Northumbria Sailing
The Leading Provider of Sail Cruising Courses in North East England
January Newsletter
‘To young men contemplating a voyage I would say Go’ – Joshua Slocum, author & round the world sailor 10 from 2018
Looking back over the year, and it seems the years go by so quickly since I started Northumbria Sailing in 2010, the event which stands out the most is the success of Phil, Peter x 2, and Mike in their Yachtmaster Coastal examinations. A great achievement indeed!
Also high on my List was the Dutch Adventure where five of us, Tom, Phil, again, Oran, Steve and myself took on the Ijsselmeer in a 1930’s traditional Dutch yacht, all of 15 metres with few easy handling aids so heavy ropes and sails were the order of the day. We learnt a lot.
Finally I was able to acquire a demonstration diesel engine, gain my RYA Diesel Engine Instructor’s qualification and start the RYA Diesel Engine Day Course.
Also big for 2018 was having three Yachtmaster Ocean candidates, Jonathan, Liz and Rob gain their ‘top of the mast’ RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualification.
On the RYA Theory front I am pleased to say One2Ones can now be done in the comfort of The Lock café at Royal Quays.
The Hallberg Rassy school boat, as ever, needed regular maintenance and the re-upholstering was completed. Also needed was a replacement for the furling gear, dinghy and purchase of a new outboard engine.
As in previous years I look back and select 10 special times, or articles, for my memories. I set them out in no special order;
No 1 – 4 New Yachtmasters
A very hearty congratulations to 4 new Yachtmasters! Also thanks to the Examiner, Richard, for enduring a gruelling four days checking out victims and putting them through their paces.
To the right we see 5 Yachtmasters, L to R; myself, new YM Peter Mac (he’s Scottish), Richard, Examiner, Peter again, new YM and with the biggest smile Mike (probably because he’s so surprised he passed!)
Below for three Yachtmasters, L to R, Steve Instructor, Richard again and new YM Phil, who was asked whether he would do some crewing (I think that gave him an extra lift, until he realised it was probably due to his culinary skills onboard)
Examiner Richard has the last word; ‘The photos on the Newsletter look good, albeit I look decidedly more tired and windswept on the second after the 4 days’.
No 2 – The Strange Case of SS Warrimoo
The passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was quietly knifing its way through the waters of the mid-Pacific on its way from Vancouver to Australia. The navigator had just finished working out a star fix and brought the Master, Captain John Phillips, the result. The Warrimoo’s position was LAT 00º 31′ N and LONG 179º 30′ W. The date was 31st December 1899.
“Know what this means?” First Mate Payton broke in, “We’re only a few miles from the intersection of the Equator and the International Date Line”.
Captain Phillips was prankish enough to take full advantage of the opportunity for achieving the navigational freak of a lifetime. He called his navigators to the bridge to check and double check the ships position. He changed course slightly so as to bear directly on his mark, and then he adjusted the engine speed. The calm weather and clear night worked in his favour.
At mid-night the SS Warrimoo lay on the Equator at exactly the point where it crossed the International Date Line! The
consequences of this bizarre position were many:
The bow of the ship was in the Southern Hemisphere and in the middle of summer.
The stern was in the Northern Hemisphere and in the middle of winter.
The date in the bow (forward) part of the ship was 31st December 1899.
In the aft part it was 1st January 1900.
This ship was therefore not only in two different days, two different months, two different years and two different
seasons, but it was also in two different centuries – all at the same time!
From Andy Large; ‘assuming the ship had come to a stop, if you were mid-ships on the SS Warrimoo standing looking over the port side and then wandered over to the starboard side, that gives a couple more combinations as well, given the ship has width and straddles what is mapped as a dimensionless line…‘
No 3 – The Dutch Adventure
A great week for the five of us. Venturing to Makkum, of all places, were Tom, Oran, Steve & Phil together with myself to sail this traditional Dutch flat bottomed boat. All of 15 metres length and big on the beam too, we took one look at her and thought ‘Cripes, what have we let ourselves in for?’ A fussy owner was there too watching every early step. We had expert instruction though as part of the deal and Jan showed us the shallow waters of the IJsselmeer on a windy Sunday when lots of other boats were ‘in the way’. We gained in expertise and confidence, although nothing compared to the expertise we observed of Dutch skipper’s large boat handling in very confined spaces. No bumps, several beers and a final channel which seemed to ‘have widened’ since our departure nearly a week ago.
