RYA Competent Crew - Whitsundays

This course, based in the stunning Whitsudnay Islands, provides a comprehensive introduction to yachting and leads to a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate. The course is designed for novice sailors who want to become valuable and active crew members. By the end of the course, you should be able to steer, handle sails and mooring lines, and assist in all boat and sail handling procedures on board.

Description

Spend five magnificent days living and learning in the enchanting Whitsunday Islands aboard one of our yachts.

The RYA Competent Crew course serves as the perfect starting point for aspiring sailors, imparting essential seamanship skills through practical experience.

The week will be organised with short passages interspersed with skills and drills. You will grasp the fundamentals of sailing, helming, sail handling, safety procedures, and life on board.

By the end of the week, you will feel like a confident crew member, ready to join a crew on a short passage.

Whether you aim to crew proficiently on yachts or establish a foundation for future qualifications, this course provides practical skills, confidence, and an unforgettable adventure on the water.

Course content

  • Knowledge of sea terms, parts of the boat, etc
  • Sail handling (bend on, set, reef, trim, flake)
  • The use of winches, clutches, and halyards 
  • Ropework (coiling, stowing, use of cleats, knots)
  • The points of sailing, upwind and tacking, downwind and gybing
  • The five essentials of sailing, helming, and trimming on all points
  • Steering to a compass under power and sail. 
  • Crew duties during mooring, berthing, and anchoring. 
  • Personal safety, man overboard, and other emergencies. 
  • Rules of the road, basic meteorology, and chart-work
  • Night sailing exercises 

Sailing locations & conditions

🏝️ Whitsunday Islands – Tropical Sailing Paradise (July & August)

  • Breathtaking scenery, pristine anchorages, and crystal-clear waters.
  • Enjoy steady trade winds, perfect for relaxed yet exhilarating sailing.

🐬 Marine Life Encounters

  • Expect to see dolphins, whales, and, of course, Flying Fish! πŸ‹βœ¨

The yacht and the instructor

RYA-Qualified Instructors β€“ Learn from highly experienced professionals, delivering expert guidance in Flying Fish’s signature friendly and professional style.

βš“ Safety & Ratios β€“ We strictly adhere to RYA teaching ratios and safety guidelines, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment. 

The group is limited to five students to ensure you get maximum hands-on experience. 

You and your fellow students sail on board one of our Beneteau 40.7 cruiser-racer yachts and participate in all aspects of boat operation. 

Private course option - great fun, great value 

You can assemble a group of up to five people and pay for only four spots.

This is an excellent option for families or friends, and children are welcome.

If you are interested in a private course, please use the enquiry button at the top of the page to contact us. 

Before you start

  • No prior experience is needed.
  • This course is suitable for newcomers to sailing.

Testimonials

  • R Sena  
    • RYA Competent Crew course
    • "Great, friendly, and knowledgeable trainers, lots of fun! Highly recommended"
  • Ayato Kurokawa
    • RYA Competent Crew course 
    • β€œI just completed the Competent Crew course this afternoon and wanted to thank Jen who ran a superb interactive course, making us all feel more confident with our seamanship."
  • Jessie Williams
    • Start Yachting Weekend 
    • β€œMatt is a deadset legend. He took a group of 5 adults who knew absolutely nothing about sailing to a place where we all felt proud and exhilarated! He was calm, funny, specific, and clear. He tracked us as individuals, offering reminders and tips on the things we got wrong (without telling us that we got it wrong).”

What next?

  • Once you have completed the Competent Crew course, you are ready to start taking control and learning the role of the Day Skipper. 
  • Join Day Skipper Shore-based, for all the underlying theory knowledge you will need as a Day Skipper. Then, go on to the Day Skipper Practical course. 
  • If you don't have time for the full shore-based theory course, complete the Essential Navigation and Seamanship self-paced online course, and then go on to Day Skipper Practical.
  • Once you have your RYA Day Skipper you are ready to charter your own yacht.

What's included

  • Tuition, logbook, pre-course reading.
  • Life jackets and safety harnesses are provided, and we can loan you wet weather clothing if required.
  • All vessels have an enclosed bathroom on board.
  • Please bring your own lunch and snacks.
  • We provide tea, coffee, and water.  

Qualifications and experience

  • 150 sea miles logged
  • RYA Competent Crew

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