Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew In this clip, our Competent Crew course instructor explains why lifejackets are an essential part of sailing. Whenever we are on the boat, lifejackets need to be worn. The RYA Competent Crew Course takes place in the Solent and leaves from Southampton. Over the course of 5 days we will teach you everything you need to know to become a useful crew member, including personal safety equipment including lifejackets. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. Competent Crew Safety Briefing ➜ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iePIHlStqg4 Your safety is paramount on the First Class Sailing courses. You will also learn all about safety on the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton. Safety lessons include fire precautions and fire fighting, teaching you about how to be aware of the hazards of fire and the precautions necessary to prevent it. You will also learn what action to be take in the event of an onboard fire. Sailing Weekends ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/weekend-sailing Our weekend sailing courses are designed for beginners through to experienced sailors. Whether you are a seasoned sailor looking for a challenging sailing weekend or you want a relaxing escape whilst charting a yacht, there’s something for you. ** Credits ** Filming: Nick Watts

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew This clip is about mooring up and the lines we use to secure a boat to the pontoon. This lesson and more is part of the RYA Competent Crew course that leaves from our Southampton HQ and takes place in the Solent. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. Sailing Holidays ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/sailing-holidays A sailing holiday offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and exploration, allowing you to discover beautiful destinations while enjoying the freedom of the open water. Sailing Weekends ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/weekend-sailing Our weekend sailing courses are designed for beginners through to experienced sailors. Whether you are a seasoned sailor looking for a challenging sailing weekend or you want a relaxing escape whilst charting a yacht, there’s something for you. ** Credits ** Voice: Duncan Wells Filming: Nick Watts

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew In this Competent Crew course clip, we explain why daily engine checks are so important, starting with WOBBLE... which stands for Water, Oil, Belts, Battery, Leaks, and Exhaust. This clip was recorded in Southampton during an RYA Competent Crew course that was taking place on the Solent. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. RYA Diesel Engine course ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/diesel-engine-maintenance-course This RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance Course is a one day marine diesel maintenance course for beginners. It assumes no prior experience and is intended to be both enjoyable and informative. We run the RYA Diesel Engine Courses in London and Southampton. Yacht Electrical and Marine Systems Course ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/yacht-electrical-and-marine-systems-course This two day marine electrical training course is ideal for skippers, boat owners, aspiring boat owners and anyone wanting to better understand boat electrics and systems. There is no previous yacht electrics experience needed to take the course. ** Credits ** Voice: Duncan Wells Filming: Nick Watts

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew We flake out lines to ensure they run smoothly and don't get in a tangle. Before letting a line out like a halyard or a furling line we quickly flake the line out. Starting at the bitter end we throw coils down onto the deck, one on top of the other. This way we know that when we come to let the line go it will run smoothly. This clip was recorded in Southampton during an RYA Competent Crew course that was taking place on the Solent. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. Learn about Useful Knots when Sailing ➜ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhCQk-nz-Uc Instructor Hilly shows us a couple of the knots you will learn on our RYA Competent Crew Course from Southampton. The bowline and the stopper knot. Competent Crew Course Syllabus ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/blog/competent-crew-syllabus/ Our 5-day Competent Crew Course syllabus is designed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to be an effective crew member. This includes personal safety (yours, and others), navigation, and helmsmanship. ** Credits ** Filming: Nick Watts

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew When the wind strength is too much for the amount of sail area we have set, we need to reduce sail. This is called reefing. In this short clip from our Competent Crew course in the Solent you see our instructor and students practicing it. Reefing in sailing is the process of reducing the sail area to adapt to strong winds, improving control and safety. It is typically done by partially lowering the mainsail or furling the headsail to decrease the amount of sail exposed to the wind. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. Competent Crew Gear List ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-competent-crew/ This blog post explains what you need to pack when taking the Competent Crew course. Read our reviews on TripAdvisor ➜ https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html At First Class Sailing we give you easy access to the full range of RYA yachting courses and other sailing activities. ** Credits ** Voice: Duncan Wells Filming: Nick Watts

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew In this short clip from a Competent Crew course on the Solent, you see us raising the mainsail. Raising the mainsail means hoisting (lifting) the main sail up the mast so it catches the wind and powers the boat. This is done using the main halyard, a rope or line that pulls the sail upward. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. All of our RYA Sailing Courses ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-practical-courses These official RYA Sailing Courses take place on yachts, sailing around the Solent to a different marina, or harbour, or anchorage each night and sleeping onboard in cabins. From our base in Southampton we run the full range of RYA Practical Sailing Courses in and around the Solent on the UK's South Coast. Read our reviews on TripAdvisor ➜ https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186299-d3783802-Reviews-First_Class_Sailing-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html At First Class Sailing we give you easy access to the full range of RYA yachting courses and other sailing activities. ** Credits ** Voice: Duncan Wells Filming: Nick Watts

