‘I know who you are, but you’ll have to wipe your feet’ – Captain Richard Brown to Prince Albert
Karen’s Wedding Anniversary Fire
It was the day of the Sunderland Airshow, and my husband, Mike, and I were celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary. It was also a long planned reunion with four friends from London, including Paul who had been our best man, and Matthew who had been one of our ushers. Mike dished out lifejackets and a comprehensive safety brief and spirits were high as we all left Royal Quays in our Sigma 362, along with our son Robin, and headed off in the fine weather. What could possibly go wrong ………
We anchored off Whitburn Steel as the airshow was starting and enjoyed some quality catch up gossip. Time for a cup of tea, and Paul’s wife Alex joined me in the cabin. Mike turned on the gas up in the cockpit, and I switched it on at the isolator switch in the aft cabin, lit the gas ring and turned it to low for a second while I filled the kettle. Still chatting away about life, the world and everything I plonked the kettle on the hob to clamp it in place. From nowhere flames leapt high around the kettle. Alex and I stared in horror as I yelled ‘Mike! Fire!’
I’ve always wondered how I would react in such a situation, but found myself to be about the calmest I’ve ever been! In an instant clouds of black smoke were billowing around the cabin and bits of carbon started floating about. So many thoughts went through my mind in that split second (Was the roof lining fire retardant? Was anyone going to panic? What was causing the fire for goodness’ sake???) but the loudest voice in my head was that of Melvyn telling me that my fire blanket was positioned in the wrong place immediately above the hob. Mike and I had acknowledged this at the time, but in true Hartley domestic discord fashion we had not been able to agree on where to move it to, so we’d just left it until we could think of a better solution. The fire blanket!! A quick yank of the pull cord nearest to me and I had the blanket. I shook it out, and placed it over the flames. I turned to find Alex with a fire extinguisher at the ready – she’d clearly listened to the safety brief and knew where to find one. Gas off at all three points, and a quick peek under the blanket showed that the flames were just about out. The culprit had been a folded piece of plastic non-slip matting which must have been stuck to the bottom of the kettle and had remained unnoticed even while I was filling it. Hatches were opened for a bit to dispel the smoke, and there was stoical acknowledgement all round that Diet Coke or bottled water would have to suffice.
In hindsight, I have learnt two lessons. The first is to give a clear instruction, ie Fire! At the cooker! Mike pointed out afterwards that from his perspective the fire could have been coming from either the engine or the cooker as he could see the clouds of smoke but I hadn’t been specific. The second lesson is to take good advice when it is given. The fire blanket has now been replaced, and relocated…..
We went on to thoroughly enjoy the delights of the Red Arrows, the Spitfire and the Typhoon. A couple of hours of Karen versus the carbon later in the week eliminated all evidence of the fire. A fabulous, memorable day all round!
Mark and his Fish
Mark is a keen fisherman, especially off someone else’s boat. Whenever Mark comes onboard also comes his request to put a line out and fish. Not the ideal sport for skippers afraid of line wrapping around the propeller.
Mark, crew, had made the request of Mark, skipper of Amphora, enroute to see the Tall Ships at Blyth and two mackerel were the result.
Now Mark crew has another distinction, loosely connected with fish. He is the last person to witness myself ‘feeding the fish’ off Maryport quite some years ago. Never set off without breakfast at 4am on a dank morning!
Boom Push Day Skippers
Brendan, Glen, Emma and Pauline (who couldn’t reach) all try to move the boom over when the preventer was attached – unsuccessful, as was the intention, of course.
Late September saw the best weather I have ever had during this month. We all had a great time and are even being followed, as I write, by another 5 day Course, this time skippered by Don Gunton. They are having a very windy time but, as the wind is offshore, the sea state could hardly be bettered.
Sailor’s Evening 20th October
Chief Instructor Trevor had the sailors laughing with his ‘Confessions of a Sailing Instructor’. Can we follow that? Come along for 7.30pm on 20th October to the Corner House, Heaton, Newcastle. A time to reflect on the season, spin some yarns and have a beer. Subjects to include; Ice Cold in Antarctic, Rowing Round Britain (or 4 men in a Boat), Orkneys, Fair Isle & Shetlands and The Examiner’s Lot is not a Happy One.
End of Season Sail
A two day trip, to Hartlepool and back, 23 & 24th November is planned. This will test the new heating unit! Cost £125. We aim to be in port by 3pm both days
2017 for the Hebrides in a 46 foot yacht
Let me know of your interest in a sailing adventure next June. I am proposing chartering a large yacht just north of Oban and heading towards the Hebrides. If there’s enough interest I would charter for two weeks to give the chance of visiting the world heritage island of St Kilda. I could do a crew changeover at Stornoway after one week.