No 4 – A Stitch in Time
Scotland in June! A whole week without rain and the sun shining on us as we sailed between Skye and the mainland. In fact I never got to set foot on Skye, the same as the circumnavigation last year. I have put this to rights though with an August train trip up there, for the trainspotters.
Some repairs were needed to prevent the UV strip on the jib completely detaching and so Eric and I set to work whilst we were at our mooring in Loch Shieldaig. In another part of the loch we were 50 metres from shore and in 120 metres depth of water! Eric and I did the best we could and informed the charterers, Alba Sailing, of our handiwork.
No 5 – Jack’s the Lad
Jack Lowe’s aim in life is to visit all the RNLI stations and take a photograph of it’s crew. Not in a normal way for Jack though – he wants to take them using original methods and glass plates.
Jack took my VHF Course and this image belies his real character – larger than life and noisy! Have a look – Lifeboat Station Project
No 6 – Very Rough Tyne
28th February and the Inshore Waters forecast was ‘Very Rough’ sea state. I heard Tyne VTS (Traffic Control) say to a vessel requesting entry that the swell was 6m and first they would need to be assured of their ability to enter! I must say conditions were as bad as I have ever seen, but Port of Tyne proudly state that they were still able to provide a service. Port of Tyne Battles Beast from the East. The day before I heard Seaham Harbour refuse entry to two vessels saying ‘stay safe at sea’. The danger is to come in what seems a very short journey, but has resulted in many deaths.
In the notorious Fastnet Disaster in 1979, where 15 yachtsmen lost their lives, the wave height was estimated at some 12m (40-44 feet) Fastnet Report
Why was I listening? I was on the School yacht preparing for the first practical on 5th March. Very early this year.
No 7 – Towing Time
Whilst sailing in the Clyde and outside Ardrossan harbour we received a request for help from a yacht, Sunflower, who had engine problems. Mike is at the helm here as we towed her in. They were an Irish crew delivering a newly purchased boat to Ireland.
We never made it there but I hope they did without any more mishaps.
No 8 – Ashes to Water
My friend and sailing colleague Terry, see July Newsletter, died a few months ago and I received a request for his ashes to be scattered at sea. From where Terry lived, with Anne, he could see down the river and out to the pier ends at Tynemouth, so it was appropriate that it was done out there.
Thus Anne, and Terry’s daughters Sarah, Lorna & Charlotte were ferried out to sea with myself and Rob as crew. Anne gave me a ‘helpful’ reminder of the sail we had together, the three of us in my previous boat, a 21 footer. Both Anne and I were seasick so it was left to Terry to lead us through. On this occasion it was Terry’s turn to leave a mess on the side deck. Afterwards during The Lock party my wife, Maureen, asked ‘do you want this done to you?!’
I recently featured a wedding celebration, now ashes scattering and so, next, I will be looking for a heavily pregnant woman
No 9 – Mario’s Virgin Skipper Sail
Mario finally took the plunge taking his virgin skippering on the Clyde out of Largs. His Polish crew didn’t look too good at the end of it though! Mario had Storm Ali to contend with but still visited Port Bannatyne, Lochranza and Tarbert in great sailing conditions. As you can see, he has the hat now, but may need a larger size appropriate to a skipper! I had a good debrief with Mario and praised him for his good decisions and ability to rectify boat defects.
No 10 – Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
South Shields Dalek
The Navigation light on the Herd Groyne shows the correct line into the Tyne and has a complicated characteristic. I have often wondered how a faint white light suddenly became very bright, but apparently this is arranged by a second light.
For this clarification I am grateful to Alan McPherson from the Port of Tyne – he who must be obeyed concerning the Rules of the Road in the river, which recently boasted the highest annual vessel tonnage for 50 years. Watch out and keep to starboard when you are in the river Tyne.
