Embarking on the journey of sailing is both exhilarating and rewarding. However, for novices eager to navigate the open waters, it can be difficult to know how to get started with sailing.
Understanding the foundational courses offered by Fairview Sailing, in partnership with Sailing Logic, is an essential first step. This guide demystifies the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses available, ensuring you set sail with confidence.
RYA Competent Crew Course
Designed specifically for beginners, the RYA Competent Crew course introduces participants to the essentials of sailing. Spanning five consecutive days, this hands-on program immerses you in the daily routines of life aboard a yacht. Throughout the course, you’ll acquire skills such as:
- Sail Handling: Learning to hoist, reef, and trim sails effectively.
- Helming: Steering the yacht under sail and power.
- Safety Procedures: Understanding onboard safety protocols and emergency responses.
- Knot Tying: Mastering essential knots used in various sailing scenarios.
No prior experience is required, making it an ideal starting point for those new to sailing. Courses are primarily conducted over five days, with occasional options spread across two weekends, especially during bank holidays.
Training takes place on modern yachts equipped with onboard heating for comfort during cooler months.
Book your RYA Competent Crew Course
RYA Day Skipper Theory Course
Complementing the practical experience, the RYA Day Skipper Theory course delves into the theoretical aspects of sailing. Conducted over five days in Fairview Sailing’s onsite classroom at Port Hamble Marina, this course covers:
- Chart Work: Understanding and interpreting nautical charts.
- Tides and Currents: Calculating tidal heights and streams.
- Collision Regulations: Learning the “rules of the road” at sea.
- Safety at Sea: Comprehensive insights into emergency equipment and procedures.
This foundational knowledge enhances your practical skills, ensuring well-rounded competence on the water.
Book your RYA Day Skipper Theory course
RYA Day Skipper Course
For those who have completed the Competent Crew course or possess equivalent experience, the RYA Day Skipper course is the next progression. This five-day program focuses on developing the skills necessary to skipper a yacht safely in familiar waters. Key areas of instruction include:
- Navigation and Pilotage: Planning and executing passages, understanding charts, and using navigational aids.
- Meteorology: Interpreting weather forecasts and their implications for sailing.
- Yacht Handling Under Power and Sail:
- Manoeuvring in marinas and open water.
- Crew Management: Leading a crew and ensuring effective communication onboard.
Successful completion of this course empowers you to take charge of a yacht, making it a pivotal step for aspiring skippers.
Book your RYA Day Skipper Practical Course
Additional Courses
Beyond the primary courses, Fairview Sailing offers specialised training to further enhance your sailing proficiency:
RYA Sea Survival Theory:
A one-day course focusing on essential survival techniques and the use of life-saving equipment.
RYA First Aid Theory:
Also a one-day program, this course addresses first aid scenarios specific to the marine environment.
VHF Marine Radio (SRC) Theory:
This course involves 4-8 hours of self-study, culminating in an exam, and is crucial for understanding marine communication protocols.
Embarking on these courses with Fairview Sailing not only equips you with essential sailing skills but also immerses you in a community passionate about the sea. With a fleet of over 30 yachts and more than three decades of experience, Fairview Sailing stands as a premier choice for sailing education in the Solent region.
Whether you’re dreaming of leisurely coastal cruises or envisioning adventurous offshore passages, these RYA courses provide the structured learning and hands-on experience necessary to turn your sailing aspirations into reality. Book online today, or contact a member of the team
