Teacher Pre-Visit: International Crew

This IYT International Crew Course is a beginner’s course and will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a useful crew member on a sailing yacht of up to 24 metres.

It is very much a hands-on course that teaches you by getting out there on the water and doing it yourself; there is only a very small theoretical component. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary. Our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way ensuring that you have a rewarding and enjoyable experience as you learn.

The course is practically based and by the end of the four days you will be capable of sailing a small yacht in every direction it is possible to sail (you still won't be able to sail directly towards the wind; neither can we, it's not possible). However, you will understand how to hoist and trim (adjust) the sails, how to work as part of a crew and how to steer the boat. And you’ll also learn how to assist in other important activities like anchoring, coming alongside in a marina berth and rescuing a man-overboard.

This International Crew Course provides the solid foundation you need in order to move on to the next level. You won’t be a solo ‘round the world sailor' after four days, but you will be able to act as a useful crew member. To take your training to the next stage you’ll need to sign up to the IYT Watchkeeper / Flotilla Course. This will teach you to navigate a yacht and will give you a range of skills and knowledge that will enable you to be Leader of the Watch. For Outdoor Education purposes this next step will enable you to assist or participate in future trips on yachts.