Over to Alan; ‘The Herd Groyne is a 3 sector light (green, white and red) and is an occulting phase every 10 seconds (occulting means that the light is on longer than it is off, whereas flashing is off longer than on). The lighthouse was built in 1882. The sectors are around the white light, which is centred on 249º. The white sector is 5º arc (from 246.5 to 251.5º). To the north there is a green sector and, to the south of the white, a red sector. The white sector will take you through the centre of the piers. The light is such that entry to the port is best in the white and green sectors (as this ensures you remain on the starboard side of the channel).
These lights are powered by a single bulb, with red and green shades inside the lighthouse. In addition to this, the white sector is also supplemented by a single white PEL (Port Entry Light) light, which is synchronised with the bulb. This means that the white light is visible in daytime. The PEL light was installed in 1999 when the High and Low Lights ceased’.
Last month I met Malcolm, back in England complete with cough, for an update.
Galapago, his 62 foot Oyster is parked in Palma, Mallorca, for the winter. Here is the opportunity for a refit and reflection. Crossing Biscay on the way down was straightforward and he compares Galapago with Lian for sailing performance. Whilst skippering Lian he was impressed by her seaworthiness and considers Galapago also to be such a sailboat, only bigger of course, 62 to 36 feet in comparison.
Some repairs date from the journey, others part of her preparation for the future as a charter boat. Storms he found a plenty in the Med, some seriously so. Leaving near Rome Malcolm heard; ‘Captain, I suggest you wait an extra day’, advice ignored and the consequences memorable.
Time in the Med was without the dolphins which were constant companions on the way down, and he spent 50:50 anchoring, for free, and expensive marinas e.g. Soller, Mallorca at €300/night. Crowded conditions in July and August and once his big anchor was dislodged by the French resulting in an alarming drag. Crewseekers often provided crew, some 12-15 with only one bad?, and he can recommend them. Realistically priced diesel, not €1.80 in Italy, had to be sought out but fresh water no problem. Tangier will never be revisited. The beautiful marina was 90% empty, staff helpful, but officialdom a nightmare. Endless waits, forms and boat searches meant that Malcolm was pleased to endure 40knots just outside to scuttle over to Gibraltar.
The App navily was invaluable at booking a marina space whilst outside and identifies anchoring opportunities, of which there are plenty out there.
For 2019 Galapago will be available for skippered charter of a luxury nature, operating out of Palma, Mallorca. Apart from catering, lots of ‘toys’ jet skis, jet surfs, you name it they will get it will be laid on for customers. Anyone seeking this luxury life, a group of 4 minimum, could contact Malcolm direct on malcolm@nuchido.com (Mention my Newsletter and he might even give you a special price!) Son Tom, actually possessing higher qualifications than his Dad, will be on hand to assist and entertain.
In this new section I will explore my archives over the coming months, taking a ‘handle’ from the columnist who regurgitates his or her past column, amending suitably to taste and memory. I will start off with;
The Greatest Traveller
First we should define what we mean by ‘Greatest Traveller’. For instance there was Michael from Melrose ‘It’s all horses in these parts’ when quizzed by me as to whether there was a closer VHF provider, travelled 58 miles each way twice i.e. 232 and his wife the same for a two evening VHF Course.
Kay cycled both ways from Wylam for a Saturday Course.
Much, much further were Helen and Tom , English – Chinese interpreters from Hong Kong who came for a 5 day course, but had a holiday home in Holy Island. (3rd & 5th from left)
Or do I mention the two Russians Konstantin, (back row, far right) and Alexander who live 1,000 miles EAST of Moscow and came specially for a 5 day Course.
Into this year I have Eric from Kent travelling up for a two day Course, but coupling this with visiting a relative. Then we come to Simon who did a whole evening class travelling 51 miles each way for 13 sessions – after a day’s work too! In the 2018 autumn class he came by motor bike until one evening he had an argument with a car and his wife banned him from biking in December. 1,325 miles it should have been but, net of crash, 1,225. It got him out of washing up though. Who would you choose? Lian in the Boatyard
Last month I was anxious to have the boat lifted out for early winter maintenance. With RQ’s Mark we were capably lifted out and set up for the winter.
