Is RYA Competent Crew worth it?
If you’re new to sailing, the RYA Competent Crew course is an excellent investment. Not only will you gain essential sailing knowledge and hands-on experience, but you’ll also open doors to further training, chartering opportunities, and potentially even a sailing career. The Day Skipper course requires prior proficiency to the equivalent level of Competent Crew, including navigation, sailing, and seamanship, along with at least 100 miles of experience on a cruising yacht.The general rule is that yachts over 24 meters (78 feet) require a professional crew.There is no upper age limit with Competent Crew, and providing you have the mobility and agility to sail, you can take part, even with no sailing experience. During the course you will become a valuable addition to the crew, whilst learning the ropes of sailing and life on board.In conclusion, yes it is possible to skip the Competent Crew course and go straight into the Day Skipper course, but be aware of the potential challenges that may arise from doing so if you are not at the required level.
Can you fail Competent Crew?
NOTE: It is possible to fail the Competent Crew course if you do not clean the boat at the end of the course or carry out your share of the domestic duties during the course! Minimum age: Age 16 on day of course. It is not necessarily too old to start a career in yachting at the age of 35. Many people begin their careers in yachting later in life and are able to find success and fulfillment in this field.The average age of customer that trains with Flying Fish who intends to start a career on a yacht is between 22 and 35 years old. However, if you’re under this age do not be put off! We also have a lot of 18 year old’s who are successful in completing the course with us and finding their dream job on a Superyacht.
What does competent crew allow you to do?
By the end of the course you should be able to confidently steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines expected of the crew of a small cruising yacht. You will also have some great stories to take home with you. Believe it or not, sailing is less expensive than most hobbies such as flying a small plane. You also don’t need to be super-fit, able-bodies or a strong swimmer to enjoy sailing. All you need is some basic sailing skills and be comfortable to be out on the water in a buoyancy aid.Age is never a barrier, it’s just a physical state. As long as you can move across the boat there’s no reason why you can’t learn how to sail.Well, it can be an expensive hobby but it doesn’t have to. It all depends on what you want and how much you’re willing to spend on this thrilling hobby. In essence, sailing shouldn’t just be meant for those with the wealth of a monarch. Instead, even an average salaried man could easily get into.
What comes after competent crew?
The RYA Day Skipper course is the next step for those who have completed the Competent Crew course or have equivalent experience. It is designed for sailors who want to take charge of a yacht in familiar waters during daylight hours. The Yachtmaster Ocean is the highest qualification awarded by the RYA. Recognised worldwide, the Yachtmaster Ocean certificate proves you have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to skipper a yacht across an ocean.