Is six days the same as Yacht Crew?

FairHelm **[Yacht Crew](/en/courses/yacht-crew/)** is typically a ~6–7 day week living aboard — this article describes that rhythm. Exact dates and inclusions vary; check the course page and **[schedule](/en/schedule/)**.

**No.** Use a soft bag. Full list: **[yacht course packing list](/en/blog/yacht-course-packing-checklist/)**.

Are meals and ISSA fees included?

Your **pre-course pack** states what tuition covers (meals vary by course). **ISSA certificate-issue fees**, when applicable, are separate — see **[certificates](/en/certificates/)** and **[ISSA path](/en/blog/issa-sailing-certification-path/)**.

Will I sleep well the first night?

Often not perfectly — new sounds, shared space, max four students plus instructor. Day one is usually a short sail and an early night; the main rhythm starts day two. Show up rested if you can.

What comes after Yacht Crew?

More miles, then often **[Inshore Skipper](/en/courses/inshore-skipper/)** when coastal command is the next goal. The **[ISSA certification path](/en/blog/issa-sailing-certification-path/)** explains the ladder.

2025-01-15

What to expect in a 6-day yacht course

Your first week living aboard, from arrival to certificate — day-by-day overview, what to pack, and how to prepare before you step aboard.

A six-day yacht course is often the first real immersion into sailing. You live on the boat, learn by doing, and leave with new skills - and often an ISSA-related certificate path. Here is what to expect so you can arrive prepared. Not every day will look identical; weather and the instructor's plan reshape the week.

Short answer: pre-course pack first; soft bag; day 1 settle-in; days 2-5 practice + theory; day 6 wrap-up; max four; ISSA fees may be separate.

In short

Before: pre-course pack, forms, medical/dietary notes, soft luggage.
Day 1: meet crew, safety, short sail, early night.
Days 2-5: manoeuvres, nav, sail handling + short theory; rotate roles.
Day 6: longer sail, assessment if any, certificates, next-step talk.
Us: Sweden, Turkey, Croatia · max four · skills + clear communication.

Before you arrive

You will get a pre-course pack: what to bring (soft bags, non-marking shoes, layers), what is included (tuition, certificate; meals vary), and how to reach the base. Complete any pre-course theory or forms in good time. If you have medical or dietary needs, tell the school in advance.

Full packing detail: yacht course packing list.

Day 1: arrival and settling in

You will meet the instructor and crew, stow your gear, and go through safety and boat layout. There is usually a short sail to get used to the boat and each other. Expect an early night; the main rhythm starts from day two.

Mindhelm angle, briefly: the first day is a boundary day - new home, new crew, new movement. Forcing "I must impress by hour three" adds noise. Settling the boat and the breath is already work.

Days 2-5: sailing and theory

Typical days mix on-water practice (manoeuvres, navigation, sail handling) with short theory sessions (rules, weather, chartwork). You will rotate roles so everyone gets helm, crew, and navigation experience. Meals and debriefs are part of the day; some courses include short practices on focus and decision-making.

Day 6: final practice and wrap-up

The last day usually includes a longer sail, final assessment if applicable, handover of the boat, and certificates. You leave with a clearer idea of what you achieved and what to do next (more miles, the next level, or Inshore Skipper after Yacht Crew).

What to pack

Soft bag (no hard suitcases)
Non-marking shoes and layers (fleece, waterproof)
Sun protection, hat, and reusable water bottle
Any medication and copies of documents the school asked for

How to get the most out of it

Show up rested, ask questions, and take notes. Use the week to build habits: watch the horizon, help with deck work, and join in. If something is unclear, say so; the instructor is there to support you.

Nervous about water? Start with How to overcome fear of water and sailing.

At FairHelm, our six- to seven-day courses (for example Yacht Crew) follow this structure with small groups (max four). We run them in Sweden, Turkey, and Croatia. To discuss which course fits you, contact us.

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