‘Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats’ – Kenneth Grahame
Friday 13th and Sailing!
No superstitions here from Franek, Roxy and hubbie Graham, Michael and Dad (helming). They should have read my Newsletters and known what to expect. The wind forecast F5-7 went up, up again to Force 7 and gusts of more, indeed a maximum of 48 knots for the day. A Force 5 seemed calm!
It was, indeed, very enjoyable and without incident too. We say goodbye to Franek though – he can work anywhere so he, and his family, are off to Florence in Italy. I’ve been there and it’s a beautiful place. Back then a solicitor friend advised me ‘you won’t get mugged there – they all have more money than you’!. Image courtesy of David Stanley
Lassoo Time
During Day Skipper Theory classes we visit the boat at Royal Quays, have a look around and here we see the Lassoo Challenge. Nigel is shown successfully lassooing a cleat and winning the contest. John from the class also showed us round his boat berthed not far away. Then it was back to the classroom and theory.
Instructor Training
RYA Instructors all possess a time limited ticket which has to be revalidated by taking part in an RYA Course. The Course ensures Instructors are up to date with RYA schemes and way of thinking, as well as checking the Instructor out on capability. It can be a stressful weekend and this is what Steve Lovett has to ‘look forward to’. (and myself eventually).
He’s smiling in this image though, as he is put through his paces by my Chief Instructor Trevor with crew Diane. Not far from this spot Admiral Collingwood, who took over command after Nelson was killed, looks out onto the river. Taking the picture was my image man Mark Batey and we all wish Steve the very best in Largs in November.
Cruise the Tyne
Just look at the size of Cruise ships now coming into the Tyne. In September this has seemed to be almost every night for a week.
It’s big business for the Port of Tyne and also the area. Long may it continue
Boat Show Time
Autumn is Boat Show time with Southampton providing on the water boats to step onboard and nose around.
Victims Orang and Mario accompanied me to check that I didn’t open my wallet. Shown here is the new Hallberg Rassy 34 one of our targets, whilst Mario had a trip on a 70 foot ocean yacht. ‘I couldn’t pull the sail up on my own’ he bleated when faced with the weight of the sails. Young men aren’t made like they used to be!
Back onboard the Hallberg, Orang, who already has the Hallberg Rassy jacket, was faced with cost reality of a new boat, impressive though it was. All ended happily in the Guinness bar serenaded by an excellent singer in Frank Sinatra style. Then back home and to reality…..
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 one to Amsterdam.
Go Dutch in 2018
A fantastic opportunity to sail a 15 metre traditional Dutch flat bottomed boat. Saeftinghe started life in 1930 as a mussel fisher, commandeered by the German army during the War and was converted for cruising in 1997.
Saeftinghe sails out of Makkum in North Holland and we will explore the Friesian Islands and canals. It is not expected to be a strenuous week, nor with high mileage, but the opportunity to sail a very different boat with a lot of space and luxury. Sleeping quarters are all in 5 cabins and bedding is included, as well as cleaning.
On the first morning we will have four hours of tuition on sailing and canal procedure on this beautiful, traditional, boat. Then we shall be free to explore the inland seas and canals. ‘I already did this once together with my wife. On a bigger boat and a larger group. It was brilliant…’ Dutchman Peter
Saturday 30th June to Friday 6th July 2018
The sleeping quarters, for 10, are shown in red and consist of one double cabin plus four, each with bunks directly overhead or projecting. Each berth is £725. Already half of the 10 spaces are spoken for
Have a Drink in Ireland
Northern Ireland is only 22 miles from Scotland at the narrowest Irish Sea Crossing, and I thought it was time this sailing area was explored, as well as the ‘black stuff’.
Immediately after the Easter Bank Holiday we plan to do just that, and have chartered a 2013 built yacht, Scimitar, a Jeanneau 379, sailing out of Largs, a marina with easy access and excellent facilities. The pricing structure is aimed to give a variety of berths costing from £595.
The adventure is likely to appeal to many ability ranges, qualified and unqualified. Sailing holidays, especially in an area of outstanding beauty, give a healthy source of maritime experiences and tales. Instruction will be provided as well as the opportunity to take a role of involvement in planning and execution.
It is not intended to have ‘long hops’, but to enjoy the boat, surroundings, company, food and wine.
Prices are inclusive of berths and fuel, but catering will be done via a ‘kitty’, which was found to be successful in 2017 by providing flexibility. Dates April 4 – 11th. Costings. £595 for a shared berth in an aft cabin, £675 for a v-berth in the forecabin and £695 for one person in the double saloon berth Only the double saloon berth now available
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’
Why an Evening Class?
