‘The wonder is always new that any sane man can be a sailor’ – Ralph Emerson
No Free Movement Here
Sixhaven marina is superbly placed just across the free ferry to the centre of Amsterdam. Malcolm, Andrew, Emma & Alan sailed there from Royal Quays, see Malcolm’s Space Invaders game below. I took over together with Alan (yes he went both ways), Orang and Mike. After window shopping and a meal in old Amsterdam we returned to the boat only to find others kept coming in, and in, and in.
I have never seen anything like it before where the pontoons were jammed, but it seemed to way of things there. In the morning there was an orderly opening up and off we went, for 121 straightforward miles to Lowestoft (my coding prevents me from going more than 60 miles from a safe haven). Then we were faced with a long ‘hop’ and potentially adverse tides around the north Norfolk coast. This with a bit of weather meant we stayed 3.5 days and set off for Scarborough. Off Flamborough Head we encountered an adverse tide as well as a strong
NW wind which delayed us right at the end. Still we could celebrate £2 a pint in the Sam Smith’s pub, as can be seen. The following day saw us back in RQ on Saturday July 15th and on time!
Andrew, Malcolm, Emma & Alan
Space Invaders
This is how it looked on the chart plotter during the sail across the North Sea to Amsterdam. Lian, ringed, encountered a great deal of traffic, shown by the triangles, which had to be safely circumvented. Skipper Malcolm, in his typically modest fashion, reports; ‘heroic Yachtmaster masterfully negotiated a vast number of AIS targets in the form of huge tankers and cargo vessels to thwart their intent of sending little Lian to Davy Jones’ locker, calculating on the hoof with extraordinary numerical and navigational proficiency avoiding actions, thereby brilliantly and modestly bringing her to port in Scheveningen safely’.
Defibrillator now Onboard
You see them popping up in all sorts of public places, and now I have one onboard. There may be a bit of self interest here but the chances of survival are much improved if the heart can be re-started, with this device for example.
When offshore sailing there is little help close at hand. Sailing round Skye this summer we heard the lifeboat being called out and saying it would take over an hour to get there. Nice sailing in remote places but a lot of self help is needed. Myself and skippers have been trained in the defibrillator’s use during our RYA First Aid Day.
July Practical
The summer ended with a really good 5 day practical. A mix of Competent Crews and Day Skipper, they were a good crowd and became useful crew members and a Day Skipper.
Seen here are, l to r, Peter (Scot), Marcelo (Brazilian), Helen (Chinese), Alan (Yorkshire) and, finally, an Englishman Tom.
The week started with pouring rain but improved considerably after the first day.
Skye Circumnavigation
I had chartered Oceanlord, a 41 foot Westerly from Alba Sailing, a last minute substitution for a modern deck saloon which had been seriously damaged, and not reported, by previous charterers. I have to day the Alba were good about what was undoubtedly a loss for them offering Oceanlord at a discount. At first I had mixed feelings, and a sore head with the restricted headrooms. I had especially wanted to sail a deck saloon but, in the event, Oceanlord looked after us well.
From Tobermory, a superb place to visit, we lunched at Muck, then anchoring for the night at Canna. Too late for a mooring we adopted Old Man’s Anchor Watch since I had doubts about the weed and close proximity of others, one of which ‘serenaded’ us in with the bagpipes then anchored in front of us. Never heard of ‘Old Man’s Anchor Watch’? – instead of everyone doing a watch in succession we all went to our bunks and all, well nearly all, had to get up in the night for a pee, and would then check our position!
Then on to Dunvegan, under Skye bridge, down the ‘rapids’ afterwards and to Portree, where it was too windy to leave the mooring by dinghy. Tobermory as can be seen (Mike, myself, Tom, Brendan who slept in a corridor, Oran and John) returning to Dunstaffnage
Northumbria Sailing Adventures
These adventures are when we either charter a sailing yacht or take ‘Lian’ somewhere interesting and challenging. When weather and crew status permit we will do distances, often sailing through the night via the watch system. If this is not possible we will cruise looking for pleasant places to visit with good shoreside wining and dining facilities.
Trips in recent years have included the Orkneys, the Clyde, London Tower Bridge and a North Sea crossing.
We will endeavour to have you fully involved in the sailing of the boat and to consider your preferences. Alcohol will often be enjoyed when we are no longer underway. At the end of the trip you will have a log book filled and plenty of nautical adventures to tell.
