‘I was born in the breezes, and I had studied the sea as perhaps few men have studied it, neglecting all else’ – Joshua Slocum
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.
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New Security for City Marina
The marina now consists of x5 cameras and one of which is a thermal imaging camera which detects any heat signature.
If any person enters over the Quayside barrier, an alarm will trigger to our CCTV operator (Protector Group) to which the tannoy system is activated.
We also have a trip system connected to our footbridge and gate so If any person was to jump over and trigger the alarm, an operator will activate the tannoy system also.
My Practical Sailing Season was underway with the training of the NE1 staff, a lovely day in early March after some dreadful weather
Boat Explosion Witnessed by YM Theory Victim
Phil Butler, currently in a class studying Yachtmaster Theory, thought he was on a holiday away from boats; ‘We recently had a week’s break with the children in Costa Adeje in Tenerife. Our apartment was on the 4th floor of hotel complex overlooking the sea near Puerto Colon which was about a mile away. I was used to watching the leisure boats whizzing around the buoys each day but on one occasion when I returned to the balcony from the pool I saw a small trail of black smoke near the coastline. It was coming from a small leisure vessel less than 7m and I could also see a pin prick of flame. The vessel was facing my direction bow on and all of a sudden with 3 – 6 seconds a huge fireball erupted. I was too far away to see the reaction of the occupants but I can only imagine that they leaped for their lives. I then saw a small yacht less than 12m come to the scene together with a RIB. I later learn’t the occupants were rescued. I then watched as the vessel continued to burn intensely until it sank in the bay. I have to say I was extremely surprised by the velocity of the eruption and the intensity of the fire. It showed to me that importance of wearing a lifejacket as all you could do in that situation would be to leap over the side immediately. You wouldn’t have time to look for fire extinguishers, the explosion was that sudden.’ Boat Explosion
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Farnes in Nesting Season
A four day trip to share the delights of north Northumberland, almost on our doorstep.
We aim to set off from Royal Quays on the morning of 20th June onboard Lian and return later on during Saturday 23rd. Exploration, anchoring and berthing in interesting, and often tricky, places will be the priority as opposed to mileage. There will be an opportunity for a swim! whilst I stay onboard on boat watch…….
Nesting season is June and you can expect to see hundreds if not thousands of birds. Novices and experienced are welcome, and any novices will be provided with a safety talk before 20th in order that we can get an early start, if appropriate. Cost £250 or two in the forecabin for £400. 20 – 23rd One place left
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
Under Examination
A request came from Fiona Dando of North East Yacht Surveys to be her invigilator whilst she takes a Boat Surveyor’s examination for advanced qualifications.
Lots of interesting defects for her to identify, and myself to learn from, and I hope she will pass with colours flying from the mast.
Shown here is the room where I first started teaching, nearly 8 years ago! There was only room for four victims and now I can take about 10 in a larger room, well placed on the ground floor. Nice and cosy at this time of the year too.
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
Short Handed Berthing
The key to successful berthing is the proper use of the midships cleat. If you haven’t one it’s often possible to rig a similar arrangement via a winch. I remember doing this with my first yacht, a 21 foot Corribee named Destiny. Little did I know then that my own destiny was to be a sailing instructor and to run a sailing school!
First rig a strong, shortish, warp to the cleat with an open end or loop, depending on whether you have crew able to step off onto the pontoon.
Then motor up enabling the crew to secure the warp to the pontoon cleat (encircled in red). Put into gear and steer away from the pontoon and leave in gear. The stern will come into the berth, you can leave the helm and put in place the stern warp and finally the bow. Practise!
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; Daytime; 20th March, Evenings; February 19+26th 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. Cost £120, plus £9.75 to RYA. All Day; 16th March
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 £28.50 (includes instruments) to the RYA Online Navigation
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
Clipped on yachtsman went overboard and died
During the Clipper Round the World in November 2017 a crew was clipped onto the jackstay and yet this failed to hold him. As a consequence he fell overboard and could not be recovered in time.
A safety issue identified during the investigation was that the hook on the end of the crew’s tether had become caught under a deck cleat, resulting in a lateral loading that was sufficient to cause the hook to distort and eventually release. Failed Harness .
Cheeki Rafiki again. The re-trial of the owners of the yacht has just begun
Victims (all) at Sea
Malcolm Young now has his 62 foot Oyster berthed in Royal Quays, close to my own boat and opposite Ron Fraser of Gianna, hitherto about the smartest boat in the marina. Ron is so pleased…..Malcolm has a great and luxurious yacht which he sailed up from Lymington on the south coast last month. Not the best time of the year to do a UK delivery trip but the boat did 11+ knots under sail and it was only a three day trip. Malcolm is a notable victim having come ‘through the ranks’ from Day Skipper to Ocean Yachtmaster theory and Yachtmaster practical with a commercial ticket. He has done excellent day trips and adventure sailing weeks for me with good feedback from victims. Although I can say ‘follow Malcolm’, doing all these Northumbria Sailing courses does not guarantee an Oyster at the end!
