RYA Competent Crew Course – Southampton & Solent
Starting from: £797pp
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Start and finish in Southampton, and learn to sail on the Solent — one of the UK’s most popular sailing areas. This RYA Competent Crew course is built for complete beginners, with hands-on learning from the moment you step onboard. You’ll live on the yacht, take part in daily sailing, and quickly build confidence as part of a small crew. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and experience to be a capable and confident crew member.
- Low Student-to-Instructor Ratio for more hands-on learning
- Friendly, experienced RYA instructors
- 5 days or 2 weekend options available
Safe & Secure Checkout
First Class Sailing Course for our Competent Crew Certificates was 1st Class
Thank you First Class Sailing and to our Skipper for an amazing experience and training for our competent crew certificates. It is obvious the company prides itself on the objective of combining professional, safe and trusted training courses to clients, while focusing on the serious nature and key elements of sailing and boat operation in a perfect learning environment, whilst also mixing that with a great balance of fun and social interaction, the whole experience was a joy.
The ratio of instructor to students, with four of us on the boat including our skipper was great. I would seriously recommend this company when looking into sailing courses. First Class Sailing does exactly what it says on the tin. Thank you! Next stop Day Skipper.
Patrick, England
Verified Customer
The RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton takes place on the Solent and is designed for complete beginners. Over 5 days, you’ll learn everything you need to become a useful and confident crew member, including personal safety equipment, seamanship, and helmsmanship.
Throughout the Competent Crew course, you’ll live and sleep onboard the yacht. You’re welcome to attend on your own, or with friends, family, or a partner as active crew members. Each day involves time on the water, and we aim to visit a different marina, harbour, or anchorage each evening. One evening will include night sailing, which is often a highlight of the course.
We offer flexible options with 2, 3, or 4 students on board, or you can book the whole boat for up to 4 friends plus yourself.
We can also run different courses at the same time, on the same boat. So if a friend, family member or partner would like to complete another course, such as the Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper Course, they can do so at the same time as yourself. Just make us aware at the time you book.
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
5.0 based on 220 Happy Customers on Google Reviews
A Snapshot of a Competent Crew Course
Gain practical sailing skills while enjoying teamwork, fresh air, and time on the water.
This course is designed for beginners and gives you a solid foundation in sailing, safety, and life onboard.
Watch our video which gives a brief overview of what to expect.
Check out our Competent Crew related Podcasts
Packed with sailing tips, instructor insights, and seafaring stories - these podcasts are essential listening for all sailors.
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More Info on the RYA Competent Crew Course
Low student to instructor ratios: More personal guidance and hands-on learning
All meals included on-board: All meals provided on-board. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners.
Wet weather gear included: Stay comfortable in all conditions with our quality wet weather gear provided.
Friendly experienced instructors: Supportive learning environment from start to finish
Key Competent Crew Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the RYA Competent Crew course:
Required Experience
- No experience required.
- Ideal for complete beginners.
Sailing Course Duration
- 5 consecutive days or split across 2 weekends (a short and a long)
Course Content
- Practical seamanship
- Helmsmanship
- Living on a yacht
Skills Gained
- Be a useful crew member!
- Able to steer
- Set sails to the wind
- Knowledge to get involved
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make getting out on the water easy.
Select A Date
Choose a course date that suits your schedule
Take The Course
Learn practical sailing skills and gain your certificate
Become A First Class Sailor
Sail into the sunset with your newfound knowledge and skills.
RYA Competent Crew Course -
What You’ll Learn and Experience
Is the Competent Crew Course Right for You?
This RYA Competent Crew course is ideal if you have little or no sailing before. You will become a useful crew member and an asset to anyone you go sailing with.
You’ll live and sleep onboard the yacht, learning about sailing, life on board, and how enjoyable it is to be out on the water. Each day involves time sailing, with evenings spent in a different marina, harbour, or anchorage.
Minimum Pre Course Experience: None required.
Ability after the Course: Confident and capable crew member
Course Content: Basic seamanship and helmsmanship.
Duration: 5 consecutive days or 2 weekends (a short and a long).
We can also run different courses at the same time, on the same boat. If a friend, family member or partner would like to complete another course, such as the Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper Course, they can do so at the same time as yourself.
What to expect on the course
You’ll be welcomed onboard by a qualified and friendly instructor who will guide you through everything step by step. Each day is practical and hands-on, helping you build confidence quickly.
