Ocean racing is made up of many bad afternoons, ugly mornings, and hard nights’ – William Snaith
10 from 2016
2016 has been a great year for Northumbria Sailing with a lot of varied activity. Not to forget the company, often characters producing a lot of laughs and at least nine different nationalities, to include English and Yorkshire. My figures are up and I have invested these ‘hard earned’ gains in the school boat, to include; a new engine, replacement main sail, calorifier (hot water cylinder), Eberspacher heater and wind anemometer. The gas supply has been upgraded and the binnacle and keel strengthened.
Traditionally this time of the year is for reflection and I am selecting 10 special times for my memories. I set them out in, roughly, chronological order;
No 1 – Smart Instructor
A Yachtmaster Theory Course took place in the Northern Counties Club. Very traditional it was, even though rebuilt in the 1970’s, and a different world in there. The requirements for (gentle) men were jacket with collar and tie. Not being used to this at all, I dug out my father’s old jacket and smartened up as much as possible (thermals on too as it was January!).
No 2 – New Engine Installed
The crane job at Royal Quays with the engineer, Tony with the cap, looking on. Frustratingly it was fitted in February during the very week I was skiing. Probably best out of the way, anyhow. It did fit into the space which was a big relief, and thanks to the measuring and reassurance of Tony and Cecil. The fitting of the engine, calorifier and associated pieces went well and the engine has been thoroughly tested, performing well, on the adventure trip to Fair Isle and the Shetlands last summer.
No 3 – Sea Survival Course
A first for Northumbria Sailing to put on a RYA Basic Sea Survival Course – in the water (a school swimming pool). The Day was a great success, with laughter in the pool! Here I am with two victims – someone had to stay out of the water to take photographs, of course.
No 4 – Fish & Chips on an RYA Course
At the end of a 5 day practical I try to give Fish & Chips as a treat, fresh from the local chippy. It goes down well, not to mention a change from the daily lunch fare. This one here was enjoyed by victims from China, Germany, Yorkshire and Hexham
No 5 – Fog on the Tyne
We left it a bit late to come back from Sunderland and found ourselves in fog, not seeing anything on the land after leaving Roker pier. The Tyne approach was the real problem though and although we had the chart plotter, AIS, Radar and victims onboard not of a nervous disposition (I hoped) when I heard the fog horn of the Tynemouth north pier I headed for it. We got very close and I remember hearing someone say ‘we’re going to hit it’. We did get very near before it finally emerged from the gloom.
No 6 – Fair Isle
It had long been my ambition to get to see Fair Isle (between the Orkneys and the Shetlands). Sadly, this image was taken by Malcolm, skipper for that week. He had a strong crew and favourable weather. Fair Isle looks good, does it not? Maybe another time for me
No 7 – Shetlands
Malcolm and his merry men continued their epic journey northwards to the Shetlands. Passing Lerwick on the went to Symbister their most northerly point. Then returning to Kirkwall in the Orkneys when I took over for the sail back home.
No 8 – Mull of Kintyre
A fine shot of dinner onboard in Port Ellen, Islay, after rounding the Mull. Unaccustomed as I am to not being skipper, here I was ‘Guru’ enabling all to charter a 46 foot yacht. What I did not know was that a restauranteur of 27+ years experience was onboard, Eric on the left, who produced excellent cuisine. We’re off again in 2017 and I will be prepared this time and do my homework on enjoying dining to the full.
No 9 – Tall Ships
August saw the arrival of the Tall Ships at Blyth and I took a trip to inspect. Here’s Mario who spoke to crew in their native Polish tongue. We were able to get really close to these magnificent sailing ships.
No 10 – The late, late Day Skipper Practical
In October, just when I thought it was all over and was unloading the boat, came a call for help from Chris and wife Heather. They regularly charter and, at the last minute, had been asked for their Day Skipper ticket. They had the experience but not the ‘piece of paper, plastic actually’. So off we went in late October/early November for a split 5 day RYA Course.
Another Late Call – from a Sailing School
Chris Forker of Carbery Sailing called to say that he was coming home, actually close to myself, on 21st December and would like his RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory done before he returned to Tenerife on 10th January. But it’s Christmas & New Year! and, as I write, we are immersed in Celestial Navigation (the most challenging RYA Course) on One2One.