Indeed, by the time I arrived home the invoice was already on my computer and, in the same vein, it was paid that day. Liz King in Storms
Liz has just completed her Ocean Qualifying passage prior to her Oral Examination in a week’s time, with the same Examiner as Rob and hopes to follow him as Ocean Yachtmaster. Liz is a very experienced ocean sailor but this passage took her by surprise. From North West Spain to Madeira she reports;
‘Whoa!!! Back in “civilization” if you can count a volcano in eastern Atlantic as civilization. Currently moored in Porto Santo near Madeira after a rough, 700no crossing. 5m swell and F7 – phew… Amazing sleigh ride. We spent my birthday racing south to escape the “rough/very rough” sea states. All pales into insignificance after the first beer…
After a horrible, uncomfortable and frankly dangerous night, at 03.00hrs we decided to leave our alongside berth in Porto Santo harbour and go and anchor in the middle of the basin. A manoeuvre made even more exciting by the gearbox deciding to jam in reverse…!!!!’ Mine in 2012 from Spain to the Canaries was a lot easier. Northumbria Sailing Adventures
For these adventures 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, Amsterdam, Skye circumnavigation and traditional sailing on the IJsselmeer.
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.
Farnes and Forth in June 2019
Spurred by my attempts last year to see the Farnes, for which I bought a new outboard engine, and John Taylor’s exploits, see below, I am looking to take Lian up that way next summer. If the weather is right, then this could be a great Adventure as the tides will be favourable then. Using the school boat has the advantage of keeping the costs down and enjoying the stability and luxury of a Hallberg Rassy. Cost £425 Provisional dates; June 15 – 22nd Kintyre & Crinan Adventure in May 2019
A stunning Adventure round the Mull, going through the notorious Corryvrechan and relaxing in the Crinan canal. This will be one you will remember for a very long time.
If all goes to plan, and understandably it’s an ‘if’, we are aiming to set off from Largs on 11th May on passage for; picturesque Lochranza – sheltered Campbeltown – the notorious Mull of Kintyre – whisky Islay – Colonsay Island – Corryvrechan (outside whirlpool time) – the idyllic Crinan Canal – the narrow Kyles of Bute & then finally Largs.
The chartered yacht is 13 metres in length, commissioned in 2010
May 11 – 18th with costings depending upon the berth and from £625. (FULL)
I hope you enjoy this Newsletter and you can ask me to e-mail it to you monthly 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
In my day there was a choice between an evening class or correspondence and I actually did my Day Skipper Theory twice. First by correspondence and later by evening class as I wasn’t convinced that I knew the subject as well as I wanted, even though I had passed.
The Local Authority Evening Class had a cost subsidy so was cheap, but a large class, perhaps 20+, and set in school. The large number prevented the instructor from giving personal attention and proceeded at a set pace and it was up to you to keep abreast, or fall away. Over two terms as well, the class seemed to go on forever and was a real struggle to go out on a November evening into a basic, school, setting.
The Local Authority classes seem to have expired leaving, realistically, class, private or online. The RYA is developing a part online Course as an option and some schools provide their own version.
You can now choose which suits you best and factors you may wish to consider are:
If you live so far away you will probably only have the online option or a residential Fastrack
There are some subjects which, in my opinion, are difficult to learn online. Chartwork principally, but also tides and time zones. I have seen many instances of the correct answer being produced with chartwork, but quite the wrong drawing.
Online multi choice, as one victim put it ‘I could see that by clicking an option I would be allowed through, but couldn’t understand why’.
Most of my victims haven’t done anything like this for many years and need time to assimilate together with explanation, not just given another paper to try.
