This competent crew course is for beginners and those who wish to become active crew members. By the end of the course you will be competent on board a modern sailing yacht. You will also have had a fantastic holiday and will have visited some great marinas, harbours and anchorages along the way.
1 week (6 full days sailing)
No experience needed – just enthusiasm!
No previous knowledge
Learn parts of the boat, knots, etc. and how to become active crew on board
A more complete and confident yacht crew member
Saloon berth €1150
Panel divided twin cabin berth €1150 pp
Single occupancy cabin €1280 (one person)
Double cabin €2200 (couple sharing)
52 Weeks of the year, subject to availability
RYA Competent Crew
RYA Sail Cruising and Yachtmaster Scheme – Syllabus and Logbook
For those clients wishing to study the book before you arrive, books can be purchased online prior to your arrival. Alternatively they can be purchased at our school when you arrive.
Below is a list of the “RYA Competent Crew Practical Course Content” you will understand by the end of your 6 day RYA Competent Crew course with Canary Sail.
We will meet and welcome you at the San Miguel Marina in Tenerife and settle you onto your yacht. Ideally, you will start preparations and safety brief in the evening in preparation for an early start the following morning. You are then invited to join us for drinks to meet the team, your instructors and fellow students or crew who start their full week courses. You will be made very welcome by the Canary Sail team and we can advise the best restaurants for you to sample!
After the initial safety briefing, you will learn the ropes, be shown how to prepare the boat for departure and almost always be taken out for an introductory sail in the “WAZ” (Wind Acceleration Zone) just off the harbour wall. This is to help you feel comfortable and (for some of you) familiar with your new surroundings on board.
Instruction on boat handling in and around the marina before making the first
passage normally through the Wind acceleration zone (WAZ) to Marina Las
Galletas, situated close by, or to San Sebastián, la Gomera. Here you will moor the
boat in ideal conditions and be ready to relax before heading off for dinner in one
of the many restaurants or bars available.
The schedule for these days will depend on what you hope to achieve during the course, the level you are working towards and the winds. We aim to sail South or
North of La Gomera to Vueltas or Valle Gran Rey on the west of the island. The
Northern route takes us through no less than 2 more of our WAZ zones thus
almost ensuring you of great sailing in superb conditions on all points of sail! This
fishing harbour is a more rustic location offering a wide variety of foods from local
fish to international cuisine, experiencing the sunset from this charming habour.
The WAZ zone situated just north of Vueltas serves us with ideal training
conditions for sailing exercises during the following day. You may then depart
Vueltas and complete your circumnavigation of La Gomera calling into Santiago, a beautiful fishing village, either for the evening or as a set-off point for the
highlight of your week – The Night Sail to San Sebastian La Gomera! Alternatively
an early morning sail back to South Tenerife.
Following further sailing, anchoring and general boat handling we finish back at our home port of San Miguel. Remember your accommodation on board this evening is also included!
Leave the yacht at 09.00 latest please for your return home or to continue your holiday in Tenerife. Please see our stay page for accommodation
Exclusive yacht option for couples, families or groups on 36 to 50ft cruise yachts.
This course is run over 6 days Sunday to Friday. You stay on board 7 nights Saturday to Saturday.
Learn how to crew, sail, helm and fully participate in becoming a competent crew member on any modern Sail Cruising Yacht
Just a sense of fun and willingness to get involved and learn whilst having a great time. No previous experience is required!
Ideally you would take the RYA Competent Crew Course as a starter before progressing to the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course during which we teach you how to manage a yacht and its crew.
For those wishing to become a qualified skipper, the next step is to learn navigational theory at home in preparation for the practical course with us. For this just wishing to continue skills but with no ambition to skipper, consider our Competent Crew Plus Course. Alternatively, join one of our amazing Canary Islands Cruise weeks during which you will continue learning and see other more distant shores and wonderful destinations.
No limits! Total beginners join and pass this course with us each week. Providing you are keen to learn, and demonstrate your new skills, you pass!
No theory is required. This course is delivered with practical demonstration/instruction from our RYA qualified sailing instructor throughout your week
None!
This basic “Learning to Sail” course certificate may help get you on a yacht to assist as crew. However, for international accreditation, you will progress through the RYA scheme and onto greater achievements as a skipper at the level to suit you and your needs. RYA Skipper Certificates are accepted internationally by most charter companies.
The RYA Competent Crew Practical Course is a relatively modern development in boating and sailing education. The specific dates of its evolution are not explicitly documented in historical records. However, I can provide some context related to the formation of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the emergence of its training schemes, which includes the Competent Crew Practical Course.
Formation of the RYA: The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the governing body for sailing education and competitions in the UK, was established in 1875. At the time, it was known as the Yacht Racing Association, only to be granted the “Royal” title in 1952 by King George VI.
Beginning of RYA Training: The RYA first introduced a formal training scheme for small boats in the 1960s. This was done in response to an increasing number of people engaging in sailing as a leisure activity, which led to a need for standardized safety and competency training.
Development of the Competent Crew Course: As part of the RYA’s efforts to create comprehensive sailing education for every level, the Competent Crew Practical Course was developed. Although the exact year of its inception is not recorded, it is part of the broad evolution of RYA training schemes that have evolved over decades.
Purpose of the Course: The RYA Competent Crew Practical Course is designed for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. This course introduces the fundamentals of sailing, including seamanship, safety procedures, and basic navigation.
Global Acceptance: Over time, the RYA’s training schemes, including the Competent Crew Practical Course, have gained international recognition and acceptance. Today, RYA qualifications are not just limited to the UK but are recognized by sailing and yachting organizations worldwide.
A wide range of practical and theory courses offered all year round
Choose from a variety of sail cruises around the Canary Islands and beyond
From Bareboat to skippered charter, we have an option to suit your needs
Recommended accommodation options in La Gomera and Tenerife
Phone any time on our UK Divert No. (UK call cost): 0044 1252 837648
Phone (USA): 001 855 866-5566
Phone (Spain): 0034 922 141 967
Company Address:
Marina San Miguel
Urbanizacion Amarilla Golf
38639
San Miguel de Abona
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Islas Canarias
Espana
Postal Address:
Apartado de Correos 211
38800
San Sebastián de la Gomera
Islas Canarias
Espana
Office opening hours:
Monday-Thursday 08.30-15.30
Friday-Sunday, Closed
Please use the form below to email us with your enquiry
Canary Sail offers year-round sailing courses, cruising, and yacht charters from their base in South Tenerife, just 15 minutes from TFS Airport. They provide comprehensive RYA training, covering over 100 nautical miles and visiting multiple ports. With experienced instructors and a focus on quality, they attract many returning clients and referrals.
Looking to hire a yacht, take a sailing course or maybe just relax on a boat in the Canaries?
With over 20 years experience we offer an unrivalled range of RYA Courses.
