RYA Competent Crew - Seven Seas School of Yachting

RYA Competent Crew Course

Learn to sail in Greece with world-class RYA training

Set sail from Athens and take your first step into the world of sailing with our RYA Competent Crew Course. This 7-day live aboard programme is designed for complete beginners or those with limited sea time, combining meaningful training with the beauty of the Greek islands.

Taught by experienced RYA instructors, this course covers essential sailing skills while giving you a taste of life at sea. There’s time to enjoy swimming, explore small harbours, and get comfortable as part of a real yacht crew. It’s a learning experience, but also a memorable week on the water.

We are the only RYA Training Centre in Greece offering 7-day sailing courses — that’s 7 full days of training at sea, providing 40% more sailing time than the standard 5-day courses offered by most providers.

Key Course Information

Course Name

RYA Competent Crew

Location

Departs from: Alimos Marina, Athens
Sails in: Saronic Gulf or Cyclades

Duration

7 days (live aboard)

Level

Beginners

Prerequisites

No previous knowledge or experience required.
Optional preliminary reading: RYA Competent Crew Skills Booklet (available here in physical and eBook version)

Minimum Age

12 years old

Group Size

Maximum 5 students per yacht

Student-Instructor Ratio

5:1 (maximum)

Format

Shared training or private tuition

Instructor

RYA Cruising Instructor onboard

Language of Instruction

English

What You Learn

Learn the essentials of sailing in a fun, hands-on environment. Get to know the parts of the boat, basic sailing terminology, and how to steer and handle sails under both wind and engine power. Practise knots, mooring, and anchoring, learn important safety procedures, and understand the basic rules of the sea.

You might also experience night sailing, take part in life on board and the social side of sailing with your crew, and gain a simple understanding of weather and seamanship — everything you need to begin your sailing journey with confidence.

Course Outcome

RYA Competent Crew Certificate

Season

Courses available year-round

Costs

€1150 – €1950, depending on the season and the tuition boat

Next Step

RYA Day Skipper Sail Course

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

· Beginners: Individuals with little or no sailing experience.
· Occasional sailors: Those who have sailed occasionally and want more confidence.
· Dinghy sailors: People transitioning from dinghies to larger cruising yachts.

I have never sailed before. Is this the right course for me?

Absolutely. The RYA Competent Crew course is meant for complete beginners who have never been on sailing boat before.

If you have no experience at sea, you might consider having a look at the RYA Competent Crew Skills booklet, which would help you greatly in familiarising yourself with the syllabus before joining the course.

You can easily purchase a printed or electronic version of the booklet from the RYA Shop.

Why take this course with Seven Seas?

More than just certification – Our goal is to provide meaningful training, helping you build real skills and lasting confidence on the water, not just a piece of paper.

Extended duration – We offer 7 days of training instead of the standard 5 to ensure effective tuition and sufficient practice time

Experienced and supportive instructors – You’ll be guided by a team of highly skilled RYA instructors with years of experience and a deep understanding of the local waters.

Sail and explore the Greek islands – Learn to sail in one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful areas, with the added bonus of cultural immersion and island discovery.

What will I learn?

Learn the essentials of sailing in a fun, hands-on environment. Get to know the parts of the boat, basic sailing terminology, and how to steer and handle sails under both wind and engine power.

Practise knots, mooring, and anchoring, learn important safety procedures, and understand the basic rules of the sea. You’ll also experience night sailing, take part in life on board and the social side of sailing with your crew, and gain a simple understanding of weather and seamanship — everything you need to begin your sailing journey with confidence.

How does a typical day on board look like?

Each day, your hands-on sessions will kick off in the early morning and typically wrap up in the early afternoon. These sessions may involve traveling between destinations or practicing in the harbor where the boat is berthed.

Following the practical sessions, there might be some theory to cover. As the afternoon progresses into evening, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind, savor your dinner outdoors, and explore the surroundings through sightseeing. It’s a balanced blend of learning and leisure to make the most of your experience.

Who will I be sharing the boat with?

The cap for participants on any RYA sailing course is set at 5, ensuring optimal learning and practice opportunities for each attendee, along with dedicated attention from the instructor.

Rather than relying on automatic booking systems, we prioritize direct communication with all prospective participants. This approach allows us to thoughtfully create groups with individuals who are compatible.

Our groups comprise individuals from diverse cultures worldwide, creating a vibrant and dynamic social environment.

Can I book this course as private training?

Yes, you can!

We offer the option to run this course as private training, tailored to your schedule, your own boat (if applicable), and your specific learning needs. It can be organised for individuals, couples, families, or small groups who prefer a more personalised experience

What are the prices for this course?

For group training, pricing depends on the season you choose to join us (low, mid, or high), the training boat you prefer, and your accommodation options. Prices range from €1,150 to €1,950.

To see the exact cost for your preferred dates, please refer to our availability calendar.
For private tuition, as this is a fully tailor-made package, please contact us for a personalised quote.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, you will!

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the RYA Competent Crew Certificate. This internationally respected qualification confirms that you are a capable and confident crew member, familiar with essential sailing skills, safety procedures, and life on board. It also forms the perfect foundation for progressing to the RYA Day Skipper theory and practical courses.

Available Yachts

Jeanneau 44i

S/Y IKAROS

Beneteau Cyclades 50.4

S/Y SIORA

Bavaria 40

S/Y EMILY

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Availability

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Calendar

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