RYA Competent Crew – Your sailing journey starts here

The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction to sailing, designed for complete beginners. You’ll join a small group of like-minded people and gain hands-on experience while learning the essentials of sailing and seamanship in a supportive, enjoyable environment.

Throughout the course, you’ll take part in short passages and practical exercises, covering everything from helming and sail handling to safety procedures and life on board. It’s a balanced mix of learning, teamwork, and time on the water.

By the end of the course, you’ll be a confident and capable crew member, able to steer, handle sails and lines, and assist in all key onboard tasks.

Whether you’re looking to sail regularly, build toward further qualifications, or simply try something new, this course develops real skills, builds confidence, and is a great way to meet like-minded people.

Course content

• Sea terms and parts of the boat
• Sail handling (bend on, set, reef, trim, flake)
• Use of winches, clutches, and halyards
• Ropework (coiling, cleats, knots, stowing)
• Points of sailing – upwind, tacking, downwind, gybing
• Helming and sail trim on all points of sail
• Steering under power and sail
• Mooring, berthing, and anchoring procedures
• Personal safety, man overboard, and emergencies
• Basic rules of the road, weather, and chart awareness
• Introductory night sailing

Sailing location & conditions

Sydney Harbour – a world-class training ground

• Sail on iconic Sydney Harbour, one of the best locations in the world to learn
• A flexible itinerary is planned on day one to make the most of conditions
• Enjoy a mix of steady sea breezes and varied conditions ideal for learning

We also run Competent Crew courses in the Whitsunday Islands during July and August – a fantastic opportunity to learn in warm, tropical waters. View Whitsundays courses.

The yacht and the instructor

RYA-qualified instructors – Learn from experienced professionals delivering expert guidance in Flying Fish’s friendly and supportive style.

Safety and ratios – We follow RYA teaching standards, with small groups to ensure maximum hands-on experience.

The group is limited to five students, and you’ll sail on one of our Beneteau 40.7 yachts, taking part in all aspects of sailing and boat handling.

Private course option

Put together a group of up to five people and pay for only four places.

This is a great option for friends or families, and children aged 12+ are welcome.

If you’re interested in a private course, please use the enquiry button at the top of the page.

• 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

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

• 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.

• 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).”

• Booking information
  • If you book more than sixty days before your course start date, you can secure your place with a 20% holding deposit paid via the links above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days before the course start date, when the remaining course fees will be required.
  • The deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to another Flying Fish course or event.
  • We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
  • View our Terms and Conditions
• What are the essential skills and knowledge required to learn sailing?
• Learning to sail involves acquiring a combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Some essential skills include understanding wind direction and how to set the boat up to harness it effectively, steering a sailboat, handling ropes, tying various knots, using winches and clutches and manoeuvring under power and sail in different conditions.
• Theoretical knowledge encompasses understanding navigation, reading charts, learning about basic meteorology, and grasping the rules of the waterways.
• How long does it take to learn to sail?
• The time it takes to learn to sail and become proficient depends on several factors, including the individual’s aptitude, the frequency of sailing lessons or practice, and the complexity of the sailing environment. With consistent practice and good instruction, it is possible to gain basic sailing skills within a few days.
• The RYA training scheme offers an established and efficient training pathway from novice sailor through to the dizzy heights of a qualified Yachtmaster. From there, you can go on to professional certification and a commercial yacht captain’s licence.
• Many past Flying Fish Yachtmaster course graduates are now working as captains of large superyachts.
• How fit do I need to be, and what happens if I get seasick?
• Sailing is a physical activity requiring reasonable mobility and strength when handling sails/winches, etc. That said, our sailing courses are very inclusive, and we welcome participants of all ages and abilities. If you are concerned about your suitability, please contact us for advice.
• Seasickness is rarely an issue on our introductory sailing courses, as you will usually be sailing on the sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour. However, we also venture offshore, and it’s still possible to experience some seasickness. If you are concerned about this issue, please visit your pharmacy and pick up some seasickness medication prior to arrival. It is recommended to take any precautionary measures 24 hours prior.
• What if the weather is bad?
• Sailing is an all-weather sport. We like to say there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
• We very rarely cancel a course due to bad weather. 
• What type of yacht will I learn on?
• At Flying Fish, our basic training boats are Beneteau First 40.7s. These yachts provide an excellent balance between comfort and performance and are great for learning. 
• The layout of the 40.7 is very practical, with two double rear cabins, a forward cabin, a comfortable saloon, and an enclosed toilet and shower unit. 
• The yacht sleeps six in comfort or eight using the saloon bunks. They are fully equipped for living on board.
• Can I book a private sailing course for a group or family?
• Yes! we regularly welcome private groups of friends or family on bespoke courses.
• A private RYA course is a great learning adventure to experience with your friends or family. What’s more, you can save money as you pay for four places on the course and can bring a maximum of five.
• The minimum age is 12. If you like the sound of this, please get in touch and let us help you plan your adventure.
• What should I bring with me? 
  • Food! - BYO lunch and snacks. We provide tea, coffee and water on board.
  • Quick-dry clothing (shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeved tops).
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket.
  • Non-slip shoes.
  • Hat, high-factor sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • Thermal base layer and fleece for colder months.
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (loan sets available).
  • Life jackets are provided on board by Flying Fish.
  • A sense of adventure and a team spirit!