This course is ideal for beginners to learn the basics and for those who would like to become active crew members rather
than just passengers. By the end of this 6 day course you will not only be competent but a confident member of the yacht crew and be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines associated with the vessel.
(Seafarer Training)
During our Competent Crew course you will spend 6 days aboard the yacht visiting many of the harbours and anchorages of the Ionian and have the opportunity to complete a longer passage and to experience some night sailing. We often meet up with our flotilla groups and share evening meals.
Safety is paramount in all RYA courses and you will learn how to operate flares, life jackets, safety harnesses, life-rafts and how to assist the recovery of a man overboard.
At the end you will be awarded the RYA Competent Crew Certificate and be an asset to any crew you join.
Course Syllabus:
- Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails - Sufficient knowledge to understand orders given concerning the sailing and day-to-day running of the boat.
- Sail handling - Bending on, setting, reefing and handling of sails. Use of sheets and halyards and their associated winches.
- Ropework - Handling ropes, including coiling, stowing, securing to cleats and single and double bollards. Ability to tie the following eight knots and to know their correct use: figure-of-eight, clove hitch, bowline, round turn and two half hitches, single and double sheet bend, reef knot.
- Fire precautions and fighting - Awareness of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent fire. Knowledge of the action to be taken in the event of fire.
- Personal safety equipment - Understands and complies with rules for the wearing of safety harnesses, life jackets and personal buoyancy aids.
- Man overboard - Understands the actions to be taken to recover a man overboard.
- Emergency equipment - Can operate distress flares and knows when they should be used.
Understands how to launch and board a life raft
- Manners and customs - Understands accepted practice with regard to: use of burgees and ensigns, prevention of unnecessary noise or disturbance in harbour including courtesies to other craft berthed. Aware of the responsibilities of yacht skippers to protect the environment.
- Rules of the road - Is able to keep an efficient lookout at sea.
- Dinghies - Understands and complies with the loading rules. Is able to handle a dinghy under oars.
- Meteorology - Awareness of forecasting services and knowledge of the Beaufort Scale.
- Helmsmanship and sailing - Understands the basic principles of sailing and can steer and
trim sails on all points of sailing. Can steer a compass course, under sail and power
- General duties - Has carried out general duties satisfactorily on decks and below decks in connection with the daily routine of the vessel.
The RYA Course Syllabus and Log Book will be available for purchase from your instructor upon your arrival on the course. The completion certificate is included in the cost of your course.
