Rya course's

[TwoFish]

Does Competent Crew cover tides?

No, it doesn't. Well not formally at least, but who knows what you may end up chatting to the instructor about. And of course some Competent Crew courses are done whilst others on board are doing their Day Skipper course, presenting the chance to follow what they're learning too.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Its good to try lots of things and see where your hearts at. I did,

L2 Dinghy - Not for me too much getting wet and nowhere to make the tea.
L2 Powerboat - A right laugh and still tempted to get a fast RIB.
Personal watercraft - After 20mins flat out, as dull as dishwater.
CC, DS, - Now that's what its all about, loads to learn and the worlds your Oyster, or if you can't afford an Oyster there's a nice Seawych on Facebook (JK)

Or as Arthur Daly said; "The world is my lobster, Terence"

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Unfortunately places that are warm and good for convincing reluctant partners tend not to have tides! Not convinced starting in tidal waters is necessary - we in UK are dominated by tides, but perhaps better to learn the basics without that complication and add it later.

There are plenty of well regarded sailing school in the Canary Islands, for instance this one :
Atlantic Sailing: RYA Training Centre Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
who looked like they knew what they were doing.
I can also recommend Arrecife as a nice location for a nice break without the usual "Irish Bar....English Bar ....Sunday Roast...Full Irish" -type of grot.