Carbery Sailing do RYA Courses and Ocean trips from Cork in Ireland and also Tenerife. The school’s Hallberg-Rassy is bigger than mine . Chris can be contacted on (when he’s recovered from his Course with myself) on Carbery Sailing
Meet the Team
Melvyn Wallhead, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor. I started this business in 2010 partly to justify keeping our rather nice Hallberg Rassy yacht, never expecting the school would grow to the present level. The North East has a long maritime tradition but potential mariners have had to go outside the area or deal with local colleges offering an inflexible ‘service’. I have sailed all over; UK, Med, Europe, Caribbean, Thailand, four continents in all and hope I can encourage others to do the same, without the ‘incidents’.
Trevor Jefferson, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor has a long pedigree in teaching with dinghy sailing going back some 40 years and is an RYA Race Trainer. Sail Cruising has been his recent activity with instruction time in Gibraltar and the West Coast of Scotland where he owned a watersports centre. As my Chief Instructor he ‘raises the bar’ for Northumbria Sailing instruction standards.
Don Gunton, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor has extensive sailing experience primarily on the west coast of Scotland. Other trips have included a scary one to Norway with me onboard. Note ‘scary’ due to the weather. He would probably list sailing to St Kilda as one of his great achievements. Don has been instructing with Northumbria Sailing for a few years and can also do a useful turn in nautical slang due to his previous experience in the Merchant navy.
Malcolm Young, Yachtmaster helps keep our average age down and has come through the ranks with Northumbria Sailing. Malcolm has sailed in the west coast of Scotland, the Caribbean, Med, Norway as well as the North East. Sailing ambitions have to dovetail with running a company but he has already shown his capability by sailing to the Shetlands. He does a good turn in weekend Day Trips too!
2016 Lift Out – Look
Thanks to John & Paddy of Royal Quays for this. Many times am I asked ‘how often do you lift out?’ My response is that I need to check to make sure there’s nothing untoward, and here there was a fishing line around the propeller shaft. In addition there’s always something and I can’t afford to have my practical season interrupted.
New for 2017 – Split Weekend RYA Course
Many times have I been asked ‘Do you do Day Skipper Practical across two weekends?’ and I have unable to supply this.
Now I can offer this Course across the Spring Bank holiday weekend and the following; May 26 – 29th & June 2-4th. Evening starts. Cost: Day Skipper £675 & Competent Crew £650
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.
North Shields to Amsterdam in July 2017
Come with me for a trip to, or from, Amsterdam on my quality 11 metre yacht ‘Lian’, a Hallberg Rassy sailing yacht, well known for its luxury and steadiness afloat.
There will be two legs, Royal Quays to Amsterdam, or near, and the return. To comply with the boat’s commercial coding certificate, requiring a maximum distance of 60 miles from a safe haven, the routes will follow the coastline, crossing about Lowestoft. I last sailed to Amsterdam in 2012, a great and vibrant city readily accessible by air from Newcastle upon Tyne. The outward leg will be from 1st – 8th July and the return 8 – 15th. 8th July will be the changeover date. The outward crew will meet onboard on the evening of 30th June.
Depending on the route the mileage is estimated between 275 and 300 miles each way.This will be an opportunity to build sea miles.
What to Expect.
You will be sleeping onboard and take part in watches throughout the night. Expect highs and lows, for a sailing trip is never routine and you learn to ‘expect the unexpected’ and deal with it.
The boat is sturdy and comfortable and, whilst we do not aim to go out in bad weather, we will be ready if caught out at sea. The boat has a Chart Plotter, Radar and AIS. I will take one leg and employ a skipper for the other.
The cost includes catering, berthing, just about everything except meal and drinks onshore.
How to Prepare.
Detailed joining instructions will be given nearer the time, but you will be responsible for your travel costs and arrangements to the start. Sadly, I can give no guarantees to arrive at Amsterdam even, but will be making every effort.
If you book a flight early to take advantage of discounts this will be at your own risk.
How to Book. There are a maximum of four places on board each way. £100 reserves, subject to the conditions on my webpage. The balance is payable two months before the start of the trip. You will be asked to sign a declaration of fitness. Outward FULL
Cost £550 for the 7 days outward & £495 returning.
Hebridean Adventure in June 2017 – FULL
Shakedown in March
Sail to Hartlepool on March 14th, stay overnight, and return the following morning. This is a sail for the experienced. One place available at £125.
