RYA Competent Crew
FUN | SAFE | CONFIDENCE | BEGINNER
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 based on 1000+ Happy Sailors
5 days 950 Max 5 students
For beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.
Upcoming Course Dates
Course date 1: Mon 01 Sep - Fri 05 Sep | Fully Booked | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 08 Sep - Fri 12 Sep | 1 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 15 Sep - Fri 19 Sep | Fully Booked | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 22 Sep - Fri 26 Sep | Fully Booked | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 5: Thu 25 Sep - Wed 01 Oct | Fully Booked | €1200 per person | €4000 private group
Note: This is a special 7-Day Sail Around Malta & Gozo Sailing running as Competent Crew course 🇲🇹 Over the course of 7 days, you’ll sail a full circuit around Malta and Gozo, stopping in scenic bays and vibrant marinas. No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ , accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 6: Mon 29 Sep - Fri 03 Oct | Fully Booked | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 06 Oct - Fri 10 Oct | Fully Booked | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 13 Oct - Fri 17 Oct | 1 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 20 Oct - Fri 24 Oct | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 27 Oct - Fri 31 Oct | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 03 Nov - Fri 07 Nov | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 10 Nov - Fri 14 Nov | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 17 Nov - Fri 21 Nov | 4 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 24 Nov - Fri 28 Nov | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 01 Dec - Fri 05 Dec | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 08 Dec - Fri 12 Dec | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 15 Dec - Fri 19 Dec | 5 places left | €950 per person | €4000 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 05 Jan - Fri 09 Jan | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 12 Jan - Fri 16 Jan | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 19 Jan - Fri 23 Jan | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 26 Jan - Fri 30 Jan | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 02 Feb - Fri 06 Feb | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 09 Feb - Fri 13 Feb | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 16 Feb - Fri 20 Feb | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 23 Feb - Fri 27 Feb | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 02 Mar - Fri 06 Mar | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 09 Mar - Fri 13 Mar | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 16 Mar - Fri 20 Mar | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 23 Mar - Fri 27 Mar | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 5: Mon 30 Mar - Fri 03 Apr | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3500 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 06 Apr - Fri 10 Apr | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 13 Apr - Fri 17 Apr | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 20 Apr - Fri 24 Apr | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 27 Apr - Fri 01 May | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 04 May - Fri 08 May | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 11 May - Fri 15 May | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 18 May - Fri 22 May | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 25 May - Fri 29 May | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 1: Mon 01 Jun - Fri 05 Jun | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 2: Mon 08 Jun - Fri 12 Jun | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 3: Mon 15 Jun - Fri 19 Jun | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 4: Mon 22 Jun - Fri 26 Jun | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
Course date 5: Mon 29 Jun - Fri 03 Jul | 5 places left | €950 per person | €3800 private group
Note: No experience needed, just enthusiasm! Professional introduction to sailing on a cruising yacht ⛵ Monday to Friday, each day 9:30-17:00, accommodation onboard included. You can book directly through the website, and we will send the joining instruction after.
You can book the course directly online by clicking the yellow Book Now button. We can also offer Competent Crew course for private group with max. 5 students onboard. Please contact us if you're interested in this option or on a different date 😉
Send us an enquiry » Book now »
Discover the perfect way to kickstart your sailing journey with our RYA Competent Crew course in Malta. This hands-on, 5-day sailing course is designed to turn complete beginners into active, confident crew members aboard a cruising yacht. It’s the ideal introduction to life at sea, combining practical training with an unforgettable Malta sailing experience.
Whether you're new to sailing, transitioning from dinghies, or want to learn how to crew properly and safely, this course offers the knowledge and skills needed to become a valuable team member on any yacht. You’ll experience life on board, build real crew experience, and enjoy the thrill of sailing Malta’s beautiful coastline.
This is a fully immersive course — you are the crew. You’ll raise sails, take the helm, assist with mooring, keep watch, and take part in every aspect of daily yacht operations. You'll also practice Man Overboard (MOB) drills, anchoring, ropework, and even row a dinghy.
