Sailing Adventures: Our RYA Competent Crew Course Experience
Sailing Adventures: Our RYA Competent Crew Course Experience
Ahoy there, fellow landlubbers and sea enthusiasts alike! Last week, our family embarked on an unforgettable journey, trading our land legs for sea legs as we took on the RYA Competent Crew course. Picture this: a mother and her two energetic kids, all set to conquer the waves and become bona fide sailors. Spoiler alert: it was a mix of high seas adventure, hearty laughter, and a few, shall we say, “learning opportunities.”
Day 1: Meet the Crew
Our adventure began at the marina, where we met our skipper – a salty sea dog with a penchant for dad jokes and a seemingly endless supply of nautical wisdom. As we stepped aboard our trusty vessel, it became clear that we were in for an experience of a lifetime. My kids, eager and wide-eyed, were thrilled at the prospect of trading homework for halyards, and I was just hoping not to end up as seasick as I do on roller coasters.
Day 2: Knots, Knots, and More Knots
The second day was dedicated to mastering the art of knot-tying. Bowlines, clove hitches, and figure-eights were the names of the game. The kids took to it like fish to water, their nimble fingers creating perfect knots in record time. I, on the other hand, found myself in a tangled mess more often than not. But hey, it’s all part of the learning curve, right?
Day 3: Sails Up!
With our newfound knot skills, it was time to hoist the sails and catch the wind. The exhilaration of feeling the boat slice through the water was indescribable. The kids took turns at the helm, steering us on a course that seemed to involve a lot of zigzagging. Meanwhile, I focused on not confusing port with starboard and trying not to trip over the rigging.
Day 4: Man Overboard (Well, Almost)
Day four brought a simulated man overboard drill. Cue the dramatic music! Our skipper tossed a buoy into the water, and we sprang into action. The kids, channeling their inner lifeguards, were quick to point and shout, “Man overboard!” With teamwork that would make any mother proud, we navigated the boat back to the buoy and ‘rescued’ it with finesse. It was a proud moment, even if our “man” was just a floatation device.
Day 5: Chartwork and Navigation
By the fifth day, we were starting to feel like real sailors. We delved into chartwork and navigation, plotting courses and learning to read nautical charts. The kids, ever the quick learners, took to the compass like seasoned navigators. I, however, found myself double-checking my bearings to avoid sailing us into the nearest shoal.
Day 6: The Final Frontier
Our final day was a true test of all we had learned. We set out on a mini-voyage, putting our skills to the ultimate test. The wind was in our favor, and the sea was calm – well, until it wasn’t. A sudden squall had us scrambling to reef the sails and batten down the hatches. Amidst the chaos, the kids were absolute troopers, following instructions and keeping spirits high. We weathered the storm and returned to the marina, tired but triumphant.
Reflections: From Landlubbers to Competent Crew
Reflecting on our week-long adventure, it’s clear that the RYA Competent Crew course was more than just a sailing course – it was a bonding experience, a confidence booster, and a crash course in teamwork and resilience. We laughed, we learned, and yes, we got a bit wet along the way. But most importantly, we emerged with a newfound love for sailing and a treasure trove of memories.
So, if you’re considering taking the plunge and signing up for a sailing course, I say go for it! Whether you’re a mother with kids in tow or a solo adventurer, the sea has a way of bringing out the best in all of us. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and a sense of humor – you’ll need both!
Fair winds and following seas,
Mainstay Sailings
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REVIEWS
I recently completed the RYA Competent Crew Course with Mainstay Sailing. It is the most comprehensive, hands-on, and value-for-money sailing course out there—don’t waste your money going anywhere else! This course is the real deal, delivered to the exacting standards set by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Plus, taking place in some of the most beautiful coastal waters in the world, the Whitsunday Islands provide varied conditions and geography to truly hone your skills and confidence. Safety was paramount throughout, and everyone on board felt completely comfortable. Beyond the incredible wildlife we saw daily—from whales and dolphins to turtles and the largest manta ray I have ever seen—the personal highlights for me were the night sail and anchoring, and the man-overboard recovery drills. To put this review in perspective, I am 62 years old and started sailing two years ago. This course made all the difference in how I feel about my sailing capabilities. You are never too old... as long as you have reasonable fitness and an inquiring mind, sailing is a fantastic pastime supported by a wonderful community of people from all walks of life. I will definitely be back next year to complete my RYA Day Skipper Certificate. A huge thank you to Terrence and Ron—the Dynamic Duo!
Incredible fun meeting like minded travelers and sailing around the whitsunday Islands while learing the ropes. Terance's experience and superb teaching style makes learning natural and leaves plenty of time for a swim at the georgous beaches. Training was regularly interupted by whales, giant mantarays and dolphines. The biggest surprise is Terance's cooking skills. 5 star meals.
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FAQ's
Not necessarily. RYA Start Yachting and RYA Competent Crew are designed for beginners. If you’re considering Day Skipper or a more advanced course, some prior sailing experience is recommended.
If you’re completely new to sailing, Start Yachting or Competent Crew are great places to begin. If you already have sailing experience and want to progress towards skippering, Day Skipper is the natural next step. From there, you can progress to Coastal Skipper and eventually Yachtmaster.
Yes. RYA qualifications are internationally recognised and are widely used by sailors and charter companies around the world.
Our RYA courses depart from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, right in the heart of the Whitsundays.
A lot! Our courses are practical and hands-on. You’ll be involved in helming, sail handling, navigation, anchoring, rope work, safety and other aspects of running a sailing yacht.
We keep our courses small so you get plenty of time at the helm and meaningful one-on-one guidance throughout your sailing experience.
Absolutely. Private RYA training can be tailored around your experience, goals and confidence on the water. It’s particularly popular with couples, families, friends and sailors who want a more personalised experience.
Yes. We also offer private sailing experiences for those who want to experience the Whitsundays without undertaking an RYA qualification.
You’re learning in a genuine cruising environment, sailing between islands, navigating anchorages and experiencing real-world conditions — all surrounded by the spectacular Whitsunday Islands.
You can continue your sailing journey through the RYA pathway: Competent Crew → Day Skipper → Coastal Skipper → Yachtmaster.
Still not sure which course is right for you?
Tell us a little about your sailing experience and what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll help you choose the right course.
Coral Sea Marina
Shingley Drive
Airlie Beach
QLD 4802
AUSTRALIA
Postal address
PO Box 890
Cannonvale
QLD 4802
AUSTRALIA
Lat: 20° 16′ South
Long: 148° 43′ East
Phone: +61402429152
