Why the RYA Competent Crew Course is Worth Doing – Even if You’ve Sailed Before

Why the RYA Competent Crew Course is Worth Doing – Even if You’ve Sailed Before

I am often asked if the RYA Competent Crew Course is worth doing if you have a good skipper to teach you anyway. My answer is always “yes”! – If you’re new to sailing or have only ever been a guest aboard, the RYA Competent Crew course is the best way to move from passenger to active crew. But even if you’ve dabbled in dinghies or done a few delivery trips, Competent Crew can still fill the gaps and give you a solid, confidence-building foundation.

Over five days (or three weekends), you’ll learn the practical skills needed to sail safely as part of a crew: tying essential knots, keeping watch, helming under sail and engine, and handling lines and fenders when berthing. You’ll also build seamanship habits that can only come from hands-on experience—like working safely on deck, understanding basic navigation, and knowing what to expect during a night sail.

What makes this course so valuable is its structured yet supportive approach. You don’t need to know anything beforehand. Everything is taught from scratch, and no question is too basic. As an instructor, I’ve seen countless students gain confidence not just in their sailing skills, but in being part of a team on board.

Completing Competent Crew also sets you up for the RYA Day Skipper course. You’ll arrive with a working knowledge of boat handling and deck work, ready to focus on skippering decisions and navigation.

If you’re dreaming of sailing holidays, flotilla trips, or volunteering on deliveries or tall ships, this qualification tells the skipper you’re someone who knows how to contribute.

It’s more than a course—it’s your first step into the world of sailing. And I can promise you: once you’ve crossed that threshold, there’s no going back.