2017 has seen a trip around Skye and, underway as I write, one to Amsterdam. Watch out for more in 2018
Update on Courses & Trips
‘Keeping your brain active protects against dementia, probably because it increases the quality of your cognitive reserve – the connections within the brain network’
THEORY COURSES
RYA OCEAN YACHTMASTER Explore the wonders of a sextant with Celestial Navigation and Ocean Passage Planning. This ‘top of the range’ RYA theory course can lead to the coveted ‘Ocean Yachtmaster’ ticket. I have four sextants, one new lightweight metal, one plastic & two old brass, for you to handle. A practical session is included. Cost £475 or £725 on tailored tuition. It’s possible to come for the Celestial Navigation only. The US Navy are teaching sailors celestial navigation again as a precaution against cyber attack. US Navy. Provisional autumn evenings/Saturday dates; September 27th, October 4, 11, 18th November 1, 8, 15, 22, 25, 29th December 6, 9, 13 & 20th
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £425 for class & £625 tailored tuition. You need a good knowledge of this Course before being tested by the RYA Examiner. Evenings/Saturdays class; January 10, 17, 24 & 31st February 7, 21, 25 & 28th March 7, 10, 14, 21 & 28th
RYA DAY SKIPPER A popular starting point for many. Same Course for Sail or Power. Already half full, this is a Course where early booking is essential. Classes take place in a modern building in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Included is a half day visit to the School boat. Cost £425. Daytime Course 0930 – 1430: October 10, 17, 31st, November 7, 14, 21, 28th & December 5th. Evenings/Saturdays: October 2, 9, 14, 16, 30th November 6, 13, 20, 27th, December 2, 4 & 11th.
I can’t do these times and am in a hurry!
Then a Tailored Timetable with one to one tuition could be for you. Costs £625 (£950 a couple) for Day Skipper, £625 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ and £725 for the Ocean. Available when the diary permits.
Whilst I would not wish to encourage missing sessions, it’s a fact of life in todays world and time can be made up through private sessions or, sometimes, within the class timetable
TIDES In response to demand I’m offering this Course on tides, not RYA Tides, but real UK tides, especially on our North East Coast. Learn how to calculate tidal heights and streams. Join any of the four at £25 each or £90 for all four. Each session takes place 6 – 9pm at Heaton; October 5, 12, 19th & November 2nd. Session 1 will be Day Skipper level with tides at standard ports. Session 2 will be advanced with secondary ports, Session 3 Tidal streams. Session 4 will go through examples and homework set from previous sessions. Also to be explored are the less common e.g tidal coefficients
PRACTICAL COURSES
All local courses take place on the school boat, a quality 36 foot Hallberg Rassy, well known for its comfort and steadiness afloat. Properly equipped with modern electronics, the preferred wheel steering and comfortable bunk cushions you will be well set up to handle whatever may come your way. Courses are fully inclusive, except for a kitty contribution to drinks onshore.
PRACTICAL CREWING My version of RYA Competent Crew. Three days, 0930-1700hrs onboard for three persons. 3:1 private tuition and you will be up to the Comp Crew standard. No experience necessary. Cost £275. (£375 weekends) Next Course; September 7, 8 & 11th
DAY TRIPS. ‘Taster’ days run throughout the season with the aim of having a pleasant day out on the water. You can see whether yachting is for you at modest cost. Trips operate out of Royal Quays 0930 – 1700hrs. Cost £50 weekday & £70 weekend (maximum 5 customers onboard) Next Trips 22nd August & 12th September
RYA COMPETENT CREW A 5 day, live aboard, course where you will learn ‘the ropes’ and to become a useful crew member. A good start to, perhaps, a lifetime boating. Cost £575. Course Review
RYA DAY SKIPPER PRACTICAL The key to bareboat charter, this course aims to get you to the ability ‘ to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar’. Then you can be let loose to find your own adventures and provide endless anecdotes for you to enjoy telling. (The caption shows the June victims enjoying fish & chips on the final day) Cost £595 ‘I was pleased with the way the course was organised, the instructions for preparation and attending, the fact that you were there waiting for me when I arrived, and your welcome both before and after we boarded.’ – Hassall. Course Review by Tim Edwards For a murky glimpse of a night sail try Night Sail
RYA START YACHTING A two day course for beginner groups, which can be the ‘start’ of greater things. You live onboard for two days and visit another marina, away from Royal Quays. Cost £230.
