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RYA Competent Crew

This course transitions you from a novice to competent crew member with guidance of our skilled instructors. Designed for complete beginners or those with limited experience seeking a strong foundation. Suitable for ages 12+

Skill levelBeginner
duration1 week
DeliveryPrivate or Shared

What to Expect

Before arriving in Greece, you will complete the online Competent Crew theory course. This takes you through the language of sailing, knot-work and theory. After completing the theory course you’ll arrive on the yacht confident and prepared for your week of sailing! The training yachts, three Beneteau 393s and a Beneteau 361, are equipped for teaching with modern instruments, galleys, and clean facilities. Course costs include: supplies for breakfast and lunch on board and 2 evening meals, linens, towels, and access to showers and shore facilities (when in Gouvia or Plataria). No previous sailing experience is required to undertake the competent crew qualification. We highly recommend that you complete the RYA Competent Crew course before enrolling in the RYA Day Skipper course.


*For special requests and considerations regarding medical conditions, disabilities, or reduced mobility, please refer to page 6 of our booking terms.

Assumed Knowledge

  • No prior sailing experience required
  • Minimum age: 12
  • Basic fitness level

Where we sail

Our training base is Gouvia Marina on Corfu Island. The RYA courses take place in the beautiful North Ionian islands which offer a fantastic mix of coastal sailing and Island hoping. There is no set itinerary for the courses however our instructors endeavour to sail to a new destination each day throughout the week, with an eye on the weather forecast to achieve best possible sailing conditions. With their local knowledge, you will be sure to reach some ‘off the beaten track’ spots.

Getting there

Your journey begins in Gouvia Marina, a short drive from the airport on Corfu Island.


Unlike our flotilla holidays, our RYA courses do not include flights and transfers as standard. Many people like to arrange their own flights and transfers to Corfu, particularly when combining the course with other onshore activities.


We can arrange flights and transfers for you on request. Simply drop us an email or give us a call!

Course Schedule

SundayStudents can arrive at any time throughout the day, with instructors available to welcome them to the Marina between 12 noon and 5PM. Please let us know if you will be arriving later than this.
Monday – FridayTraining sessions commence and typically run from 9AM to 6PM. Certificates are awarded on the Friday and the instructor will depart from the training yacht.
SaturdayA leisurely day at Gouvia Marina for students. This presents a fantastic opportunity to explore Corfu town or enjoy the beach.
SundayStudents must disembark from the training yacht by 8:30 AM.

Before you get to Greece

All students are required to complete the online RYA Competent Crew theory course before they arrive, which includes:

  • RYA Competent Crew course book
  • Sailing and key sailing terms
  • Knot-work
  • Theoretical and practical skills

Whats included

  • 7 nights accommodation aboard the yacht
  • Tuition from one of our instructors
  • Sunshine and swim stops
  • Online theory tuition pack
  • All RYA course material and Logbook
  • All breakfasts, lunches and 2 dinners on board
  • All fuel, water and marina fees
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Waterproof jackets

Whats excluded

  • Flights

Customer reviews

Well structured and informative course. Excellent instructor

Charles, RYA Training course

Above everything, it was fun! Seriously good value for money. Well organised, excellent on-line pre-sailing theory course, great boat with excellent instruction and hugely practical experience

Edgar, RYA Training course

Our Training Yachts

Our courses are taught on our dedicated Beneteau 393 and Beneteau 361 training boats. These are spacious cruising yachts, set up exclusively for teaching and equipped with all the essentials.

Why do the RYA Competent Crew course?

Beginner friendly course

Never set foot on a boat before? No worries! This sailing course is designed for complete beginners. You will learn how to steer the boat under sail and engine, how to work the sails, how to set them correctly, mooring procedures and lots more.

Learn new skills

You’ll walk away with important safety skills such as how to use a dinghy, how to operate life jackets, life-rafts, and how to assist the recovery of a man overboard - exactly what every skipper needs in a good crew.

Build confidence

Our fantastic instructors - chosen for their personality and experience, along with their sailing skill - will help to build your confidence as a crew member. Every skipper needs a good crew...without you the yacht is going nowhere!

Combine your RYA Course with a Flotilla Holiday

  • One Week Paxos Flotilla
  • Two Week Whole Ionian Flotilla
  • Two Week Faraway Islands Flotilla

Learn the ropes on Flotilla

Not quite ready to dive into an RYA course but eager to learn the basics of sailing? Consider booking a skippered flotilla, where you can learn the ropes from an experienced skipper.

Meet your RYA instructors

Joe
Cruising Instructor
Pete
Chief RYA Yacht Master Instructor
Tim
Will
Chief RYA Yacht Master Instructor
Meg
Cruising Instructor
Tom
Instructor
Sean
RYA Instructor

Course FAQs

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