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew Instructor Hilly shows us a couple of the knots you will learn on our RYA Competent Crew Course from Southampton. The bowline and the stopper knot. The bowline is a great knot. It creates a very useful loop and can be used in all sorts of situations. It doesn’t come undone under load and is easy to undo, making it a really useful knot aboard a sailboat. The stopper knot (figure of 8) is also a useful knot. These two are just some of the sailing knots you will learn with us. Other knots that you will learn on a Competent Crew course are the round turn and two half hitches, the clove hitch, the rolling hitch, the reef knot, the single and the double sheet bends. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. Learn more about sailing knots ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/sailing-knots Sailing knots are an integral part of a sailor's skillset, serving various purposes from securing lines to tying essential knots for safety and efficiency. Yacht rigging and rope splicing course ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/yacht-rigging-and-rope-splicing-course Learn about Yacht Rigging and Rope Splicing on this one day course held in Southampton. It’s a one-day course with no previous knowledge required. ** Credits ** Voice: Duncan Wells Filming: Nick Watts

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew This clip shows a typical moment of how you will learn with First Class Sailing’s expert instructors when taking the RYA Competent Crew course with us from our Southampton HQ. When it comes to raising sails or changing course, you will need to haul on some lines and ease out others. In this short section, our instructor demonstrates using winches and clutches, sometimes called jammers. ** About the RYA Competent Crew course in Southampton ** The RYA Competent Crew course is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to get into sailing and is specifically designed for those with little to no sailing experience. It is the ideal starting point. Even if you’ve only had a brief taste of sailing, whether in the UK or abroad, the Competent Crew course offers structured learning and a strong foundation in the basics of sailing. We run our courses from Southampton, and they take place in and around the Solent. With First Class Sailing you’ll gain hands-on experience, experience life on board, and all the enjoyment it brings. By the end of the 5 day course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a capable and reliable crew member. The course begins and ends in Southampton, with stops at scenic destinations around the Solent, giving you the chance to experience different sailing conditions and enjoy stunning coastal views. For more information visit our website on the link below. ** Links ** First Class Sailing ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com We offer RYA courses, mile-building trips, and sailing holidays for beginners, seasoned sailors, and everyone in between from our base in Southampton. We also offer shore-based sailing courses in London and Southampton. Competent Crew Syllabus ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/blog/competent-crew-syllabus/ The aim of the Competent Crew syllabus is to introduce the complete beginner to sailing so you can reach the level required to be a useful member of the crew of a cruising yacht. What to pack for Competent Crew ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-competent-crew/ If you’ve signed up to our RYA Competent Crew course and are not sure what to bring, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. On the link above is a comprehensive list of what to pack. Weather is typically mild on the Solent, but it’s still important to the have the correct gear to cover all eventualities. ** Credits ** Voice: Duncan Wells Filming: Nick Watts

He's a brief snippet of one of our 7 day mile building Channel Triangle trips. In February. Two of the crew went on to a Yachtmaster prep course on the following week.

Want to know what to expect on our RYA Competent Crew course? In this video, we show you some highlights from our RYA Competent Crew course, where you'll learn the essentials of sailing from scratch. Whether you're completely new to sailing or looking to build your skills, this course is designed to make you feel confident and capable on board. Join us as we dive into everything you can expect during the training: from basic seamanship and handling sails, to navigating the deck, and living on a yacht. You’ll experience hands-on learning, meet fellow crew members, and, of course, enjoy plenty of time out on the water! If you're ready for an adventure or just curious about how to get started, this video is for you. Subscribe for more sailing tips and insights, and let’s get you started on your journey to becoming a confident crew member! Click for info and to book - https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew #CompetentCrew #RYACompetentCrew #SolentSailing #solent #southampton #sailing #sailingschool #beginnerssailing #learntosail

Watch this great video taken on this years Round the Island Yacht race by one of our crew Chris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswaynforth/ They also completed the race... what an achievement! Want to be part of the crew next year? Join us - https://www.firstclasssailing.com/racing/round-the-island-race-2025 #RoundTheIsland #RoundTheIslandRace #RoundTheIslandYachtRace #yachtracing #isleofwight #sailingschool #sailingpassion

Unboxing a beautiful new engine for our Beneteau 411, Fusion. Watch us replace the old with the new! https://www.firstclasssailing.com/ #unboxing #dieselengine #engine #beneteau #beneteauoceanis #diesel #yachtlife #yacht #sailing #sailingschool