If you’d like a more detailed overview, you can read our guide on what to expect on a Competent Crew course.
You’ll meet like-minded people, and many leave with both new skills and new friendships. Days are active and rewarding, usually starting around 8am and finishing in a marina by early evening, with time to relax afterwards.
The course is flexible depending on conditions, so you may spend some nights in marinas and others at anchor. You’ll also take part in an evening sail to experience sailing after dark.
Where will you sail?
Courses start and finish in Southampton, with most of your time spent sailing on the Solent — one of the UK’s most popular and varied sailing areas.
You’ll visit a range of locations including Cowes, Portsmouth, Yarmouth, Lymington, Beaulieu and Hamble, experiencing a mix of marinas, harbours, rivers and anchorages. Each day is slightly different, giving you a broad introduction to sailing in a variety of conditions.
The Solent is an ideal place to learn because it offers a balance of sheltered waters and busy shipping activity. The Isle of Wight provides protection from the open Channel, while the tides and boat traffic help you build awareness, confidence and seamanship skills.
If you’d like to understand more about why this area is so popular for training, take a look at our guide to sailing on the Solent.
Accommodation during the course
You’ll sleep onboard the yacht in your own allocated space, either in a cabin or the saloon.
There are typically 2 to 5 students on board, plus the instructor, ensuring a comfortable environment and plenty of space.
You will get your own sleeping space be this a cabin or the saloon. You will not have to share a sleeping space with anyone else unless you have booked as a group of friends/family.
Showers/Facilities
Whilst we do have showers on board the yacht, most nights you can use the hot showers and facilities in a marina.
The only thing not included in the price are mooring fees. It depends on where you end up each night but they are usually about £40 per person for 5 days.
Food & Meals
Except for supper on the evening you join the boat, we cater on board for all meals. We provide food that is healthy and nutritious, including salads, vegetables, white and wholemeal bread, chicken, lean minced beef, salmon, muesli and cereal. In fact, just the kind of food that you might buy yourself. For snacks there is plenty of fruit, but also a supply of chocolate and biscuits.,
We cater for a wide range of dietary requirements — just let us know on your booking form.
Course Location (Southampton / Solent)
The course operates from Shamrock Quay in Southampton.
- 8 minutes from Southampton Central
- 15 minutes from Southampton Airport
- Secure parking available
Occasionally, boats may start from a nearby marina such as Hamble. You will be informed in advance if this applies.
Start/Finish Times for the Competent Crew Course
Arrive at 8pm the evening before your course starts to settle in and meet your instructor and crew.
The course finishes around 3–3:30pm on the final day.
Here is an RYA produced video of the Competent Crew course
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 601 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 356 Happy Customers On Google ReviewsThe Instructor was an excellent coach and really took the time with our class to ensure we all understood all aspects of the course. He was patient and prepared to take the time to ensure we all had the best knowledge transferred to us. He was an excellent instructor and had a significant amount of detailed knowledge that was most helpful to me and the rest of the class. He is passionate and fully committed to his work and goes above and beyond to ensure you are capable and have a really enjoyable experience learning with him. First Class Sailing are well organised and the logistics, course material and facilities were all top notch.
David
Verified Customer
The RYA Competent Crew course was professional and effective. Good emergency equipment, learned personal safety equipment, taught by knowledgeable and enthusiastic yacht sailing professionals.
Ron G
Verified Customer
Just passed my RYA Competent Crew sailing with Paul - excellent instruction, made wonderfully fun with his top humour. What a great way to learn yacht sailing - a different marina every night, comfortable berths on board a brand new boat, and tremendous company to boot. Even me losing a treasured hat to the wind triggered a full (& successful) 'man overboard' drill with our personal safety equipment - priceless. I would definitely recommend - I'm certainly looking forward to returning for my 'Day Skipper'.
Richard R
Verified Customer
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to Earn Your RYA Competent Crew Certificate
This course is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to learn to sail.
- Learn with other beginners or with friends and family
- Learn everything you need to know on how to be a useful crew member
- A fun, educational, unforgettable sailing experience
Love Sailing
Before I attended the competent crew course, I wasn't sure about sailing. But after 5 days of the course, I absolutely fell into love of sailing! First Class Sailing (FCS) make very clear introduction of the course.
Lingling W
Verified Customer
Ready to Earn Your RYA Competent Crew Certificate
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