Day Skipper vs Competent Crew – which should you do first?
The short answer
If you are new to sailing and want hands-on confidence on a yacht, start with RYA Competent Crew. If you already crew with ease and your goal is to plan and lead short passages as skipper, take RYA Day Skipper Theory then RYA Day Skipper Practical. Pick the path that matches your current skills and your next 12 months on the water.
What each course is for
RYA Competent Crew (practical)
Entry-level practical training on a cruising yacht. You learn the core skills of crewing, helming, sail handling, safety, and living aboard. Ideal if you have sailed little or only on dinghies or dayboats.
- Outcome: you can be a reliable crew member on a cruising yacht.
- Format: five days continuous, or three weekends.
- Good next step: Day Skipper Theory, then Day Skipper Practical.
Course info and providers: RYA Competent Crew overview
RYA Day Skipper (theory + practical)
Designed for aspiring skippers. The theory course builds navigation, pilotage, tides, and meteorology. The practical course applies that knowledge on the water, with you taking charge for short legs.
- Outcome: you can plan and skipper short passages by day in familiar waters.
- Format: theory (online or classroom) then 5 days practical.
- Typical prior experience: confident crewing, time on yachts, basic nav.
Enrol online: RYA Day Skipper Theory (online)
Practical course and providers: RYA Day Skipper Practical overview
Who should start with Competent Crew
- You have little or no yacht time.
- You want to learn the boat, lines, winches, sails, and safety from the deck up.
- You prefer to build sea legs and confidence before learning navigation.
- You plan to join friends or club cruises as crew this season.
Who should go straight to Day Skipper
- You already crew with ease and can helm, tack, gybe, reef, and handle lines.
- You want to plan routes, make tide calls, brief crew, and take charge.
- You can commit time for Day Skipper Theory first, then the practical week.
- You want a qualification many charter firms recognise for local day sailing. Always check local rules and insurance needs.
Typical experience before Day Skipper Practical
Schools expect you to arrive ready to act as skipper for short legs. A common baseline is:
- About five days on a cruising yacht.
- About 100 miles logged.
- About four hours at night.
- Solid grasp of knots, points of sail, and basic seamanship.
These are guide figures. Ask your chosen school how they check readiness.
Theory first, then practical
Day Skipper Practical assumes you know how to plan a safe day on the water. Doing theory first makes your week afloat smoother and safer.
- Navigation: plotting, EP, course to steer.
- Tides: heights, streams, set and drift.
- Pilotage: entries, leading lines, transits, danger bearings.
- Weather: Shipping Forecast, Inshore Waters, model snapshots, limits.
Study online at your pace: RYA Day Skipper Theory (online)
Decision guide you can trust
Use “decisions for reasons”. There is rarely one perfect route. Choose the course that fits your current skills and your sailing plans, then state the reason.
- If you are new to yachts: start with Competent Crew. Reason: you need core seamanship and confidence under way.
- If you crew well and want to lead: take Day Skipper Theory, then Day Skipper Practical. Reason: you are ready to plan and brief.
- If you are unsure: book a one-day refresher or a taster sail with a school. Reason: confirm your start point before committing a week.
Common myths
- “I can skip theory and learn on the boat.” You will waste helm time. Learn the plotter and the paper first, then apply afloat.
- “Competent Crew is only for complete beginners.” It is also ideal if you dinghy sail but have never lived aboard or handled a 10–12 m yacht.
- “Day Skipper means I can charter anywhere.” It is a great step, but charter requirements vary by country and insurer. Check early.
Example paths
Brand new to sailing
- Competent Crew.
- Day Skipper Theory (online).
- Day Skipper Practical.
Dinghy sailor moving to yachts
- Competent Crew, or a weekend skills brush-up if you already crew well.
- Day Skipper Theory.
- Day Skipper Practical.
Regular yacht crew aiming to skipper
- Day Skipper Theory.
- Day Skipper Practical.
- Build miles as skipper on simple day passages.
How to choose a school
- Look for clear joining notes and kit lists.
- Ask about student ratio and berth types.
- Check how they assess readiness for Day Skipper Practical.
- Confirm the sailing area, tides, and likely pilotage challenges.
- Read recent student reviews for teaching style and support.
Find schools near you: Competent Crew providers • Day Skipper Practical providers
What you actually do on each course
Competent Crew highlights
- Living aboard, keeping watch, and safe movement on deck.
- Hoists, tacks, gybes, reefs, and sail trim basics.
- Lines, fenders, springs, and mooring drills.
- Helming under sail and power, man overboard drills.
Day Skipper highlights
- Passage planning with tides and weather.
- Pilotage by day, with simple night work.
- Skippering a short leg, briefing crew, and debriefing.
- Close-quarters handling and safe approaches.
Helpful downloads
Day Skipper - Day Shapes, Lights & Sounds
Weather Forecast Capture Sheet
Shipping Forecast Sea Areas
Next steps
- New to yachts: Book Competent Crew
- Ready to lead: Start Day Skipper Theory online
- Then: Book Day Skipper Practical
