The RYA Competent Crew is an essential introductory course for both the complete beginner and those who have some experience of either dinghy or keelboat sailing or cruising.
The course is planned to give you as much fun and enjoyment as possible, as you adventure and learn the fundamentals of cruising yachts. While you cruise you will learn about safety at sea and will be given lots of opportunities to master the seamanship skills of steering, changing sails, reefing and tying the essential knots as well as whats is like to live on a yacht for an extended period.
Living onboard throughout the course, each night is spent in a new place, allowing you to experience the delights of a real cruise. You will visit many of the quiet bays, anchorages and yacht harbour’s of Moreton Bay, Southeast corner of Queensland or the Whitsundays (depending on chosen course) and in the evenings there is time to relax and reflect on the events of the day.
By the end of the RYA Competent Crew course the successful Competent Crew will have sufficient knowledge and skill to be a useful and able crew member, and will be issued with the RYA Competent Crew certificate of course completion.
‘Many thanks from two over 60’s who were sailing virgins but now have their own 34 footer! . “RYA Competent Crew” was fun and SAFE, a great introduction and your ongoing help and advice are invaluable – looking forward to more courses as we really get up and running.’ Lin & Brian.
‘Challenged just in and around comfort zone, never for a moment felt in danger or intimidated, vegetarians well looked after, reliable yacht, plentiful crew, great instructor.’ Scott and Almasa.
‘…a learn-to-sail experience that was also an enjoyable adventure holiday… it provided us with a superb preparation to crew a sailing boat competently… Plus the sailing was accompanied by whales, dolphins, turtles and eagles.’ Richard & Nadeia Romanowski.
I would like to especially thank James as he was so willing to impart his knowledge and was always encouraging and understanding of everyones individual abilities. His kind and considerate manner really put me at ease and ensured my first sailing adventure was an enjoyable experience. This course exceeded our expectations. Deb and Van.
What will I learn?
- How to prepare the yacht for light to medium winds in enclosed waters
- How to actively participate as Crew
- Correct ways to drop the anchor
- Sail Handling
- Helmsmanship and Sailing
- How to understand weather forecasts & interpret them
- How to tie specialist Knots
- Personal safety
- Distress signals
How long is the course?
The course is a 5-day liveaboard course, accommodation is on board our 40-foot yacht, and all food is also included in the price. You will spend a total of 4 nights and 5 days on board with your fellow participants and the instructor.
What do I bring?
Course starts 0930. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bathing suit, a warm jumper, change of clothes (minimal wardrobe needed), spray jacket. Be sure to pack this in a flexible soft bag.
What about meals?
All meals are provided. If you have special dietary needs, please be sure to indicate this in advance when you register for the course and we will do our best to accommodate.
What should I do be fore the course?
Although there are no pre requisites for this course we do advise undertaking the Online Essential Navigation course. This ensure that you can get the most out of your RYA Competent Crew program.
Both the RYA Competent Crew certificate and logbook presented upon successful completion of your course.
Syllabus
The Competent Crew course introduces the complete beginner to cruising and teaches personal safety, seamanship and helmsmanship to the level required to be a useful member of crew of a cruising yacht.
1. Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
2. Sail Handling
3. Ropework
4. Fire precautions and fighting
5. Personal safety equipment
6. Man overboard
7. Emergency equipment
8. Manners and customs
9. Rules of the road
10. Dinghies
11. Meteorology
12. Seasickness
13. Helmsmanship and sailing
How long is this course?
This is a 5-day practical course, starting at 9:30am on the first day, and continuing the following 4-days. This is a liveaboard course, which includes food and accommodation.
Where is this held?
Courses start from Mooloolaba, Queensland. Courses with a start date in August and September start at Hamilton Island.
Need more info?
Email us at sailing@learn2sail.com.au, or call on (07) 5478 2299. We are more than happy to help!