Late Season Sail
I don’t guarantee this sort of weather (November 2015) but we can try, and sailing will be during daylight. We will ideally sail to Amble, spend the evening at a pub and return the following day, with an early start. For experienced sailors. Cost £130 November 9 & 10th
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE (ICC) This can be done on the same course as Day Skipper/Competent Crew. Cost £525 with dates as above. Alternatively I can test you on your own boat at much cheaper cost. Individual quotations are given for this which will be from £225 for one day, own boat
YACHTMASTER PREPARATION Following on from the successful session last June, where three new YM’s were delivered, there is to be a repeat format during Three days preparation followed by examination by an RYA Examiner for two days. Cost £595 excluding exam fees. This could be done on your boat, when a quotation would be given. The examination will take place over the weekend of October 13 – 15th.
If you are contemplating your YM Examination you must see this in-depth report by Jonny Colwell on his experience in the autumn of 2015 YM Prep & Examination
Northumbria Sailing on Video
The school yacht is an 11 metre Hallberg Rassy, a quality boat well fitted down below providing comfortable accommodation, stable at sea. Have a look at her entering the river Tyne under sail. Lian at Tynemouth
Have a look at my Theory Training Centre with this video. Training
Onboard the Hallberg Rassy training yacht, by courtesy of Mark Batey and the kind co-operation of victims Andrew and Clive. See me giving berthing advice in trying to avoid the electric supply post Mark Batey Day Training
RYA Competent Crew in the sun, by courtesy of Mark again Mark Batey Competent Crew
In a clip from 2013 you see the appreciation of Ladies on an RYA sponsored day at Royal Quays Ladies Day
Crew Exercises
I would like to say this was an image of myself but, no, an aspiring Day Skipper was carrying out his daily exercises. Posting this on Facebook prompted the comment ‘is this mandatory?’ One of the great things about this business is the diversity of victims who bring their own education and insights into their lives. Humour as well and this is Will, an acrobat and juggler, who has his own business and can be contacted on Will Be Juggling. My memories of Will are seeing him juggling 5 satsumas in the saloon whilst explaining the learning process which goes into this remarkable skill. He’s off to the States soon to perform there.
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
How are your Futtocks?
Tim Fitzhigham is a guy who wanted to cross the English Channel in a bath tub and wrote a very amusing book about his adventures entitled ‘All at Sea’. I kid you not by revealing the bath tub was made by Thomas Crapper & Co. Over to Tim;
When I first phoned the Royal Navy to try and get them on board with the idea, there was a mistake at the switchboard and I got put through to a rear admiral. And that was the best result for me, because both my uncle and my great uncle were in the Navy and they told me If ever you’re talking to a member of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, you always start the conversation with a question – How are your futtocks, old man?
So I get put through to the rear admiral and I say How are your futtocks, old man? and he replies At their furthest reach, dear boy.
When I asked my uncle about this, he said Yes, that was the correct nautical response. I said That’s fantastic, uncle, but what does it actually mean? and he said Well, that’s the thing, Tim. Nobody actually knows. It’s just this mad thing the Navy have done for 300 years.
I then finally got hold of someone sensible about the whole thing and it turns out what a futtock actually is is the ribs on an old-fashioned boat and, when you say, How are your futtocks? if they reply At their furthest reach then the boat is running at its absolute top capacity. You are, in effect, saying How’s your day going? and they’re saying Very well.’