By the end of the RYA Competent Crew course, you’ll know how to prepare a yacht for sea, steer under sail and power, handle sails and lines, understand safety procedures, and keep a logbook — all essential skills for any sailor.
You'll also enjoy exploring Malta’s stunning sailing areas, with stops at scenic anchorages, marinas, and historic harbours — making the experience both educational and memorable.
The course runs over 5 consecutive days, typically Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 17:00. Alternatively, we offer flexible options over three weekends or a long weekend (3 days + 2 days).
Ready to set sail? You can book the Competent Crew course directly through our website. Secure your place and pay online by credit card — choose your dates, number of participants, and fill in a few quick details.
Want a more private experience? You can also charter the entire yacht with your group (up to 5 participants) and enjoy the RYA Competent Crew course in a relaxed, customized setting with your own friends or family.
This beginner-level RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect entry point for anyone ready to dive into the world of sailing — no prior experience needed. Whether you're completely new to yachting or simply want to build a solid foundation, this course offers a hands-on and immersive introduction to cruise sailing.
- No experience required — just enthusiasm! Ideal for complete beginners looking to become confident, useful crew members on any cruising yacht.
- Minimum recommended age is 12 — a great fit for adventurous individuals, couples, or families ready for their first taste of life at sea.
- Perfect for those who dream of building real crew experience and feeling at home on a cruising yacht.
- An exciting way to explore Malta from a new perspective — the coastline is even more stunning from the water.
- Your official first step on the RYA sailing course pathway, leading to more advanced qualifications like Day Skipper and beyond.
Whether you're seeking a new adventure, preparing for a sailing holiday, or planning to progress through the RYA syllabus, the RYA Competent Crew course in Malta gives you the skills, confidence, and unforgettable memories to begin your sailing journey the right way.
Course Syllubus includes: knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails, sail handling, ropework, fire precautions and fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, helmsmanship, general duties, manners and customs, rules of the road, dinghies:
Terminology
- Yacht parts and sea terms – So you know where to be when asked!
- Terms of sails and rigging.
Handling Sails
- Set and learn to reef sails – Reefing the sail stops the boat healing over too far!
- Use of ropes that adjust sails.
Other ropes that do other things
- To hold the boat, tie knots and tidy or coil the lines afterwards.
FIRE!
- Prevention & Hazards – Learn what to do if it happens!
Life jackets etc
- How they work, how to check they work – the rules.
MOB
- How to prevent a man over board is the key. If it happens, how to get them back on board.
Emergency
- How to use distress equipment and (in the unlikely event of) to abandon ship.
Customs & Manners
- Environmental issues plus what to do with your ensign and when!
- How to arrive into harbour when late – as quietly as possible!
General Duties
- Keep the yacht in order and share the duties with your fellow crew – always!
Weather
- Where to find the forecast and to learn your Beaufort scale!
Rules of the sea
- How to keep a look out at sea – at all times!
Dinghies
- How to get in and out without getting wet.
- How to row in a straight line. Great photo opportunity!
Sea Sickness
- Some of us are, some of us are lucky – Stay with us if you are, give it a couple of days and you will have great fun!
Steering & Sailing
- Learn to steer in a straight line and to handle the yacht under sail and power.
Basic Plotting
- Plot your position on the chart
- Take bearing on objects and approaching shipping
- Improve your knowledge of ships lights and buoys and other lights
- Keep a ships log
- Understand weather forecasts in more detail
Learning more advanced boat crewing skills, such as:
- Boat handling skills
- Use the knots you have mastered
- More anchoring and picking up a buoy
- Set and trim sail effectively
- “Man – Over Board” practice
Recomended course book links: RYA Competent Crew Skills
Your RYA Competent Crew Course takes place aboard our comfortable and well-equipped Bavaria 44 Cruiser yacht, “Lookfar”. She is moored at Manoel Island Marina (Pontoon D), conveniently located near the Paparazzi restaurant in Gżira, Malta. Boarding begins at 9:00 AM on the first day of your course.
