One of our Women at the Helm interns Shyka has finished her first sailing course RYA Competent Crew course – congratulations!

Shyka: “Being at the helm during my recent Competent Crew training was one of the most exhilarating feelings I have ever experienced.  The ability to take the crew from one point to another was mind blowing.  The Second Star Sailing team was the most professional and supportive as I learnt how to tie knots, manage the mainsail and raise the anchor, I grew from a newbie in the world of sailing to a comfortable competent crew.

There were four of us doing courses for the week, two of us did the RYA Competent Crew, while the other two – the RYA Day Skipper.  Having students of different levels is great because we can see what Day Skipper course is like and can learn from them too. We worked well as a team, and it was a very supportive unit.

We had an awesome team, we each took turns at cooking. We initially factored in everyone’s special dietary needs and preferences in the creation of our menu and while doing our collective grocery shopping. Boat cooked meals with a view of the Caribbean Sea and Antiguan coast are the best!

I am looking forward to doing the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course next, though my instructor thinks I should go ahead and work towards my Day Skipper Certification. Why not both? I felt empowered having done this course! And I am on my way becoming a Woman at the Helm, or for now – a very Competent Crew!”