Competent Crew Course – Split Weekend Format

Looking to achieve your RYA Competent Crew qualification but struggling to commit to a full week? Our Split Weekend Competent Crew Course is designed to give you maximum flexibility while delivering the same high-quality training and hands-on experience.

Run over 2 weekends from our base at Portland Marina, this course allows you to build your skills progressively, giving you time between sessions to reflect, consolidate knowledge, and return with confidence.

Current Available dates are:

2/3/4 & 9/10 May 2026

27/28 June & 4/5/6 July 2026

5/6/7 & 12/13 Sept 2026

3/4/5 & 10/11 Oct 2026

The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect starting point for anyone new to sailing. Designed for complete beginners, this hands-on course introduces you to the world of cruising and teaches you how to become a valuable and active crew member on board a yacht. Over the course, you’ll learn essential seamanship skills including sail handling, ropework, helming under sail and power, keeping lookout, and safety at sea.

You’ll live aboard the yacht for the duration of the course, experiencing life at sea while visiting different harbours and anchorages along the coast. By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident to contribute to the running of a yacht under the guidance of a skipper and will be well prepared for further RYA training.

Key Highlights:

• No previous sailing experience required

• Learn sail handling, ropework, helming, and lookout duties

• Introduction to nautical terms and basic seamanship

• Experience living aboard and exploring new destinations

• Gain the skills to be a useful and confident crew member

The RYA Competent Crew course is fun, practical, and a great way to start your sailing journey.