Onboard accommodation during the course (typically Monday to Friday) is included in the course fee. Early boarding on Sunday evening or staying aboard Friday night may be arranged upon request — just let us know in advance!
While most training days return to the marina each evening, the RYA Competent Crew syllabus may include some night sailing experience, depending on weather conditions. This offers a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world crew experience in a safe and supportive setting.
As part of your Competent Crew course in Malta, we’ll sail around the beautiful Maltese Islands, including Gozo and Comino (weather permitting). The journey includes scenic anchorages, peaceful bays, and charming harbours — with plenty of time to go ashore, relax, explore historical sites, or enjoy delicious local cuisine.
Malta offers consistent winds and sunny weather year-round, making it the perfect place to learn to sail and develop your competent crew skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to build hands-on crew experience, this course is the ideal foundation. On successful completion, you’ll be awarded the official RYA Competent Crew Certificate — a recognised credential worldwide and a valuable step in your sailing journey.
Our RYA Competent Crew course is led by highly experienced instructors who are native English speakers and passionate about teaching sailing in a clear, friendly, and practical way. The course fee covers everything essential for a seamless learning experience, including port and mooring fees, fuel, tourist tax, and general yacht maintenance—so there are no hidden extras.
You’ll stay onboard a well-equipped yacht, with three double cabins and one bunk bed cabin available for student accommodation. More details on accommodation onboard click here.
Tea and coffee are provided daily onboard (alcohol is not included), and we recommend grabbing a light breakfast at the nearby Bus Stop Lounge (just 200 meters from the marina) and bringing along a packed lunch each day. You are also welcome to cook your own meals onboard in our fully equipped gally (kitchen).
While not sailing, you’ll have access to shore-based marina facilities including clean toilets and showers conveniently located by the marina gate. Our base at Manoel Island Yacht Marina is ideally situated in one of Malta’s most lively and scenic areas—full of shops, restaurants, and cafes all within walking distance.
Upon successful completion of your RYA Competent Crew course, you’ll receive an official RYA Competent Crew Certificate—a recognised qualification and your first big step toward becoming a capable, confident, and reliable crew member on any sailing yacht.
If you choose for accommodation onboard, full bedding is supplied, sheets, pillows and blankets. Also, we provide towels for use on the yacht but not beach towels. If you should require more than one towel during the week, please do bring your own additional towel.
- Packed lunch
- Sunglasses
- High factor sun cream
- Deck shoes if possible, otherwise soft shoes with a non marking sole, or just barefoot
- Shorts (Please be aware that these are liable to get dirty, so not your bestones!)
- T-Shirts
- Wash Kit
- Fleece or jumper for the evenings and windy days at sea
- Soft bag as opposed to a hard suitcase (we can store luggage if you are staying on)
- Light long sleeved shirt if you need to cover up in the sun
- Baseball/sun hat (preferably with a clip to stop it blowing overboard!)
- Sea sickness tablets should you need them
- Phone/ Ipod / lap top chargers – 12V (cigarette style chargers) if needed
- Travel Insurance recommended
- And above all, enthusiasm!
Please note that the temperatures in Malta are normally very warm during the day but it can be cold in the evenings and windy days at sea. It is a good idea to bring a small light rain mac if you have one and also a pair of long trousers and a warm fleece, just in case. Please note that We don't provide wet weather gear onboard.
If you need a flight to Malta International, the airport code is MLA. There is only one airport.
Malta International Airport (MLA) is well connected to many European cities, especially major hubs. Low-cost carriers dominate many of the connections, especially from regional airports.
On arrival at Malta airport, there is a kiosk at the exit from the airport where you can pre pay the taxi to the boat. Destination: Manoel Island Yacht Marina Pontoon D.
The cost of this is usually 25 Euro. It only takes about 20 minutes to arrive our marina fron the airport. The taxi drivers speak good English.
Cheaper transport option would be use taxi app such as: Bolt and Ecab. There are plenty of taxi connected to these apps.
You will have a short safety brief on arrival to familiarise yourself with the boat and meet your crew mates!
For more details about courses, logistics, accommodation, booking, and certificate, please refer to the FAQ's section.
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