Take a tour on-board our Beneteau 38.1, Palomar, just one of our training yachts in the fleet! Palomar is one of the pair of Beneteau Oceanis 381's we have. She is modern, light and airy with all the up-to-date mod cons onboard. Perfect for RYA courses, boat handling and mediterranean prep. She is equipped with Raymarine instruments and has a dual wheel position. Want to join us on a sailing trip?! #beneteau #BeneteauOceanis #sailing #sailingschool #yachtlife #solent #boattour #yachttour #beneteau38

Want to know what it's like yacht racing with us? Whether you are new to racing or experienced, listen to our podcast by Ceri Hurford-Jones talking to Cameron, our racing skipper. 🌊 Learn about life in the racing world, in a safe and fully supported environment, giving you an experience and adrenaline rush like no other - combined with the satisfaction of working in a team that’s being tested to its limits. #sailing #sailingschool #yachtlife #yachtracing #solent

This year, we acknowledge and honour the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as it reaches a significant milestone - 200 years of the RNLI service on the 4th March 2024. At First Class Sailing, we extend our sincere congratulations to an organisation that has played a pivotal role in maritime safety. Read more here: https://www.firstclasssailing.com/blog/200-years-rnli/ Video by the RNLI #RNLI #rnlife #RNLI200

🌊 Elevate your confidence on the water with our RYA Competent Crew Course! Gain practical skills and knowledge, plus enjoy teamwork, learn navigation, and safety essentials. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your sailing abilities, this course offers a solid foundation to start your journey. Want to know more? Click the link for more details. https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew 📱We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Call the team on +44 (0)2380 011 077 or drop us an email on info@firstclasssailing.com #competentcrew #ryacompetentcrew #solent #southampton #sailing #sailingschool

🌊 Join us for a heartwarming journey as 94-year-old Alison takes the helm of the iconic Golden Vanity yacht. With her family by her side, Alison's adventure showcases the enduring spirit of exploration and her love for the sea. After the voyage, Alison penned a heartfelt letter, describing it as one of the best experiences in her long life. The Golden Vanity, steeped in history since 1908, has witnessed countless stories. Alison's voyage adds another captivating chapter to its storied past. 👀 Watch Alison's inspiring journey, celebrating the bond between generations and the allure of the sea.

The RYA Competent Crew practical course is an excellent introduction for beginners. It is the perfect starting point if you have done little or no sailing before, or have spent a week or two sailing with friends in the UK or abroad. This course is ideal if you have done little or no sailing before. You will become a useful crew member and an asset to anyone you go sailing with. Sleeping and eating on board (apart from perhaps the odd evening meal out in a pub or restaurant if you choose!) you will learn lots about sailing, life on board and how fun it is. You will stay at a different marina or anchorage or harbour each night. Minimum Pre Course Experience: None required. Ability after the Course: You will be a useful crew member! Course Content: Basic seamanship and helmsmanship. The course is best taken over 5 consecutive days or over 2 weekends (a short and a long). We can also run different courses at the same time, on the same boat. So if a friend, family member or partner would like to complete another course, such as the Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper Course, they can do so at the same time as yourself. Just make us aware at the time you book. You can find out more information and dates at the link below. https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew

To achieve your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award you need to complete the Residential aspect of the award. This involves spending 5 days and 4 nights away from home on a shared activity with people you have never met before. What better way to achieve the award then sailing and having an adventure with others on a Classic wooden yacht! Golden Vanity lends herself really well to Residentials. She was built in 1908 and she takes teamwork to sail. She has a lovely deck to hang out on chatting to your fellow crew mates and newfound friends. If the weather is not so nice in the evenings, then down below there is a cosy saloon. During the Residential you can take the RYA Competent Crew Course. This is a beginners sailing course and you will get a certificate at the end. You will learn lots of nautical jargon, a number of knots, how to raise and lower the sails, how to steer, what to do if someone falls overboard and lots more. All under save and friendly instruction of our experienced skipper. If you have already done a fair bit of sailing on a gaff rig and have done the RYA Day Skipper Theory course then you can do the Day Skipper practical course. This course will teach you how to be a skipper. On one evening/night you will do some night sailing. Other evenings you will be either an anchor or alongside in a marina or on a buoy. There will be opportunities to have a look around ashore. The DofE Residential trips will be mixed gender. Due to the layout of the boat everyone will be in the same cabin and a curtain will separate males and females. For more information about doing your Duke Of Edinburgh Award residential with First Class Sailing check out the link below. https://www.firstclasssailing.com/duke-of-edinburgh-awards-sailing

The racing absolutely fantastic, a crew who didn’t know each other before, now bonded and now firm friends. We smiled to ourselves, we had done it, proud and happy. We’ve raced the Fastnet 2021 and conquered it. Just absolutely terrific.