Becoming a Yachtmaster
March 12, 2026
Competent Crew or Day Skipper – Which Course Should You Choose?
If you're looking to get into sailing or take your skills to the next level, one of the most common questions is:
Should I start with Competent Crew, or go straight to Day Skipper?
At Infinity Yachting, based at Portland Marina on the Jurassic Coast, this is something we get asked all the time. The answer depends on your experience, confidence, and what you want to get out of your time on the water.
Competent Crew vs Day Skipper – What’s the Difference?
The main difference between Competent Crew and Day Skipper is the level of responsibility.
Competent Crew – Learn how to be a valuable crew member
Day Skipper – Learn how to skipper and take charge of the boat
If you're unsure which sailing course to take first, it comes down to your current experience and confidence level.
What is the Competent Crew Course?
The RYA Competent Crew course is designed for complete beginners or those with very limited sailing experience.
Over the course, you will learn:
- Basic sail handling
- Ropework and knots
- Safety on board
- Helming under supervision
- How life works on a yacht
It is a hands-on, practical introduction to sailing and focuses on building confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment.
If you are completely new to sailing, our RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect place to start.
Best for:
- Total beginners
- Anyone unsure about being at sea
- Those wanting to build confidence before taking on more responsibility
What is the Day Skipper Course?
The RYA Day Skipper course is the next step up and is aimed at those who want to take control of a yacht and skipper it themselves.
During the course, you will learn:
- Navigation and passage planning
- Boat handling under power and sail
- Berthing and close-quarters manoeuvres
- Decision making and skipper responsibility
- Managing a crew
If you are ready to take that next step, you can view our Day Skipper practical course to see upcoming dates and availability.
Best for:
- Those with some prior sailing experience
- People who want to skipper their own boat
- Anyone ready to take on responsibility
Day Skipper Requirements – Do You Need Theory First?
Before joining the Day Skipper practical course, you should have either completed the RYA Day Skipper theory course or have an equivalent level of knowledge.
This includes:
- Chartwork and navigation
- Tides and tidal streams
- Passage planning
- Collision Regulations (ColRegs)
- Weather forecasting
The practical course is about applying this knowledge on the water, not learning it from scratch.
You can view our Day Skipper theory course here:
Can You Skip Competent Crew and Go Straight to Day Skipper?
Yes, you can go straight to Day Skipper without doing Competent Crew first.
However, you should already have:
- Some practical sailing experience
- Confidence onboard
- Day Skipper-level theory knowledge
If not, the course may feel fast-paced and challenging.
Which Sailing Course Should I Do First?
Ask yourself:
Can I already do most basic onboard tasks confidently?
Do I understand navigation, tides, and passage planning?
If yes to both, you are likely ready for Day Skipper.
If no to either, Competent Crew is the better starting point.
Why You Shouldn’t Rush Your Sailing Training
Trying to progress too quickly can:
- Knock your confidence
- Limit how much you learn
- Leave gaps in key safety knowledge
Sailing is a combination of practical experience and theory, and getting the foundations right is key.
How to Prepare for a Day Skipper Course
If your goal is to reach Day Skipper level, the best preparation is to combine theory with experience.
Start by completing your Day Skipper theory course, then build practical experience on the water.
Joining one of our mile builder trips is a great way to gain sea time and confidence.
Book Your RYA Sailing Course in Portland
At Infinity Yachting, we offer a full range of RYA sailing courses and mile builders from our base at Portland Marina.
You can view all courses and book online here:
https://infinity-yachting.co.uk/
If you are unsure where to start, just get in touch and we will be happy to advise.
Why Choose Infinity Yachting?
- Small group sizes for better learning
- Experienced Yachtmaster Instructor
- Flexible sailing area (Jurassic Coast, Channel, Devon)
- Modern, well-equipped training yacht
- Friendly and supportive learning environment
Final Thoughts – Competent Crew or Day Skipper?
Choosing between Competent Crew and Day Skipper comes down to your experience and knowledge.
New to sailing – Start with Competent Crew
Some experience but no theory – Complete your theory first
Ready for the next step – Go for Day Skipper
If you are unsure, just ask and we will help you decide.
