Irish National Sailing School

Competent Crew

Our Competent Crew course is designed to give you the ability to effectively and safely crew on a modern cruising yacht.  

Overview

Course Title :
RYA Competent Crew
Certification :
RYA Competent Crew
Course Duration :
5 days (5 consecutive days or two consecutive weekends)
Boat :
Elan 36 'Beaufort Venture'
Course Fees :
€845
Times :
Dependent on destinations and weather conditions

This course is hands on. You are the crew – without you the sails won’t go up and the boat won’t be steered. The course is 5 days long. Not sure you want to commit to 5 days? Then we recommend taking the Start Sailing course on our Keelboats prior to this course.

The course covers the RYA Competent Crew syllabus.

  • Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
  • Sail handling
  • Ropework
  • Safety on board
  • Personal safety equipment
  • Man overboard
  • Emergency equipment
  • Manners and customs
  • Rules of the road
  • Dinghies & tenders
  • Metrology
  • Seasickness
  • Helmsmanship and sailing
  • General duties

Course Outcome

By the end of the course you should be able to

  • Steer the yacht
  • Handle the sails
  • Keep lookout while underway
  • Assist in all the day to day duties on board.
  • You will have also enjoyed scenic passages along the East Coast of Ireland and had a memorable holiday!

BOOKINGS

The course fees are €845.

Where to meet

All courses meet at Dun Laoghaire Marina at 9.30am on first day of course.  The finish times of the course each day will vary depending on destinations and weather conditions.

Sleeping arrangements & berthing port overnight 

We will aim to berth overnight in Dun Laoghaire each evening, so that you will be free to head off home and re-join the boat in the morning. Alternatively, you are welcome to stay on board if you are not living locally. There will be one late evening sail which will be agreed with the Skipper at the beginning of the week.

We do not supply sleeping bags or sheets for the bunks, we require clients to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow for all courses.

The Boat

This course is held on board our Elan 36 ‘Beaufort Venture.’ It is a 36-foot cruising yacht with 6 berths, full kitchen including stove and fridge, as well as toilet and shower facilities.

Gear Provided

We provide foul weather waterproofs and lifejackets.

Meals Aboard - Food and Drink 

At all times on board there will be a large stock of tea, coffee and biscuits as well as drinking water. Breakfast, lunch and dinner (if required) will also be provided. (See sample menu below).  We may also head ashore for meals to get a break away from the boat.

Breakfast:

  • Muesli
  • Yoghurt
  • Orange Juice

Lunch:

  • Soup
  • Sandwiches prepared onboard

Dinner:

  • Pre-cooked oven bake tray
  • Shepard’s Pie
  • Lasagne
  • Beef Stroganoff
  • Head ashore to a restaurant or pub
Start Date: November 26, 2026
€365 per person
Places Available
Start Date: November 19, 2026
€365 per person
Places Available
Start Date: November 5, 2026
€365 per person
4 places left
Start Date: October 18, 2026
€125 per person
Closed
Start Date: October 14, 2026
€25 per person
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Start Date: October 14, 2026
€50 per person
Closed