Stepping into the world of sailing for the first time is exciting and exhilarating. These practical on-the-water courses build confidence, teaching you everything from basic terminology and safety tips to handling sails. You’ll become a useful crew member, and even take the helm for the first time.
A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners.
By the end of the course, you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
Holders of the Start Yachting certificate can go on to complete the Competence Crew course in a reduced time of three days or two weekends.
| Pre-course experience | None |
| Assumed knowledge | None |
| Minimum duration | 2 days |
| Minimum age | None |
| Course content | The yacht, ropework, underway, rules of the road, man overboard recovery, clothing and equipment, emergency equipment and precautions, meteorology. |
| Ability after the course | Basic knowledge of yachting. |
This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.
Experience living on board and really get to know the boat. Virtually all the course is hands on. You are the crew – without you the sails won’t go up and the boat won’t be steered.
By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day duties on board. You should also have visited some interesting places and had an enjoyable holiday.
| Pre-course experience | None |
| Assumed knowledge | None |
| Minimum duration | 5 days. Often run over 3 weekends or 3 days plus a weekend. If you have done the Start Yachting course, this course can be completed in 3 or 4 days |
| Minimum age | None |
| Course content | Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails, sail handling, ropework, fire precautions and fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, helmsmanship, general duties, manners and customs, rules of the road, dinghies |
| Ability after the course | Able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines |
For more information about our RYA courses and availability please contact us.
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