The RYA Competent Crew course is a practical introduction to yachting, ideal for beginners. It leads to an internationally recognised certificate and builds the skills and confidence to be an active crew member on board a sailing yacht.

You can complete your Competent Crew course over 3 weekends or in a 5-day block. If you choose weekends, start with a Start Yachting Weekend and then follow with 2 x Competent Crew Weekends. 

You can book your dates whenever you like. (NB: You will receive a 10% discount if you book three or more courses in a single order.)

Not chasing a certificate? No problem. The course also works as a refresher or a stand-alone sailing adventure.

Course content

• Sea terms and parts of the boat 
• Sail handling: set, reef, trim, flake 
• Winches, clutches, and halyards 
• Ropework: knots, coiling, cleats 
• Helming and trimming sails on all points of sail 
• Steering under sail and power using a compass 
• Crew duties during mooring, berthing, and anchoring 
• Safety and emergency procedures, including man overboard 
• Rules of the road and basic meteorology 
• Night sailing

Expert instruction, quality yachts

Our experienced instructor will guide you and your fellow crew members through the course in a friendly and relaxed manner.

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. 

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

Location and sailing conditions 

We sail from our base at Middle Harbour Yacht Club and explore beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Subject to weather conditions, we sometimes head a little way offshore for a taste of the mighty Pacific Ocean. 

Private course - great value 

Arrange your own group of up to 5 people, and pay for four places. 

This is a great thing to do with family or friends. Kids are welcome, too.

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

• 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 on board.  

Qualifications and experience

• RYA Competent Crew certificate (once you have completed a Start Yachting Weekend and two Competent Crew Weekends)

• No previous experience is required to book this weekend.
• If you are new to sailing and want to achieve your RYA Competent Crew certificate you should first book a Start Yachting Weekend 

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

• Wil Kavanagh
• Competent Crew Weekend
• 
• "The Competent Crew weekend with Tom was fantastic. Highly recommend both him and the Flying Fish group!"
• Courtney Lenzo
• Competent Crew Weeekend
• 
• “A lovely couple of weekends sailing for the RYA Competent Crew! Whether the weather was a sunny, breezy day or overcast and rainy, it was a ton of fun and very informative. Thanks to our instructor, Tom, for a great time! ”
• 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
• To secure your place in the course, please pay a 20% holding deposit via the links provided above. This deposit will reserve your position until sixty days prior to the course start date, at which point the remaining balance of the course fees will be required.
• Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable; however, it can be transferred to any other course or event offered by Flying Fish.
• We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited.
• 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 that requires reasonable mobility and some 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 do also venture offshore, and it’s still possible to experience some degree of 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!