RYA Competent Crew in the Canaries
RYA Competent Crew is a six-day introduction to yachting including basic seamanship, helming skills under sail and power, sail handling and maintaining a lookout.
The absolute beginner will experience the delights of sailing aboard an Ocean cruising yacht and the course is an ideal stepping stone for dinghy sailors who want to move up to yachting. The course will also give more experienced sailors the chance to improve their skills.
During the RYA Competent Crew course you will spend all 6 days living on board and really get to "live" in the environment of a cruising yacht. Virtually all the course is hands on. You are the crew - without you the sails won't go up and the boat won't be steered. Safety is paramount and you will learn how to operate flares, lifejackets, safety harnesses, liferafts, how to assist the recovery of a man overboard and participate in at least four hours of night time sailing during the course.
By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day duties on board. You will have also visited some interesting places in the Canaries and had an enjoyable holiday besides gaining your RYA Competent Crew Certificate.
The course will start with a get to know your crew and complementary drinks on Saturday evening. It will finish about 4 pm on the Friday, after boat cleaning and individual debriefings. You will depart 'Merlin' by 10:00 Saturday for your return trip home or perhaps to continue your holiday in Tenerife.
Cabin Prices
| Single person (cabin sharing) | €900 |
| Two persons (cabin sharing) | €1700 |
RYA Competent Crew
If you know when you want to take a RYA Competent Crew course, give us a buzz and we will endeavour to fulfill your chosen time.Book now +353 (0)27 29101
RYA Competent Crew
To book the exclusive use of our Hallberg-Rassy 'Merlin' for a RYA Competent Crew course for family or as a group of friends let us know your dates and we will endeavour to accommodate your request.Call us now +353 (0)27 29101
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Course Duration One week (Saturday to Saturday) Previous Experience No experience needed – just enthusiasm!. Assumed Knowledge None! Course Content Learn parts of the boat, knots, preparing a yacht for departure, steering a yacht, sails up/down, handling lines for berthing and leaving a berth, MOB (Man Overboard) drills, keeping a lookout, handling the anchor and rowing a dinghy. Experience Gained A more complete and confident yacht crew member. -
The Yacht
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Basic knowledge of nautical terms, parts of a yacht, rigging and sails.
Ropework
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Ability to tie the following knots:
- figure of eight
- round turn and two half hitches
- bowline
Underway
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Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail.
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Can steer a yacht under sail or power.
Rules of the Road
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Can keep an efficient look out at sea.
Meteorology
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Knows where to obtain a weather forecast.
Man Overboard (MOB) Recovery
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Understands the action to be taken to recover a MOB.
Clothing and Equipment
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Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses’.
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Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids.
Emergency Equipment and Precautions
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Is aware of hazards on board a yacht.
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Knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency.
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NOTE: Sailing itinerary is weather permitting and we reserve the right to change the destinations and order for your safety.
Day 1 - Saturday
You will be met at the marina by your skipper. There will be welcome drinks on board to meet your fellow sailing crew and we will advise the best restaurants for you to try.
Day 2 - Sunday
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 a short distance off the coast from the marina. This is to help you feel comfortable and (for some of you) familiar with your new surroundings on board.
Day 3 - Monday
Instruction on boat handling in and around the marina before making the first short passage normally through the Wind Zone (ensuring you will sail!) to explore the coast Tenerife.
Day 4/5/6 - Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
The schedule for these days will depend on crew development, the level you are working at and the winds. We aim to sail to San Sebastian on La Gomera on a route that takes us through two WAZ Zones thus almost ensuring you of great sailing in superb conditions on all points of sail. The WAZ zone situated between La Gomera and Tenerife provides us with ideal training conditions for sailing exercises during the following day. We normally end up in Marina Los Gigantes situated on the northwest of Tenerife. Here you will be ready to relax maybe in one of the many bars before heading off for dinner in one of the equally many restaurants available. The highlight of your week - The Night Sail to Marina San Miguel on the south coast of Tenerife!
Day 7 - Friday
Further sailing, anchoring and general boat handling we finish back at our base on Friday afternoon where we begin the de-briefing, cleanup and issuing of your certificates. Finally the course ends at about 4 pm after which you may wish to freshen up in preparation for drinks followed by dinner together with the rest of the crew and instructor - a popular event which can all too often find us night capping till late! Remember - your accommodation after the course on the Friday night is also included!
Day 8 - Saturday
Depart 'Merlin' at 10:00 by the latest for your return trip home or perhaps to continue your holiday in Tenerife.
Included in your course
- RYA qualified instructor/skipper
- 7 nights accommodation on 'Merlin'
- Fresh sheets, duvets, pillows and towels
- Breakfast and lunch with coffee and tea
- Safety gear including auto life jacket and safety harness
- Marina fees and diesel
- Welcome drinks on arrival
Next Step: After completing the Competent Crew course it is really important to consolidate what you have learnt by completing some more sea miles. This could be achieved by joining us for a Canary Islands Cruise or take a Competent Crew Plus course. Following this you should look to join the RYA Day Skipper Theory or Fast Track Day Skipper courses.
Prices exclude:
- Flights & transfers.
- Meals and drink ashore.
- Travel and Medical Insurance.
- Wet weather gear (rarely needed in the Canaries!)