Specialist Courses
8 x VHF Sets
Never before have I had so many and thanks to Oceanic Yachts for the loan of two. Still a maximum of 8 persons as I don’t think it’s right to have to share on this important Course. Full Day; 25th September
RYA VHF Still available in class or private tuition. Don’t be caught without a proper licence as you could be fined up to £5,000, plus 6 months inside, plus equipment confiscation – yes it’s very severe! At Northumbria Sailing you will receive tuition one per training set. As you will be assessed for practical skills as well as theoretical I think it’s advisable that you have every opportunity to familiarise yourself with the equipment. All Day; September 25th. Cost £110 plus £60 to RYA Also available One to One at £175 and online at £85 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio and RYA Online VHF video
RYA BASIC SEA SURVIVAL. A must for all sailors and a very proactive time in the, warm, swimming pool. You will learn about general safety onboard as well as survival in the water. Last April we had a very enjoyable session at a school in Heaton and this will be repeated at some time in the future, according to demand Cost £125 or £110 if in a group or family. RYA Basic Sea Survival and a video Wet in the Pool
RYA RADAR Are you safe using your set? Can you properly identify a collision situation? If you have radar you are required to know how to use it properly and could be held responsible if an incident was to occur. Day or two evening courses. Cost £120, plus £9.75 to RYA. All Day; 20th October
CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £25
RYA Essential Navigation Online. Do this starter course on your own laptop. A good introduction to the theory part of sailing, with yacht or power boat. Cost £95 plus £28 (includes instruments) to the RYA
RYA FIRST AID. All day for the RYA certificate, valid three years. Be prepared for a full day’s activity with lots of practical demonstrations and active participation – no going to sleep here with Simon!. Cost £75, £95 with Cat C drug endorsement, + £7 RYA Pack. Next session 11th October
Accident Alley
A new section to draw attention to accidents and what we can learn from them
The Signature disaster, the single most important yachting tragedy to hit the Tyne.
Two men perished in 1998 when they probably thought they were safe, as they were back between the Tyne pier ends.
They were unaware of their peril, thinking that, with a river the size of the Tyne, entry would be safe. In fact, entering the Tyne in a strong North Easterly wind is unsafe and Blyth, has the safest approach in the North East, should have been used. Lifejackets, even in those perilous conditions, were not considered essential to wear.
The consequences have been serious. A survivor (three were washed overboard and he was washed back in) was traumatised, court cases have taken place and financial losses suffered. All sailors should read and learn about this, especially as a skim read may lead you to miss the real cause of the disaster. A RNLI volunteer said to me that he went to his station, by the Fish Quay, as soon as he saw the Signature leaving the river. Signature and look up Safety Digests (Case 8)
Cheeki Rafiki Stormforce Coaching and it’s director have been found guilty of failing to maintain the yacht, but the jury could not agree on the manslaughter charge and a re-trial is a possibility. Four sailors died during the return trip from the Caribbean. The RYA have withdrawn their accreditation and the sailing school is no longer trading. A statement has been made, which can be read by following the link Cheeki Rafiki
Victims (all) at Sea
Chris & Emma Holliday were successful on a trip out of Gibraltar where Chris got his Day Skipper Practical and Emma her Competent Crew. Future adventures beckon.
Chris & Heather Robson are off to North Biscay for a scout around ahead of Chris’ sailing trip in September. The area is well remembered by me as we bought Lian there in Port la Foret in December 2003. Lian was left there for the winter (crew was short then) and emerged the following March, myself and victim Cecil Jupp. At our very first port of call, Lorient, I was fined 150 euros for not yet having my SSR registration!
Emre Yilmaz has just bought a Bavaria 36 Wishful and seen here in Royal Quays. Emre has big plans for long distance sailing with his family and has made his start on RYA Courses.
Who should I bump into in Tobermory, and Dunstaffnage, but Ron Fraser of Gianna. Ron, together with his wife Susan, were also touring the area with the Hebrides in prospect. I’ll check up on the AIS, a very useful way of monitoring my boat’s progress when I’m not skippering
Ian & Jane Ainsworth continue their exploration of American Waterways and ‘smelling the flowers’ enroute. Follow their interesting Blog.Tales from the American Waterways
Big Boy
Shepherd’s think big and this is their latest crane, ‘Big Red’. A CC4800 Crawler Crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 800 tons and is the largest mobile crane in Europe.
‘Big Red’ was once located in Chernobyl, spent time in Canada before coming to Geordie land.
I do training, not on cranes of course, at Shepherd’s and am impressed with the family nature of the business which, in turn, employs families. This makes it confusing as, in one instance, the victim had the same name as his uncle whom I had just taught the previous week!
Stories of old man Shepherd are legion, one being; He bought a whole load of decommissioned buses at prices in excess of scrap – then extracted the engines which he sold to China!
Boat Delivery
Just bought a boat and wondering whether to have it delivered or trucked? You can contact us for a feasibility assessment and quotation for cost.
Yacht Skippering
There are times when you might feel that your ‘ticket’ and/or experience will not be adequate for a safe holiday. Last summer I had such a commission enabling a larger yacht to be chartered and to sail to more adventurous places. It worked and we all had a great time and look forward to repeating the experience exploring a more challenging area in 2017.
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Sail Safely the RYA Way