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 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
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.
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, 24 & 28th March 7, 10, 14, 21 & 28th (LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE)
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. Evenings/Saturdays; January 11, 13, 18, 25th February 1st, 8th & 22nd March 1st, 8, 15, 17th & 22nd
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 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 Next Trip 17th November (maximum 5 customers onboard)
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. April 14 – 19th, May 13 – 18th, 31st July – 5th August & others to emerge 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 £625 April 2018 22 – 27th (FULL), May 13 – 18th, June 3 – 8th, 31st July – 5th August & others to emerge ‘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 April 14 – 19th. This is likely to be the only one available during 2018.
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 (FULL) and 23+24th (to Hartlepool)
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
Who Wears Short Shorts?
There’s always someone and here’s John, having declared he would wear shorts until October, was a first for Northumbria Sailing night sails – wearing shorts and shown here posing in the lock at Royal Quays. A fine pair of legs?…….
Later in the Course he climbed the mast and we all averted our eyes.
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
Rudder Failure
A Dutchman sailing his yacht close to the Needles, Isle of Wight, experienced rudder failure, a serious incident in strong tidal waters with a possible grounding on a shingle bank not far off.
In their powerful BBC series ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ the RNLI filmed their rescue. The casualty set his anchor in an attempt to stop the drift, which he did to some extent, but must have experienced horrendous conditions onboard with all the yawing and rolling. Despite all this he was still able to go to the foredeck and successfully collect the tow line thrown by the lifeboat. This can be seen on Series 2, Episode 7, about 17 minutes into the programme. Saving Lives at Sea One of the first items onboard checked by an RYA Instructor Trainer, in front of myself, was the anchor and whether it could be deployed at a moment’s notice. The anchor may, together with his strong stomach, have saved this casualty’s life.
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. Next sessions; Evenings; November 30th+December 7th. All Day; 18th December 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; 19th January
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.
Accident Alley
A section to draw attention to accidents and what we can learn from them
The Collision between Whispa, a yacht, and Gas Monarch in fog.
Whispa, a 15m yacht, which can be seen berthed in Royal Quays, in 2007 set off in foggy conditions out of Lowestoft heading for home, the Tyne. Travelling south was Gas Monarch and they collided causing damage to Whispa, which was rescued and towed back to Lowestoft. No-one was injured. The ensuing MAIB Report concluded that both vessels were at fault and knowledge of radar was inadequate. Whispa’s skipper believed, in error, that a collision situation was unfolding and a combination of misinterpretation of the COLREGS and badly set radar equipment resulted in the collision with Gas Monarch, whose officer wasn’t keeping a proper watch. (Whispa’s skipper has been invited to comment)
Readers with a good memory will remember my article about myself setting out in fog from Sunderland for the Tyne. In that case I was fully aware of the dangers, had a good crew, radar, AIS and a chart plotter. In addition I know the COLREGS, particularly the tricky Rule 19 for the conduct of vessels in restricted visibility. Whispa & Gas Monarch
Victims (all) at Sea
Bill Hill is an adventurous sailor who regularly sails a variety of areas. This time, part of his week was spent stormbound in the English Channel. Rarely do images show the sea strength, but this is one. Bill is now studying Yachtmaster Ocean Theory and it looks like he has his eyes on the ‘top of the range’ Ocean ticket. An excellent, detailed, report on his trip can be followed on this link. Bill Hill
Peter MacLaren is admired by myself for, despite his advancing years, being determined to achieve his Day Skipper ticket. This he successfully completed last July with my encouragement to go out and test his abilities without anyone more experienced onboard. Here he is at the helm in the Clyde, although Eric is a bit grim faced! Over to Skipper Peter; ‘We are all back in one piece. The weather was a bit marginal at times. Yesterday (Sunday) morning we had a forecast for Tarbert of 17-18 knot winds but when we got out into lower Loch Fyne it was blowing Southerly up to 30 knots with quite big waves so a lot of crashing and banging through it all (just main (2 reefs) + engine) and the crew feeling a bit queasy. (I was helming and at one point managed to fall over and in the confusion my life jacket got inflated.) Anyway we got into the west Kyle on a broad reach and (not having found an opportunity to rig a preventer) tacked our way up, doing a couple of gybes. Then of course we ran out of wind and motored past the ferry then the wind picked up again and we had a really nice sail down the east Kyle, and across the Firth of Clyde back to Largs in a southerly F5 – although when we got to the fuel berth it was westerly. We seemed to get in OK (as you instructed) although we had to berth downwind. Lesson: don’t have a berth next to the fuel berth; we didn’t bump anybody but I am sure it happens!
