The RYA Competent Crew course is the world's most popular introduction to cruising under sail and the ideal next step after Start Yachting.

Designed for beginners, this practical course develops the skills, confidence and seamanship needed to become an active member on a yacht. 

Sail on spectacular Sydney Harbour while taking the helm, trimming sails, handling ropes, keeping lookout and working as part of a friendly crew.

Complete the programme over three flexible weekends, beginning with a Start Yachting Weekend, followed by two Competent Crew weekends, or complete the entire course in one 5-day programme.

Book three or more Flying Fish courses in one transaction and receive a 10% discount.

What you'll do

• Steer the yacht under sail and power
• Trim sails and experience how the yacht responds
• Handle ropes, winches and deck equipment
• Practise tacking, gybing and sail handling
• Learn crew roles and onboard communication
• Develop practical seamanship and boat handling skills
• Build confidence living and working aboard a cruising yacht

Learn with experienced instructors

Learn aboard Flying Fish's Beneteau First 40.7 training yachts with experienced RYA instructors who specialise in developing confident, capable sailors.

Small groups, with a maximum of five students, ensure plenty of time at the helm, individual coaching and a relaxed, supportive learning environment where you'll progress quickly.

Why sail on Sydney Harbour?

Sydney Harbour is one of the world's great sailing destinations and an exceptional place to build practical sailing skills.

Its sheltered waters provide ideal learning conditions, while regular sea breezes and occasional offshore passages expose you to a wide range of real sailing experiences.

Flying Fish Sailing has been training sailors from Middle Harbour Yacht Club for more than twenty five years.

Private courses – perfect for families and friends

Enjoy exclusive use of your own Flying Fish yacht and instructor with a private sailing course tailored to your group.

Private courses are ideal for families, friends and special occasions, offering flexible dates, excellent value and an unforgettable sailing experience.

See the FAQs below for details or contact us using the enquiry button at the top of the page.

• Professional RYA sailing instruction in small groups.
• RYA Competent Crew logbook and pre-course learning.
• Lifejackets and all required safety equipment provided.
• Wet weather clothing available to borrow if required.
• Training aboard our Beneteau First 40.7 yachts with enclosed bathroom facilities.
• Tea, coffee and drinking water provided on board.
• Please bring your own lunch and snacks.

• 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 

• Your next step is to learn how to skipper your own yacht with the internationally recognised RYA Day Skipper programme.
• Start with RYA Day Skipper Shore-based, where you'll learn navigation, pilotage, meteorology, passage planning and the theory needed to skipper safely.
• Then put your knowledge into practice on the RYA Day Skipper Practical course, where you'll develop the confidence to plan and skipper short coastal passages.
• If you don't have time for the full theory course, our self-paced Essential Navigation and Seamanship course provides an excellent foundation before progressing to Day Skipper Practical.
• Once you've achieved your RYA Day Skipper qualification, you'll have the skills and confidence to charter and skipper your own yacht in familiar waters.

• 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
  • Please review our Terms and Conditions and cancellation policy before booking.
  • We recommend booking early, as places are limited and popular dates often fill well in advance.
• What will I learn on the Competent Crew course?
  • You will develop the practical skills needed to become an active member of a cruising yacht crew.
  • Training includes helming, sail trim, rope handling, winches, knots, sail handling, yacht manoeuvres, safety procedures and practical seamanship.
  • You'll also begin building an understanding of navigation, weather and the basic rules of the road.
• How long does it take to learn to sail?
  • Most people develop useful sailing skills within just a few days with good instruction and regular practice.
  • The internationally recognised RYA training scheme provides a clear progression from complete beginner through to Yachtmaster and professional commercial qualifications.
  • Many Flying Fish graduates now work as professional skippers, sailing instructors and superyacht captains around the world.
• What qualification will I receive?
  • On successful completion of a Start Yachting Weekend followed by two Competent Crew Weekends (or the 5-day Competent Crew course), you will be awarded the internationally recognised RYA Competent Crew certificate.
  • The RYA Competent Crew certificate is widely recognised and respected around the world, making it a valuable qualification for anyone wishing to join a cruising yacht as a competent crew member.
  • It also provides the ideal foundation for progressing to RYA Day Skipper and the higher levels of the RYA training scheme.
• How fit do I need to be, and what if I get seasick?
  • Reasonable mobility and a moderate level of fitness are helpful, but we welcome students of many ages and abilities.
  • Most introductory sailing takes place on sheltered Sydney Harbour, so seasickness is uncommon. If you're concerned, preventative medication from your pharmacy is usually very effective.
• What happens if the weather is bad?
  • Sailing is an all-weather sport and learning in a variety of conditions is part of the experience.
  • We very rarely cancel courses because of the weather and adapt the programme to suit the conditions.
• What type of yacht will I sail on?
  • Training takes place aboard our Beneteau First 40.7 yachts, combining responsive sailing performance with comfortable onboard accommodation.
  • Each yacht features three cabins, a spacious saloon, enclosed bathroom facilities and all the equipment needed for practical sail training.
• Can I book a private course for my family or group?
  • Yes. Private courses are ideal for families, friends and corporate groups.
  • Simply pay for four places and bring up to five people.
  • Private courses offer flexible dates, exclusive use of your own yacht and instructor, and excellent value.
  • The minimum age is 12 years. Please contact us using the enquiry button at the top of this page if you'd like to arrange a private course.
• What should I bring?
  • Lunch and snacks (tea, coffee and drinking water are provided on board).
  • Quick-dry clothing and comfortable layers.
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket.
  • Non-slip shoes.
  • Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • Warm layers during the cooler months.
  • Wet weather clothing can be borrowed if required.
  • Lifejackets are provided.
  • A sense of adventure and team spirit!