A River Speaks
A fascinating 1956 archive film narrated by South Shields lass Flora Robson showing the Tyne on it’s journey from Hexham to Tynemouth and onwards to a packed outdoor swimming pool with waves breaking over the hardy swimmers. Lots of ships and cranes to see enroute. A River Speaks
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 £450 or £725 on tailored tuition. It’s possible to come for the Celestial Navigation only.
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. New for 2017 is a revised tidal section exploring tidal influences. Evenings & Saturdays; January 11, 14, 18th, February 1, 8 & 15th, March 1, 8, 11, 15, & 22nd + 1 to be arranged
RYA DAY SKIPPER A popular starting point for many. Same Course for Sail or Power. Maximum 8 to a class and located in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Included is a half day visit to the School boat. Cost £425.
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 £595 (£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
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)
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). 31st March, 2nd & 6th May
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. 2017; April 2 – 7th (provisionally), May 7 – 12th (Only 1/2 spaces left), June 16 – 21st (provisionally), July 23 – 28th 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. April 2 – 7th (provisionally), May 7 – 12th (Only 1/2 spaces left), June 16 – 21st (provisionally), July 23 – 28th ‘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
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
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
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
Angles on Parallel Rules
Have you ever wonder what the slanted lines on one edge of your parallel rules are for?
They measure angles, for example (see image); to draw a line at 65º place this edge on a meridian of longitude. On the same meridian place the ‘S’ letter, whilst tilting the rules as shown. That’s all there is to it!
Specialist Courses include;
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 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. Next session, all day; 12th January (Only one place left) Evenings; 9 + 16th March. 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 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. Next session; 7th March Cost £120, plus £9.75 to RYA.
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 £27 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. Next Course 2nd February
Victims (all) at Sea
John Jacobson has Ginitot shown here being lifted out by tractor in wet Netherlands. He had a couple of days sailing in the Markermeer before Ginitot left the water for a winter ashore in Volendam
Jane Brantom ‘I had a tough last minute decision to make in November, a week crewing around Lanzarote or staying home for my Day Skipper class. It was tough call but Lanzarote won and I returned to the class with heaps of practice (and a good holiday!) under my belt. I joined friends of friends on ‘Brighton Belle’ and had a fabulous week discovering ‘accelerator’ winds, the glorious anchorage of Graciosa Island, not to mention the glories of the Oyster 55 and Lanzarote itself. Brighton Belle is a lovely yacht, jointly owned by a club of some 30 people, she is based in Brighton, open to new members and has occasional opportunities for crewing. Have a look at their web site to find out more’ Of course I didn’t begrudge Jane going out to enjoy an Oyster 55 – I just gave her extra homework to bring her back to our ordinary lives! Brighton Belle
Ron & Susan Fraser, on Gianna had a great time in Scandanavia, meeting along the way Paul Common, VHF Assessor, former Commodore RNYC sailing Blue Orchid. Ron is enjoying his retirement and constantly upgrades ‘has baby’, for a re-run in 2017. Returning from Denmark they enjoyed ‘night bathing’ – off watch would remain in the cockpit having a ‘deckhead survey’ whilst on watch had the comfort of ready reference. This helped cope with the big swell out in the open of the North Sea crossing. Mind Ron’s cockpit is a lot bigger than mine!
David Rodgers has been sailing in and around the firth of Clyde ‘on Chyandra, pronounced Shy-an-dra, a beautiful Sparkman & Stephens SHE 32 I bought in Rhu. She was completely refitted by Derek Smith during the last 8 years and sails like a dream. I have had instruction from Derek [an 83 year young ex-naval man]’.
The boat has rather attractive lines and came complete with a 13 page document on how Derek came to buy her and refit, with his wife’s help. Included was teak from the stage floor of the Alhambra theatre in London.
David usually sails by himself (he smokes….) and was caught out in a 30knot wind. Why didn’t you put the engine on to get back to Rhu? I asked. No, he wanted to sail.
North East Maritime Trust
Formed in 2005 to make a positive contribution to the renewal of interest in traditional activities on the Tyne
Restoration is under way and has taken place on several boats which can be followed North East Maritime Trust
Here you can see work in progress and it is hoped that more can be seen in action on the water in years to come. Wouldn’t it be a great experience to see, and sail, these newly restored boats, alive again on the Tyne and out at sea!
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.
For more information contact me via my web page
Sail Safely the RYA Way
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