RYA Competent Crew Course in Brighton

We are located at Brighton Marina. You will be sent the full address and postcode upon booking, but here is a guide to finding us:

• By Car: Approaching the marina from the A27 take the B2123. Turn right at first set of traffic lights, signposted Brighton Town Centre, Racecourse and Marina Village. Turn left at second set of traffic lights, pass the Racecourse and follow the signs for the Marina Village where there is free parking for 1500 cars in the multi-storey car park. From the car park you can either go across a linking bridge on level 6 or from the ground floor of the car park towards all the waterfront cafes and bars. Walk to the end of the boarded walk way where there will be a large ramp heading down towards the pontoons. We are the first set of pontoons on the right. Pontoon 6.
• By Bike: Brighton Marina has a bike share station which is either pay per minute or a yearly membership. For your own bike, racks are available on the main concourses of the pontoons. You must use the racks and not leave bikes on the pontoons otherwise Premier Marina will take them away.
• By Bus: Brighton and Hove bus service operates a number 7 bus approximately every 15 minutes 24 hours a day, from Brighton Town Centre (North Street or Queens Road), to the Marina Village.
• On Foot: Brighton Marina is a pleasant walk along the seafront from the centre of Brighton, it is 20 minutes walk from the main West Pier. During the summer you will also find the Volks electric railway operates along the front.
• By Train: The nearest main line station is Brighton with regular connections to Chichester, Portsmouth and London is under an hour away.
• By Air: Brighton is within easy reach of Heathrow and Gatwick international airports. Follow the A23 from Gatwick to Brighton. Shoreham airport is also available for private light aircraft.

If you are taking weekend yacht courses the first weekend will be Part 1, Saturday & Sunday, the second weekend will be Part 2, Saturday - Monday. If you are taking the five day continuous course it will be Monday-Friday. Below is a useful list of what to bring for these courses.

Weekend Part 1, 2 days:

• Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
• Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
• Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
• Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
• We can supply waterproofs for hire, Rooster. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival. If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, they are a necessity
• If you are worried or unsure whether you suffer from seasickness then pills and wrist-bands work well. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach and take tablets with breakfast if you have never been sailing on the sea before, sometimes the motion takes a while to get used to
• Lunch provided onboard

 Weekend Part 2, 3 days including night sail:

• Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
• There is limited space on board, only bring one large bag
• Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
• Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
• Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
• We can supply waterproofs for hire, Rooster. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival. If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, they are a necessity
• Sleeping bag and pillow, showers provided in the Marinas
• If you are worried or unsure whether you suffer from seasickness then pills and wrist-bands work well. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach and take tablets with breakfast if you have never been sailing on the sea before, sometimes the motion takes a while to get used to
• To reduce food preparation please bring a pack lunch for each day.

 5 day continuous course, staying onboard 4 nights:

• Be prepared for changeable weather, bring plenty of layers
• Quick drying clothes can be very practical, avoid jeans
• There is limited space on board, only bring one large bag
• Gloves for warmth and rope friction protection
• Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for summer months and woolly hats, thermals and layers for winter months
• Deck boots and non-slip deck shoes or trainers that don’t mark
• We can supply waterproofs for hire, Rooster. You will need to order these in advance so we can have them ready for your arrival. If you have your own waterproofs, please bring them, they are a necessity
• Sleeping bag and pillow, showers ashore at the different marinas
• Passport as you may go to France
• If you are worried or unsure whether you suffer from seasickness then pills and wrist-bands work well. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach and take tablets with breakfast if you have never been sailing on the sea before, sometimes the motion takes a while to get used to
• The marina fees are not included and vary and are shared during the week. Please allow £25 for the week.
• Breakfast x 4, and 5 x lunches provided with evening meals ashore at own cost
• Competent Crew can be taught from Age 12 plus, but as most courses involve accommodation onboard anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a suitable adult

No prior sailing experience is required. The RYA Competent Crew course is specifically designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of yacht sailing and become active members of a yacht crew. You’ll gain the skills needed to assist with day-to-day duties onboard.

The course runs over five continuous days, typically from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. If you opt for the split course, it is delivered over two weekends (2 days and 3 days). Each day involves hands-on sailing combined with theory, and you will participate in planning the day’s activities based on the weather and tides.

The course is held at Brighton Marina. Brighton Marina offers a mix of sheltered and open waters, making it ideal for beginners to practice their skills. The marina has great facilities, and you’ll also have the opportunity to sail to other locations like the Solent or even to France, depending on the course and conditions.

Yes, during the RYA Competent Crew course, you will stay onboard one of our Beneteau yachts, giving you the full experience of living on a yacht. This immersive experience helps you understand the routines of yacht life and develop your skills more effectively. All safety equipment and accommodation are provided.

Safety is our top priority. If the weather conditions are unsafe (e.g., storms, high winds), we may need to adjust the course schedule or postpone some activities. However, we usually sail in moderate conditions, so it's important to bring appropriate waterproof gear. Your instructor will make safety-based decisions, and we aim to maximise your time on the water in safe conditions.

We keep our group sizes small to ensure personalised attention. For weekday courses, there will be a maximum of 4 participants, and for split weekend courses, a maximum of 5. This allows for plenty of hands-on experience and one-on-one time with your instructor.

Upon successful completion, you will receive the RYA Competent Crew certificate. This qualification confirms that you are a capable crew member and can assist with the day-to-day operation of a yacht. It also allows you to progress to more advanced sailing courses, such as the RYA Day Skipper.

After completing the RYA Competent Crew course, many people choose to continue their sailing journey by enrolling in the RYA Day Skipper course. This course teaches you how to take charge of a yacht and skipper short coastal passages. You can also participate in sailing clinics or join our racing events to further develop your skills and gain more experience.

Yes, lunches, hot drinks, and snacks are provided onboard each day. However, you will need to bring your own breakfast and dinner. Brighton Marina offers a variety of nearby dining options for breakfast and dinner when you are ashore.

The onboard accommodation is comfortable and designed to give you a real taste of yacht life. You’ll be staying in shared cabins on our Beneteau yachts, which are equipped with everything needed for a safe and enjoyable experience. Though space is limited compared to staying ashore, it’s part of the unique experience of living onboard and learning to work as a team with your fellow crew members.