This yachting centre in Brighton Marina offers the five day Competent Crew Course and the five day Day Skipper Course with Into the Blue. If you have little or no previous yachting experience, choose the Competent Crew Course, if you have already completed the Competent Crew or have a minimum of 100 miles, five days and four hours of night sailing experience you can choose the Day Skipper Course.
On the Competent Crew course, you will be awarded an RYA competent crew certificate, which shows you have learnt and demonstrated the numerous elements of the course. This provides you with the basic level of competence to form part of a crew under the leadership of a qualified skipper so you can take an active part in crewing a yacht, rather than just being a passenger. You will learn basic seamanship techniques and elementary theory of navigation and meteorology.
The Day Skipper Course is the next step up and forms the practical element of the day skipper course including pilotage, boat handling, navigation and seamanship. To achieve the full day skipper qualification and be able to take out your own yacht, you must also complete a five day land based syllabus which provides the Day Skipper theory qualification as well as a one day radio course (both available at additional cost).
For both courses, you'll find yourself learning with a relaxed and informative team in a professional environment, sailing in some of the most beautiful waters off the south coast of the British Isles.
Both courses can be taken over five consecutive days or two weekends, subject to availability.
The operator has a fleet of Brand new 36.7ft Beneteux First yachts. Join your yacht and meet the skipper who will provide an introductory safety briefing on board. The typical itinerary for the Competent Crew Course is as follows:
Day One - The course begins with safety and deck briefing and introduction to basic drills. You set sail late morning and once out on the open water learn about 'man overboard' procedure and the mechanics of sail changing. After berthing at a marina, you will have a debrief on the days events.
Day Two - Begin with manoeuvring skills for marina berthing using the engine. More sail training follows before lunch at anchor. Afternoon sailing with navigation skills instruction and practice. Evening berthing and debrief.
Day Three - A whole day of sailing exercise and night sail.
Day Four - Early morning sail and practical session on hoisting the spinnaker.
Day Five - Practice berthing and skippering the yacht in and out of the marina. Crew practice getting ashore to secure lines. Final sail begins late morning, returning late afternoon for full debrief and award of certificates.
Courses are held approximately twice per month throughout the year, either five consecutive days or over two weekends, subject to availability. High Season is from June 14th to September 13th please choose the All Season option if you wish to take your experience in this period.
Minimum age 18. Must be fit and agile enough to move around the boat comfortably. Not recommended if you have a bad back, if in any doubt refer to our customer service team on 01959 578101. Marina fees for the trips are extra. You will need to bring your own towels, sleeping bag and pillow; accommodation is in shared two-man cabins. The course fee includes breakfasts, lunches and the evening meal taken during the night sailing session. If you have special dietary needs or are vegetarian, you may wish to bring your own provisions with you. As a crew member you will be expected to do your share of on-board domestic duties along with the rest of the party.
Not suitable for spectators. All yachts used carry a full Department for Transport inventory of essential safety and navigation equipment and are equipped with a number of 'home comforts', including a galley, lavatory and hot showers.