a split weekend option, allowing you to spread your boating adventure across two separate weekends. This is perfect for those who want to maximise their time off without using up precious holiday days in one go. Complete the course over two weekends for an additional £149.
- Sole Occupancy: While our pricing assumes shared cabin occupancy, we offer sole occupancy options for those who prefer privacy. Secure your own cabin for an additional £250, or choose a converted saloon berth for £50 during the online booking process.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t wait any longer to get involved in the world of sailing! Book your place online now and take the first step toward becoming a skilled and confident crew member.
Contact us for details on course dates, availability, and pricing, and let us help answer any questions you may have.
Why Train with Sail Squad?
Expert Tuition
Our full-time Sail Squad instructors are committed to delivering top-quality sailing training.
Modern Yachts
Train on clean, comfortable, and well-maintained yachts that provide the ideal learning environment.
Personalised Experience
As a family-run school, we tailor your learning journey with individual attention and support.
Renowned Sailing Location
Learn in the Solent, one of the world’s most respected and dynamic sailing destinations.
Value for Money
Enjoy high-quality training at competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
Course Progression
Progress from beginner to instructor with our full range of structured RYA-certified courses.
FAQs
We’ve covered the most common questions to help you get started. If there’s anything else you need, just drop us a message. We’re always happy to chat.
Yes! Our UK-based competent crew course welcomes complete beginners and provides all the training you need.
You’ll find a mix of Start Yachting, Competent Crew, and Day Skipper candidates on board, enhancing your learning experience alongside fellow sailing enthusiasts.
The course typically starts at 9 AM on Monday and finishes around 4 PM on the following Friday.
While we provide snacks and hot drinks, you will need to supply your own meals. Many participants appreciate the freedom to bring food that suits their tastes and dietary needs, or prefer the convenience of dining ashore.
Doing a UK Competent Crew course opens up the world of sailing, including:
- Confidently Crew on Sailing Trips: Completing this course enables you to confidently participate in sailing trips aboard various yachts. This means you can join friends on sailing trips, participate in yacht charters, or even offer your services as crew.
- Build Your Sailing Experience: The Comp Crew course gives you a solid foundation. You can now confidently build your sea miles and further develop your sailing skills through practice and experience.
- Progress to Further Training: Competent Crew is the perfect stepping stone to more advanced RYA courses like Day Skipper. It gives you the practical experience needed to build upon your theoretical knowledge in the future.
- Enjoy Sailing With Confidence: Most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence to enjoy being on the water and actively participate in the exhilarating experience of sailing.