RYA Competent Crew Course in Brighton

The RYA Competent Crew course is designed for those new to yacht sailing who wish to become active and valuable members of a yacht crew. This hands-on, five-day course will teach you the skills necessary to assist with all day-to-day duties onboard a yacht. You'll be immersed in the yachting lifestyle by living onboard one of our performance Beneteau yachts at Brighton Marina, experiencing the full range of crew responsibilities. By the end of the course, you will be able to steer, handle sails, and manage various safety procedures, setting you up for future qualifications like the RYA Day Skipper.

Key Details

• Course Duration: 5 continuous days, or split into two parts (2 and 3 days)
• Location: Brighton Marina
• Age Restrictions: Minimum age 12 (participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
• Number of Places: Max 4 participants for weekday courses, max 5 for split weekend courses
• Availability: Weekends from February to November, with weekday courses also available

Course Breakdown

The RYA Competent Crew course is practical and hands-on, giving you the opportunity to learn essential skills through real-world sailing experiences. Over the five days, you’ll be involved in all aspects of crewing a yacht, from helming to sail handling and from navigation to safety drills.

• Helmsmanship: Take turns steering the yacht and learn how to maintain a course.
• Sail Handling: Practice hoisting, trimming, and reefing sails under different wind conditions.
• Ropework: Master the basic knots and rope handling skills needed to secure the yacht in various situations.
• Essential Safety Procedures: Learn safety protocols, including man overboard recovery, fire drills, and emergency equipment use.
• Rules of the Road: Get to know the key maritime rules for safe navigation and avoiding collisions.
• Meteorology: Gain a basic understanding of weather patterns and how they affect sailing decisions.
• Manners & Customs: Learn the traditions and etiquette of yachting, essential for creating a harmonious onboard environment.
• Night Sailing Experience: Depending on weather conditions, you’ll have the chance to participate in a night sailing session, gaining experience in navigating and managing the yacht after dark.

Each day’s activities will vary based on weather and tides, providing an authentic sailing experience. You’ll help plan and execute trips to exciting destinations like the Solent or even a trip to France.

Location

Courses take place at Brighton Marina, one of the most popular sailing locations in the UK. With easy access to both sheltered and open waters, Brighton Marina provides a perfect setting for learning and practicing sailing techniques. The marina’s excellent facilities also enhance the overall experience, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to stay during your training.

Prerequisites

No prior sailing experience is required to join the RYA Competent Crew course. This course is specifically designed for beginners who want to learn the essential skills needed to become a valuable crew member on a yacht.

Why Choose Us

We are committed to providing high-quality sailing instruction in a friendly, relaxed environment. Our small class sizes ensure you get plenty of individual attention, and with our experienced instructors, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to excel on the water. Our Beneteau yachts are perfect for both learning and comfort, offering a great balance of performance and stability. Brighton Marina is an excellent location for hands-on learning, with diverse sailing conditions that prepare you for real-world sailing challenges.

Whether you're just starting your sailing journey or looking to become an active crew member, the RYA Competent Crew course is your ideal stepping stone. Book your spot today and set sail towards becoming a confident and capable crew member!