RYA Competent Crew: Heave To

Competent Crew Course details: ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/rya-courses/competent-crew In this clip from our Solent RYA Competent Crew Course, you see us stopping for lunch. We bring the boat to a stop by heaving to. This is where we tack the boat but don't touch the sheet, so the headsail lies 'aback'. Once we have the wind on the main driving us forward, and the wind on the headsail pushing us back, and with the helm turned towards the wind, the boat will come to a stop. The boat will level up and be in balance. ** 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. Attaching the Boat to the Dock ➜ https://youtu.be/SgqVE0j132M In this short clip you see us run lines. Notice how rope becomes lines running from cleats on board to cleats on the shore. When we do this, these lines become mooring warps: one to attached the bow to the shore, one for the stern, and two to keep the boat in one place to stop it moving. Sailing Courses for Beginners ➜ https://www.firstclasssailing.com/sailing-courses-for-beginners Starting out in sailing is exciting, but deciding where to begin can feel like a challenge. Should you get out on the water with a practical course or start with navigation theory in the classroom? Our beginner sailing courses - Competent Crew and Day Skipper Shore-based - are designed to help you take your first steps, whatever your goals or the time of year. ** Credits ** Voice: Duncan Wells Filming: Nick Watts

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After a full day of sailing through Croatia’s sun-soaked Adriatic waters, there’s no better way to top it off than a night out in one of the country’s most iconic island towns—Hvar. Known for its vibrant nightlife, historic charm, and elegant waterfront, Hvar is the perfect destination for a relaxed yet unforgettable evening ashore. Our crew, sailing aboard a spacious catamaran with Alitis Yachting, was ready to swap their deck shoes for something a bit more festive. With their experienced skipper—who, by mutual agreement, joined the crew for the night—they set off to explore the best of Hvar after dark. Arriving in Style Pulling into Hvar’s harbor just before sunset, the views were spectacular—stone buildings glowing golden in the last light of day, yachts lined up along the promenade, and the fortress high above, watching over it all. Once the catamaran was safely moored, the crew freshened up and headed out, ready for a night of delicious food, flowing drinks, and island magic. Dinner with a View The evening began with a dinner reservation at a cozy seafront restaurant, handpicked by the skipper, who knows the town like a local. The menu? Fresh-caught fish, grilled octopus, handmade pasta, and Dalmatian wines that paired perfectly with the sea breeze and sunset. There’s something special about sharing a meal on land after a day at sea—stories flow easily, laughter gets louder, and the bond between crew members grows stronger. Cocktails and Good Vibes After dinner, the group moved on to one of Hvar’s stylish cocktail lounges, tucked between historic buildings and bougainvillea-covered walls. With music in the background and craft drinks in hand, the energy of the night started to rise. For those in the mood, the evening continued at Hula Hula Beach Bar for sunset beats and then on to Carpe Diem, Hvar’s legendary waterfront club, where dancing under the stars is practically tradition. Skipper or Crew – Just Friends on Shore What makes sailing with Alitis Yachting truly different is the human touch. Their skippers aren’t just there to sail—they’re part of the experience. With professionalism, flexibility, and a genuine love for the sea and hospitality, they know when to give space, and when to join in. On nights like this, the skipper becomes part of the fun—joining the crew for dinner, sharing local tips, and maybe even raising a toast or two. Back on Board: Quiet Nights & Starry Skies After the party, the crew returned to the comfort of their catamaran. Some stayed up a little longer, sitting on deck under the stars, letting the gentle rocking of the boat and the sounds of the harbor lull them into total relaxation. This is what makes sailing with Alitis Yachting special: adventure by day, celebration by night, and a floating home that’s always waiting for you. Looking for a sailing holiday that blends freedom, fun, and local charm? Set sail with Alitis Yachting, and let nights like Hvar become part of your story. ALITIS YACHTING yachting@alitis.hr +38598229437 croatia-sailing-family-holidays.com/