WEST VANCOUVER SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Five Days on Deck: Learning to Crew the BC Coast with Sea to Sky Sailing
A live-aboard, RYA‑aligned Competent Crew course in West Vancouver that teaches safety, seamanship and basic navigation over five consecutive days—this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.
Five Days on Deck: Learning to Crew the BC Coast with Sea to Sky Sailing.
The RYA Competent Crew 5‑Day Course with Sea to Sky Sailing is a live‑aboard introduction to life on a cruising yacht along the British Columbia coast. Over five consecutive days students with no prior experience are taught essential safety procedures, basic crewing techniques, and introductory navigation while getting a taste of cruising the local waters.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on seamanship and safety training
The curriculum covers core competencies: safety on board, emergency responses, safe seamanship and basic crewing techniques so you leave with a practical foundation for cruising.
A live‑aboard course that immerses you in cruising life
Run as a live‑aboard program, the five‑day course immerses students in the rhythms of life aboard a yacht—practicing docking, anchoring and basic watch routines while sailing the coastal waters.
Explore a bit of the stunning BC coast
Participants spend the course exploring stretches of the British Columbia coast, gaining practical experience in navigation, tides and local seamanship against the region’s scenic backdrop.
What the day feels like
What the five days feel like
Expect a tightly focused, practical week at sea where instruction and on‑deck practice are interwoven: watch briefings and drills in the morning, hands‑on crewing and navigation practice during passages, and practical sessions on anchoring and docking—culminating in a rounded introduction to cruising life along the BC coast.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course fits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Course and gear requirements are detailed on the Sea to Sky Sailing website—consult the operator’s site for a full kit list and pre‑departure instructions.
This is a live‑aboard RYA Competent Crew course run over five consecutive days; consult the operator for specific daily schedules and berth arrangements.
For full course content, daily itineraries and any additional preparations, refer to the Sea to Sky Sailing course page.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The RYA Competent Crew course runs for five consecutive days.
Do I need prior sailing experience?
No—there are no pre‑requisites for the 5‑day Competent Crew course.
Is there an option for people with prior experience?
Yes—students who have RYA Start Sailing or equivalent experience may register for a condensed 3‑day Competent Crew course.
What age can participate?
The course is open to participants aged 16 and older; there is a 20% discount for ages 16–25.
What topics are covered on the course?
Instruction includes onboard safety and emergency responses, safe seamanship, basic crewing techniques, navigation, tides, collision regulations, weather, anchoring and docking.
Who operates the course?
The RYA Competent Crew 5‑Day Course is offered by Sea to Sky Sailing in West Vancouver, British Columbia.
How much does the course cost?
The published headline rate is $2,450 for the five‑day live‑aboard course.