RYA Competent Crew course - Greece or ....

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TimParfitt

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Can anyone recommend a location or sailing school for a RYA Competent Crew 5 day course in August 2009? It's for 4 adults who are all relatively new to sailing. Any advice and opinions would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.
 
I'm not big on recommending people or firms, or whatever, as it can backfire on you.... but here is one that I can:

www.rusailing.com without hesitation.

A more friendly team, (Rob & Jules), you couldnt wish to meet and, in terms of imparting knowledge, Rob cant help but give so much more than any course requires, in a way that is easy to understand. If you dont get it the first time, Rob will find a way /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I did my YM prep. with them in 2007, and SWMBO did her Competent Crew at the same time. They are now our friends, (as I think they are with most of their students).

Cant recommend them highly enough!!!

Richard
 
Only downside of doing courses in Med is there's no tide and this can come as a nasty shock when in tidal waters. Not only does it go from side to side it can also disappear.
 
Tim,

I've just completed a CC course in the Solent. Unfortunately the club I used is not open to the general public so can't recommend it to you. I would train on tidal waters in this country rather than Greece. Assuming you wish to complete some more courses then you will find them easier knowing a little about tides. Its not too difficult and the instructor assesses you throughout the course. Can't guarantee the weather but thats the fun.......
 
<<Can't guarantee the weather but thats the fun.......>>

Can't in Greece this year, I'm sitting here looking a 36 hrs of continuous rain....

I'd definitely do the training in UK waters, not only the tides, but less changeable winds, waves and weather.
 
I did my Dazed Kipper practical at Trafalgar Sailing in Gibraltar.
Excellent sailing - scenery & tuition. It's lovely to sail across the straits to Morroco.
If I decide to do my YM I will go back there to do it.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Only downside of doing courses in Med is there's no tide and this can come as a nasty shock when in tidal waters. Not only does it go from side to side it can also disappear.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not sure whether you were addressing me, or the OP reference to Greece.

rusailing are in Lagos on the Algarve, so they offer tidal courses..... although I'm not sure there is much reference to tides in the actual Competent Crew course syllabus, (good to experience them though).
 
Sail Ionian do Comp. Crew / Day Skipper / Coastal Skipper.

I didn't do mine with them - was on a bareboat holiday with them - but was very jealous to see other crews doing their chart work at a shady table near the beach!

They have a farewell drinkies (for everyone, not just those on courses) at the end of the week, and they "award" the certificates then, which is a nice touch

Check out http://www.sailionian.com/rya-sea-school-sail-courses.php
 
Sorry, should have added, they're based on Lefkas, in the Southern Ionian, about 30 mins from Preveza airport. They can arrange flights for you too.

BTW, I'm not paid by them! I just think they're a great company, and have sailed with them for several years.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Only downside of doing courses in Med is there's no tide and this can come as a nasty shock when in tidal waters. Not only does it go from side to side it can also disappear.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not sure whether you were addressing me, or the OP reference to Greece.

rusailing are in Lagos on the Algarve, so they offer tidal courses..... although I'm not sure there is much reference to tides in the actual Competent Crew course syllabus, (good to experience them though).

[/ QUOTE ]

Greece.
 
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions so far. I'll follow up with the training providers listed. Has anyone else got any advice or suggestions on locations and YHA course providers?
 
I am a relative newbie to sailing but I would thoroughly recommend Gibraltar and especially Power and Sail Academy. I did my CC in Gib and had such a good time that I tracked down my instructor (Pete Ormond) to do my DS there as well.

I thought that the whole area was ideal for training as you get to see and experience quite a lot. It’s tidal, there is plenty of commercial traffic and the marinas have plenty of room.

For me, the highlights of my training were sailing amongst the anchored tankers in Gib bay, crossing the straights in a F5/6. An almost empty marina at Smir in Morocco with enough room for a couple of hours of dock bashing (very steep learning curve). Finally lots and lots of sun which required F30 sunblock even in early April.

I'll be going back there for my next pratical course.
 
Can't really recommend myself can I? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

There are at least two forum members who have taken their Day Skipper with us so maybe they will contact you. Send me a PM if you want their contact details to ask them about us.

I think doing Comp Crew in Greece, whether with us or not, is a great idea. The syllabus is exactly the same as for tidal waters, and if you have any slightly reluctant sailors in your party, they are far more likely to enjoy sailing here where it is relaxed and the sun shines.

Please check out our website www.aegeansailingschool.com. We only take four students at a time so you would get a private course.

If you would prefer to sail in the Ionian rather than the Aegean I would recommend Corfu Sea School. I have no connection with them apart from feedback from students of theirs who have also sailed with us but reckon Corfu and our school are the two best in the country!

All the best

Melody
 
I know that some posters have suggested that it is better to train in a tidal area. However, I should have thought that would not matter for Competent Crew who want to be picking up the skills of handling warps, sheets, sails, sail trimming, working with the skipper in anchoring, basic navigation and pilotage, victualling, general seamanship etc.

In fact not having any tides and mooring up in shallow harbours probably makes one more aware of the impact of atmospheric pressure - most places where I anchor are somewhat deeper than, say, small harbours n the Ionian.

I'd say "go for it"!

Tides and stuff will come when you sail in local waters and perhaps do your Day Skipper. Apart from anything else, it's a really interesting area and will (almost) never get too scary.
 
Most RYA approved schools are good. As your new to sailing make sure you will go somewhere where everyone can enjoy it so don't do it somewhere windy, rough seas and cold.

Therefore i recommend anywhere in the med and greece has calm seas most of the time in summer.

Stretch yourself a bit more when you have all discovered how enjoyable it can be.

For day skipper etc I suggest somewhere tidal but again warm and the Canary Isles or Gibraltar immediately comes to mind.

Enjoy.
 
Well I'd be one of them /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

To the OP, if you are interested in CC then tides don't really concern you for the course...although if you are normally sailing in tidal waters reading up some theory wouldn't be a bad thing...if you ever go for Day Skipper you will learn all of this in the theory...PM if you want a recommendation for the DS theory.

I'm a local to Greece and I'd visited many of the areas before that you will whilst doing the course...even though it was my 3 or 4th visit to such areas I had a great week.

With Greece you will have the advantage of doing your CC and having a holiday at the same time...you can't beat a swim at the end of the day and sitting out in the sunshine having your lunch...plus depending on your route you could have the chance of visiting some very good ancient stuff...

Nice easy transport routes too, you could always look at spending a weekend in Athens...not the prettiest of European cities but obviously the ancient stuff is always worth a visit.

The instructors are very good and knowledgeable guys too!

My only connection with www.aegeansailingschool.com is the fact that I did my DS with them I've got no hesitation of recommending them.
 
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