Friday afternoon we sailed Largs – Port Bannatyne – found helming a wee bit tricky because (as we eventually worked out) with just one reef we had too much sail up, but with two reefs and about 25% of the genoa everything seemed to settle down. For the last mile we were back to full sails and tacked gently in towards the marina. Our original plan was to sail down to Troon on Saturday but due to forecast Southerly and heavy seas we went round the Kyles to Tarbert. We even stopped off to anchor (just for the exercise and a cup of tea) in Kilbryde Bay which seemed to go OK although it was a flat calm so not exactly testing. Tarbert is a nice spot and very sheltered. Dined at the Starfish restaurant.
Conclusions:
- The crew (Marcelo, Eric and my step-son in law, Rob) were very amenable and competent so it was a very happy ship
- I am really pleased to have been blooded as a day skipper – thank you for encouraging me to do that – even though it was just a short trip
- Being skipper is different – you are responsible all the time, even for the mistakes of others, so you can never switch off. Also although you discuss with the crew you have to ultimately make all the decisions and there is nobody leaning over your shoulder to keep you right or reminding you when you forget something. (I know these are rather obvious points but they are now imprinted.)
- We had a couple of slightly hairy moments – (a) not paying attention in the west Kyle we got into shallower water than intended (but fortunately didn’t ground); (b) helming was sometimes a bit difficult and the boat seemed to have a will of its own at times – we even managed an involuntary 360deg turn, but recovered’.
Phil Butler shown here crewing for a delivery from Seahouses to Royal Quays for the winter. Phil is a 2017 Day Skipper and this gave him good sea mileage on an unfamiliar boat.
Next stage for Phil is his Coastal Yachtmaster theory starting in January where he will be joining other existing, and surviving, victims such as Marcelo, Emma, Peter, Greg, Orang and John.
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Chris Robson, who found fame last year in this Newsletter with ‘Where’s Your Ticket?’ took a sailing holiday in South Brittany (where I bought our boat ‘Lian’) and writes; ‘it was great – Trinite, Belle Ile, Groix, Concarneau, Quiberon and Golfe de Morbihan. F6-7 typical – superb sailing all round’ Looks great weather too and I hope he kept off the oysters.
Viktoras Kubaitis, who notably grounded his 22 foot boat at Hartlepool (shown here), didn’t let this put him off and sailed all the way to the Orkneys and back. He writes; ‘I am very proud of myself. We sailed to Kirkwall and back with my Leisure 22.
I have learned and practised a lot with my radio. Unfortunately I have found it usless. As you know usually harbourmasters finish work hours at 17:00 and usually when you are approaching a marina nobody can answer your call ;-)’.
John Jacobson reports; ‘Just back yesterday from the southern Danish fjords where Ginitot will spend the winter. Hope to get back for some more sailing before she goes ashore sometime in October. The plan was to sail across from Holland to north Denmark at the end of July – but the weather was too consistently frightening for what would have been a four day sail and we ended up doing the ‘mast up’ Dutch canals to Delfzil then out to Borkum and Heligoland to Cuxhaven. The latest trip was from Cuxhaven through the Kiel canal and up to Denmark (in short bursts on the sunny days!)’.
Classic Yacht For Sale
Victim Mark Batey is selling his classic yacht Amphora after a couple of years of happy sailing out of Royal Quays. Mark tells me he’s found his Holman 26 easy to sail singlehanded, with a straightforward rig and good seagoing capabilities in a small wooden yacht that looks really pretty. She sleeps two comfortably, but there are berths for four in a cosy cabin that has nearly standing headroom. New genoa, the hull painted and antifouled last winter, and a two cylinder 10hp engine that starts first time. There’s a full write-up in the Apolloduck website, just search there for Amphora. He’s taking the slightly unusual step of downsizing, buying a 23ft trailer sailer to give him the option of exploring cruising grounds away from the north east. Amphora is in great condition for a 1963 boat and is available for £7500. Contact Mark on 07811 255941
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.
New Development by Royal Quays
Cussins is building right next to Royal Quays, overlooking the River Tyne and the disused lock. It has been wasteland for years and I can imagine the new Herb Garden café/restaurant will do well out of it too. Prices start from £174,950 for a 2 bedroomed apartment to £319,950 for a 4 bed Townhouse. Call them on 01665 600800 or email; sales@cussins.com
Reader’s Links
A new section featuring links of a maritime interest sent to me.
Franek Richardson sent this Time Lapse
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