RYA Competent Crew - 5 days
This course is your complete introduction to sailing, leading to a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate. Designed for beginners, it builds confidence on the water and develops the skills needed to become an active, capable crew member. By the end of the course, you will be able to steer, handle sails and lines, and assist in all key onboard procedures.
Description
RYA Competent Crew – Start your sailing journey
The RYA Competent Crew course is the ideal introduction to sailing and is designed for complete beginners.
Join a small group of like-minded people and learn by doing as you develop practical sailing and seamanship skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Over five days, you’ll take part in short passages and hands-on exercises, learning to steer, handle sails and ropes, move safely around the yacht, and become a confident and capable crew member.
Whether you want to continue sailing, progress to Day Skipper, or simply try something new, this course provides a strong foundation and a memorable experience on the water.
What you’ll learn
- Sea terms and parts of the yacht
- Sail handling, sail trim, and steering
- Ropework, winches, and deck equipment
- Points of sail, tacking, and gybing
- Mooring, berthing, and anchoring
- Safety procedures and man overboard recovery
- Basic navigation, weather, and Rules of the Road
- Introductory night sailing
Sailing location and conditions
Learn to sail on iconic Sydney Harbour
- One of the world’s best sailing environments for beginners
- Flexible itineraries planned around weather and conditions
- A mix of sheltered and open-water sailing for rapid learning
We also run Competent Crew courses in the Whitsundays during July and August – perfect if you’d prefer warm water and tropical sailing conditions. View Whitsundays courses.
Your yacht and instructor
Learn from experienced RYA-qualified instructors in Flying Fish’s friendly and supportive style.
You’ll train aboard one of our Beneteau 40.7 yachts with a maximum of five students, giving plenty of hands-on sailing and individual coaching.
Private course option
Bring together a group of up to five people and pay for only four places.
A great option for friends and families. Children aged 12+ are welcome.
Use the enquiry button at the top of the page to discuss private dates.
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
Before you start
- No prior experience is needed.
- This course is suitable for newcomers to sailing.
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.
Testimonials
- R Sena
- RYA Competent Crew course
- "Great, friendly, and knowledgeable trainers, lots of fun! Highly recommended"
- Ayato Kurokawa
- RYA Competent Crew course
- “I 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
- “Matt 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).”
Faq
- Booking information
- If you book more than 60 days before the course starts, you can secure your place with a 20% holding deposit using the links above.
- The remaining balance is due 60 days before the course start date.
- Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event.
- Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
- View our Terms and Conditions.
- Do I need any previous sailing experience?
- No. RYA Competent Crew is designed for complete beginners.
- You will learn the basics of sailing, safety, ropework, steering, sail handling, and life on board through practical hands-on training.
- How long does it take to learn to sail?
- You can gain useful basic sailing skills in just a few days with good instruction and regular practice.
- The RYA training pathway then allows you to progress from Competent Crew to Day Skipper, Yachtmaster, and professional qualifications if you want to keep developing.
- How fit do I need to be?
- You need reasonable mobility to move around the yacht and take part in practical sailing tasks.
- Our courses are friendly and inclusive, and we welcome people of different ages and abilities.
- If you are unsure whether the course is suitable, please contact us for advice.
- What happens if I get seasick?
- Seasickness is uncommon on introductory courses because most training takes place in the sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour.
- If you are concerned, speak to your pharmacist about suitable medication before the course.
- What if the weather is bad?
- Sailing is an outdoor activity, and learning in different conditions is part of the experience.
- Courses are rarely cancelled due to weather, but the programme may be adjusted for safety and comfort.
- What type of yacht will I learn on?
- You will train on a Beneteau First 40.7, a comfortable and responsive yacht that is ideal for learning.
- The yacht has a practical cockpit, comfortable saloon, enclosed toilet and shower, and accommodation for living on board.
- Can I book a private sailing course?
- Yes. Private courses are ideal for families, friends, or small groups who want to learn together.
- You can bring up to five people and pay for only four places.
- Children aged 12+ are welcome. Please contact us to discuss suitable dates.
- What should I bring?
- Lunch and snacks. We provide tea, coffee, and water on board.
- Quick-dry clothing, warm layers, and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
- Non-slip shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers if you have them. Loan sets are available if required.
- Lifejackets are provided by Flying Fish.