Amsterdam could be for you in 2017
A trip on ‘Lian’ for mileage and easy access, not to mention the delights of a thriving city. Probably early July but I’m assessing interest
Why an Evening Class?
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
Why not Online?
One victim was very impressed saying ‘even at 2am I was getting a reply to my exercises’. This made me suspicious and further investigation revealed that questions were ‘marked’ by ‘refer to para xx in the notes’ which struck me as an automated response and not an actual identification of where the error lay.
For some though there is no class alternative, a pity nevertheless. A lady from north Northumberland had to be advised not to be driving home after my evening class! Could she have done a weekend crammer? Possibly, but Courses should be a minimum of 40 hours in duration and, in my experience, students should be ‘at running speed’ i.e. young and in learning mode. As an RYA Examiner put it ‘the brain is fried after 3 days’.
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. Evenings & Saturdays; January 11, 14, 18 & 25th, February 1, 8 & 15th, March 1, 8, 11, 15, & 22nd
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 £395. Evenings & Saturdays Course; October 3, 10, 17, 31st, November 5, 7, 14, 21, 28th, December 3, 5, & 12th (LATE CANCELLATION) also January 9, 16, 21, 23, 30th, February 6, 11, 13th, March 6, 13, 20 & 27th (The autumn evening classes are full)
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) May 3, 4 & 5th
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 Trip; October 19th for diehards.
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 23 – 28th (only 2/3 places left) & May 14 – 19th Course Review
THE MAY SESSION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO LADIES
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 23 – 28th (only 2/3 places left) & May 14 – 19th. ‘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 YouTube
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
A Tidal North Sea
When crossing the North Sea take into account the tidal streams.
As can be seen here in the Tidal Stream chart, using Dover as a reference point, High Water there shows a strong flood meeting an opposing, but weak, ebb.
Co-Tidal and Co-Range charts, not shown, e.g. Admiralty 5057-59 are used to predict tidal times and heights. In the north of the area shown the tidal range is 1m or less but in the area of the Dover Strait distinctly more. These ‘Co’ charts refer to the time of the Moon’s meridian passage at Greenwich!! Not the sort of calculation to be done when at sea.
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, across two evenings, 11 & 18th October. 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 Course December 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. This is an infrequent Course and another session may not be available until the autumn.
Señora Arrives in Sunderland
Señora has now been delivered to Sunderland and work commenced on the restoration with the aim to complete by the time the Tall Ships come in 2018. See how they are getting on Señora Trust
Congratulations Ocean Yachtmaster
Well done Mick Brown on having just attained his Ocean Yachtmaster ticket. In case anyone thinks I do Ocean qualifying trips, Mick did his YM Ocean theory with me and boat handling with Don. Mick coped well with the Celestial Navigation part of the syllabus. Of all the RYA theory subjects, this is the most demanding.
‘Delighted to report that my Azores trip went like clockwork 1200 miles in 8 days I got a morning sun sight meridian sight an afternoon sun sight and was able to plot them all with 2 runs between. Very happy with the fix. Planned star shots but cloud came over.
Oral exam went very well and I passed! thanks for your excellent tuition’.
Victims (all) at Sea
Peter Fall of Arabesque & Steve Leadbitter of Corinth Mistral having a conflab in Royal Quays lock. I hope I’m not the subject for discussion!
Tim Edwards reports on his charter in the Med; We had a great sailing holiday on a 33ft Jeanneau.
I only had three problems. Two concerned lazylines – a text book slipping at the very start on day 1 but quickly finding I was still attached to the lazy line at the bow! The second was reversing a considerable distance around pontoons to get to the final mooring at the very end on the last day and managing to snag my keel on a lazy line of another yacht. No damage done though! The third problem was the dingy outboard motor that my 18 year old had secured to the plate on the stern rails. I failed to double-check the tightness. Unfortunately, whilst performing a controlled gybe, the motor demonstrated that it needed to be “ultra g-clamped” to prevent it sliding off into 120 metres of sea! That cost me 250 Euros insurance excess.
Other than that, all went very well
Rob Langley sailed across the North Sea with victim Peter Fall on Pendragon, a Najad 37, and two others, on the left. Rob’s family will be joining them soon with son, and current victim, Richard Langley. Rob reports; ‘the Oslo fjord is 60 miles of sheltered waters, make a great cruising ground for Northumbria Sailing’
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