Today we will break down the differences, explain the prerequisites, and help you choose the course that suits your current abilities and future sailing ambitions.

Competent Crew: The Perfect Starting Point for Absolute Beginners

If you’re new to sailing or have only ever been a guest on a boat, RYA Competent Crew is designed specifically for you.

Who is it for?

• Complete beginners or those with only very basic experience
• People with little or no helming practice
• Anyone who wants to understand how to operate safely as part of a small crew
• Those who want an enjoyable introduction to sailing while building confidence

What you’ll learn

Competent Crew turns newcomers into active, useful members of a sailing crew. On this course, you’ll learn:

• Basic sailing terminology
• Ropework and essential knots
• Helming under power and sail
• Sail handling and trim
• How to keep a proper lookout
• Onboard safety, lifejackets, and man-overboard basics
• How to assist with mooring, anchoring, and daily boat routines

It’s hands-on, friendly, and ideal for anyone wanting to “start from zero” in a supportive environment.

Why start with Competent Crew?

Many students arrive dreaming of becoming a Day Skipper, but the best way to succeed is by building strong fundamental skills first. Competent Crew gives you the foundation you need to progress confidently and safely.

RYA Day Skipper Practical: For Those Ready to Take Charge

Where Competent Crew teaches you to be a valuable crew member, Day Skipper prepares you to take responsibility for a sailing yacht and its crew in daylight hours.

Who is it for?

You should take this course if you:

• Already have basic sailing experience
• Are comfortable helming a yacht
• Have spent time on board as crew
• Want to skipper your own yacht or charter boats in the future

Essential Prerequisites

The RYA requires a Day Skipper Theory certificate (or equivalent knowledge) before taking the practical course. This is crucial.

The theory course covers:

• Navigation
• Tidal calculations
• Passage planning
• Collision regulations (COLREGs)
• Meteorology
• Safety procedures

These skills are needed because the practical course assumes you already understand them. Without the theory knowledge, students often feel overwhelmed.

Most sailing schools — including ours — will not accept students on Day Skipper Practical without the RYA Day Skipper theory or equivalent completed first.

Experience Required

In addition to theory, you’ll also need:

• Practical time on the water
• A solid understanding of basic sailing manoeuvres
• Confidence steering and trimming sails

Most people take Competent Crew first, then gain some extra mileage before starting Day Skipper.  There are many ways to gain experience including Mile Building trips or racing as a crew member at your local Yacht Club, most clubs have some form of midweek casual racing where crew are welcome.

Which course should you choose?

Choose Competent Crew if…

• You’re a total beginner
• You’re unsure whether sailing is for you
• You want a relaxed, enjoyable introduction
• You learn best by doing, not by jumping straight into responsibility
• You have limited experience and want to build confidence first

Result: You’ll finish ready to join any crew with competence and confidence.

Choose Day Skipper if…

• You already understand the basics of sailing
• You’ve completed the RYA Day Skipper Theory course
• You can helm and trim without constant instruction
• You aim to charter yachts or skipper your own boat
• You’re ready to make decisions about navigation, safety, and boat handling

Result: You’ll be able to skipper a yacht in familiar waters during daylight — a major step toward sailing independence either as a charter or eventually on your very own boat.

Why Mallorca Is the Perfect Training Ground

Mallorca offers ideal learning conditions:

• Predictable Mediterranean winds
• Calm seas for building confidence
• Stunning anchorages for training
• Short distances between safe harbours
• Warm weather nearly all year

Whether you start with Competent Crew or Day Skipper, the island provides the perfect mix of beauty, learning, and adventure.

Final Thoughts

Both courses are excellent — it’s just a matter of choosing the one that matches your experience. If you’re a beginner, start with Competent Crew. If you have your theory and some sailing miles under your belt, Day Skipper is the natural next step.