Learning in company creates friendships, crewing opportunities, and a bit of laughter
I have a warm and comfortable room in a modern building in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne with unrestricted street car parking at hand
Learning in Luxury
Here’s Rodney clearly enjoying his tuition in excellent surroundings. Where? – The Lock café at Royal Quays, where he can have his capuccino and snack lunch whilst taking his RYA Day Skipper Theory with myself. He’s just the first of a number waiting for similar treatment, a real luxury during inclement winter months. Next in line are Craig and Diamuid (Dermot)
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. Next class starts January THE RYA PLAN TO LAUNCH AN UPDATED COURSE IN JANUARY. ANYONE PREFERRING TO TAKE/RE-TAKE THE EXISTING SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPSRYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £450 for class & £650 tailored tuition. You need a good knowledge of this Course before being tested by the RYA Examiner. Since the Course was re-written by Chris Slade, one of my RYA Inspectors, it’s a lot more challenging, but relevant. Winter Class; Wednesday evenings & two Saturdays; January 9, 16, & 30th February 6, 9, 13 & 27th March 6, 13, 16, 20, 27 & 28th (limited space available)
RYA DAY SKIPPER A popular starting point for many. Same Course for Sail or Power. 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. Winter Evening/Saturday Class; January 14, 19, 21 & 28th February 4, 11 & 25th March 4, 9, 11, 18 & 25th
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; 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, recently replaced, bunk cushions you will be well set up to handle whatever may come your way. Courses are fully inclusive, except for a kitty contribution towards drinks onshore.
PRACTICAL CREWING My version of RYA Competent Crew. Three days, 0930-1700hrs onboard for up to four. 4:1 private tuition and you will be up to the Comp Crew standard. No experience necessary. Cost £275, weekday only. Next Courses; April 24-26th (FULL), May 7 – 9th
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 £60 weekday & £70 weekend. May 20th. Yes, describing it as a “taster” is an understatement. It was a practical and thoroughly excellent training day. It’s a credit to your skill and confidence to take two complete novices to sailing at sea out into force 7+ and make it feel so easy. Your training plan and instruction was just right and delivered with clarity and a sense of humour which quickly removed any tension. I know Peter had as much fun as I did and we both came away with a heightened enthusiasm. – David
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 £595. 31st March – 5th April and June 9 – 14th, provisionally; August 7 – 12th. Course ReviewRYA 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 £625. Next Courses; 31st March – 5th April and June 9 – 14th. Provisionally; August 7 – 12th. ‘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 COASTAL SKIPPER PRACTICAL The ‘top of the range’ RYA practical course providing greater challenges to get you up to the standard to skipper a cruising yacht safely by day and night. A sample requirement for chartering a yacht on the Clyde; ‘Skippers must hold/be experienced RYA Coastal practical or Yachtmaster practical when sailing within the Clyde. Outwith the Clyde – Yachtmaster practical’. Cost £625 Jonny Colwell gives a detailed review of his YM ExaminationRYA 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.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE (ICC) This can be done on the same course as Day Skipper/Competent Crew. Cost £625 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 ICC Guidance Northumbria Sailing on Video
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
Royal Quays Friday & Gosport One Day Later!
Bet you didn’t know how fast the school boat Lian is??
Have a look at this screenshot of the AIS taken one day after I had left the boat in Royal Quays, North Shields.
An important reminder as to the accuracy of AIS. One of two things could have happened as the Gosport position was clearly wrong. Either the signal had been ‘spoofed’ or misreported.
In the case of the latter some explanation of how AIS operates is needed. The AIS signal is picked up by the operator allocated a sector and this is relayed to the central computer. There are several web sites but Marine Traffic, based in Athens, is the leader. Click for more information. Marine Traffic GQ
It would seem this has been misreported somehow and was corrected when next turned on. The misreport was probably the Gosport sector as I know the local guy, a victim, and it wasn’t him. Or perhaps I was just trying to mislead wife as to my whereabouts Specialist Courses
RYA VHF This important Course is available in class, online 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. Cost £115 plus £60 for the RYA. Next Course; Evenings; January 11+18th. Also available One to One at £180 and online at £85 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio and RYA Online VHF video
CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £25
RYA DIESEL ENGINE
A Volvo Penta 2003 marine diesel engine will be used for demonstrations and you will get several chances to try your hand at changing filters etc.
The Course is for beginners and will show the simple maintenance tasks you are can do yourself to help maintain your engine in working order. The RNLI has complained that most of call outs are from engine failure where simple tasks have not been performed. Your rescuing lifeboat may make firm suggestions if this is found to be the case. Cost £120 plus £10 for the RYA Pack. Maximum 6 persons. Next Session; 22nd March RYA Diesel Engine
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 £28.50 (includes instruments) for the RYA Pack. Online Navigation
A section to draw attention to accidents and what we can learn from them
Cloudesley Shovell (1650-1707)
*oil on canvas
*127 x 101.5 cm
*March 1702 – January 1705
Britain’s Biggest Naval disaster
1707 saw a legendary tragedy where over 1500 seamen lost their lives.
Sir Cloudesley Shovell, the Admiral of the Fleet, was returning to England from action against the French in the siege of Toulon. Approaching home waters a meeting was called onboard his flagship, HMS Association, to consider exactly where they were. The majority opted for just off Ushant, but a lone voice claimed they were three hours sailing off the Isles of Scilly. The majority view was accepted and the fleet of about seven ships sailed straight into the Scillies, a notoriously difficult area. Many ships were lost, together with over 1500 seamen. HMS Association reportedly went down in four minutes, with all 800 hands and Sir Cloudesley.
In those days, of course, there was no GPS and ships had to rely on Deduced Reckoning and it was also suggested they had forgotten about compass variation (These were the days well before Northumbria Sailing!).
A full report can be checked out here. Scillies Shipwreck.
Peter Fall looks like making a remarkable change of direction with acquiring Onyva, a Linnsen Dutch Sturdy 380 currently on the Canal du Midi; ‘This is our new holiday home in the South of France. Two double cabins, two en-suite heads (with electric flushing loos!) dining area, galley, saloon, in and outside steering positions, teak decks including a sizable aft sitting area. On the technical size she has twin Volvo 129bhp engines, heating, air-con, radar and chart plotter and on the ‘facilities side’ 2 bikes, portable elec. generator, jet wash, etc etc. Well kitted out. A whole different world to Arabesque and the North Sea.
Our plan is to sail her up through the French canals to the English Channel over the next 3 years. After that, who knows but there’s a lot of European inland waterways from the channel to the Black Sea.’
Peter plans to keep Arabesque for a while.
Richard and Angus had a lot of prep before taking their wives off on a holiday with them. Sounds like it was worth it though; ‘Just to say thanks from Richard and I, for our couple of days on the Tyne.
It set us up well for our Greek Flotilla holiday. We survived the Kefalonia earthquake and 24 knot winds.’
Colin Graham seems to have deserted the yachtie world and gone over completely to fishing, and in a big way.He and his family are well remembered for the frantic time we had together on a 5 day RYA Course. One of his boats is Blueye and I can follow his posts on Facebook, for example; ‘Fishing gear tagged – hopefully the Navy leave moi alone down time only cost ya – new fishing regs for 2019 all undersize fish except codlings & few others I think – has to be landed dead or alive fecken disgrace expect us to front it out our quota it’s like saying to taxi driver you have to give 20 fares free charge every day or u get fined or jailed – one for anglers to think about sitting there all day 2020 catching cold 😠 well rant owa piers ooooot ⚓️⚓️’ !!
John Williams, who must be one of the most experienced and adventurous sailors residing (sometimes) in the North East, taking over from Scott Cowper, gives his latest report; ‘I’ve just come back from the Middle Sea Race which starts and finishes in Valletta, Malta and takes in the Straits of Messina, an anticlockwise circuit of Sicily and a number of other islands giving a course of a nominal 603 nm length.This year part of the fleet including us, when near the island of Stromboli, were hit at night by squalls involving severe electrical storms. As is usually the case with these things the wind increases very rapidly and also changes direction. Visibility in the violent rain is almost zero, the closeness of the lightning is disorienting and keeping the boat under the mast without involuntary gybing is difficult. Even with the best of intentions and an experienced crew we still lost the A3 (Medium size asymmetric spinnaker). Personally I was glad not to lose the rig. Anyway the reason I mention this is that I see from a recent news item https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-46099803/yacht-fire-rescue-after-thailand-lightning-strike there was a charter yacht in Thailand that was completely destroyed by a fire started by a lightning strike.
I don’t know if any of your readers have been involved in one of these squalls as they are often seen in warm water areas but apart from the obvious of getting the sails down early (our excuse was we were racing and consequently hung onto the big sails far too long) the following US boating site has some useful advice on what precautions the prudent cruiser might take to avoid damage from such strikes https://www.sail-worldcruising.com/n/Ten-Tips-to-prepare-for-a-lightning-strike-on-a-sailing-boat/84108’
Miriam and Phil live onboard their boat in St Peter’s marina and successfully carried out their training course with me. They had some credit left over and seeing as they hadn’t taken their boat out of the marina in the two years since they bought it, I thought I would have a go and help them.
Now their boat, Someday, is a large old yacht, roomy to live in but not the easiest to manoeuvre! With pressed crew Nigel I took extra warps and fenders, but omitting what would have been the most useful, a lead line to check the depth. It was High Water, but neaps, and we grounded just outside the berth. There’s no depth sounder onboard and the draught was uncertain anyway. Don, from the marina, towed us back in. No images here of an RYA Instructor being grounded…
Not to be thwarted we waited a couple of weeks for a springs high water at a civilised time. Nigel hadn’t been put off by the previous antics and he was delegated to check depths using the lead line. This time we were indeed successful and Miriam took the helm and away we went out into the river, up to the Millennium Bridge and back into berth again before the tide sank to perilous levels. Happy days!
Rob Langley – Norway to Iceland – the hard way. Lots of people visit Iceland by Easy Jet nowadays for the stunning scenery, the northern lights, and the city life in Reykjavik – even the beer is surprisingly good. Not many do it by sea, but Rob Langley did, sailing on a 60 foot former Clipper yacht. After studying on the Ocean Theory course with us, Rob went on to pass his celestial navigation exam. This summer he sailed 700 miles from just south of Bodo in Arctic Norway to Seydisfjordur in eastern Iceland, keeping a dead reckoning, taking sun sights and meridian sights with his sextant every day, and plotting his position the old fashioned way. Now he has written up his “Qualifying Passage” and applied for the oral examination to qualify as an Ocean Yacht Master. We wish him success and good luck in the exam and with his future plans to sail across Biscay to the Canaries and the Mediterranean. Rob is now a proud Ocean Yachtmaster, the ultimate accolade
Life on the Ocean WaveJonathan Colwell, Liz King and Rob Langley are all RYA Ocean Yachtmasters, the ‘top of the mast’ as far as sailing is concerned.
All did their theory with myself and then individually took their Ocean Qualifying passages, culminating in an oral examination by an RYA Examiner. This is the route for the aspiring Ocean YM, who will need to be YM Offshore before taking the Passage. The theory can be done anytime, but needs to be remembered of refreshed before seeing the Examiner.
I hope to get an image with all three together at the Sailor’s Dinner next month, which Liz, flatteringly, needs a health warning!
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.
Trevor Jefferson, my Chief Instructor, is very much into yacht delivery these days and has now completed his Med delivery to Corfu. 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. Reader’s Links
A new section featuring links of a maritime interest sent to me.
Peter Chater has found a remarkable way of plugging a failed seacock – with a carrot! Sea Cock Repair
Leah Pattison sent this pic of Scarborough during rough conditions. A great view from the top of the Big Wheel!
Peter Chater sent this one about a fisherman suing as a result of a collision Fisherman Sues
Nigel Hierons saw this news item about a flare Flare in recycling explodes
Franek Richardson sent this Time Lapse
Phil Butler mentions the two women rescued after 5 months at sea in the Pacific.
Stuart Porter took and posted this great dolphin display, quite the best I have seen North Sea Dolphins
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