Emre Yilmaz, now with his recently acquired RYA Day Skipper Practical ticket, has his own 36 foot Bavaria and is shown here just before Christmas on his single handed sail from Royal Quays to Amble and back. Being Turkish is apparently no handicap when it comes to sailing in our cold, North East England, waters. I did give him an unofficial lesson beforehand, which he appreciated ‘Thanks again for showing me the tips the other day.’ Well
done Emre (but rather you than me in December)
Emre sailed back to Amble last month. Single handed again he arrived in the dark and, quite rightly, could enjoy his hot wine. Great Stuff, Emre!
Nigel Bowers is a lively Yorkshireman and has successfully trained with me, obtaining his Day Skipper Practical Ticket.
He’s seen here on a Greek flotilla holiday;
‘We had a fantastic week sailing in Greece on a flotilla holiday last October – and have just booked a 2 week flotilla holiday in Greece again this October. All thanks to passing the Day Skipper – so thanks!’
Nigel wishes to have his daughter trained as well, I expect her to be quieter than her Dad!.
Where Next, Day Skippers?
I am often asked by newly qualified Day Skippers – where can I get sailing experience? Perhaps you might wish to try something different and broaden your experience. Adventures Offshore is one such organisation and Liz is very much part of it:
Liz King is an aspiring Ocean Yachtmaster and took my Theory course last autumn. I had to deal with a sailor with far more ocean passage experience than I, someone who has crossed the Pacific as well as many of the rest. Needless to say, she was successful and a pleasure to have onboard.
‘Ahoy there! I did most of my early sailing on the Solent at the Joint Services Sailing Centre (nowadays they have stuck the words “Adventurous” and “Sail Training” in there, just in case Joe Public got the wrong idea about sailing being all gin and tonics). In the good old days JSASTC had a battle hardened fleet of Halcyon 27s and Contessa 32s which, once you acquired your Day Skipper ticket, you could “sign out” and go and play and learn on. A fabulous introduction to the world of sailing. We also had a fleet of graceful Nicholson 55s, greyhounds of the sailing scene in their day; many of them are still active, as indeed are many of the Halcyons and Contessas.
Moving on a few years and about 40,000NM later, many people in the north east know me from some of my photography and PR work for the RYA NE Region, a role I have recently relinquished, so I now have time to enjoy sailing again.
I am currently skippering an Oyster 50, part time for the charity “Adventures Offshore” which is part of the Scout network and in 2017 we took part in the Baltic Tall Ships Race, my first venture into the Baltic. I skippered the delivery leg, 800NM from the Thames estuary to Sweden against relentless 25knot NE winds! Groan!
This year we are again taking part in the Tall Ships and the Oyster 50 “Ocean Scout” will be at Sunderland for the celebrations. My leg as skipper is from Denmark to Norway, I have put in my order to a higher command for some gentle South Westerlies. We’ll see if it works. (studying in the Church Life Centre might help – Ed)
I’m currently working towards my Ocean YM ticket and in preparation for that I have recently completed a couple of shorebased revision courses with Melvyn and I can honestly say that his teaching has been excellent. It’s 25 years since I last looked at astronavigation and Melvyn patiently brought it all back into focus. Great fun! At the moment, I’m sharpening my pencils and polishing the sextant, ready for a summer of sights. How does it go again? “All I need is a tall ship and a star to steer her by…” Well, I can do that now, I’m ready!
Paul Kröner ‘SInce I did the SRC course with you in January 2016 we sailed14 days in Croatia (Trogir, Solta, Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Vis), crossed the Northsea (IJmuiden-Lowestoft/Harwich), sailed 14 days in the Waddenzee/Noordzee (Texel, Vlieland, Ameland Borkum and the tall mast route in Friesland from Lauwersoog to Lemmer) We both were succesful in passing our exam for Coastal Navigation and obtained our ICC.
This year we’ve planned a 2 week trip from Athens (Kalamaki) to the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea.
All together we’ve done about 1500 NM so far.’
John Williams reports ‘I’ve just returned from the RORC Transatlantic Race a couple of days ago. 3874 nm Lanzarote to Grenada followed by a sail up to Antigua.
Not the fastest run, almost 3 weeks which is really slow for a fully crewed Volvo 60 but we had periods of calm hundreds of miles wide and the NE trades didn’t really fill in until week 3.
This on top of a delivery from Cowes to Lanzarote, Biscay in November can be brutal but it wasn’t that bad although I did wear my drysuit for the first 3 days!
Think I might have a rest now for a while although 2018 is the year for the Round Ireland and the Round Britain and Ireland Races if anyone is interested’ PS Just bumped into John in John Lewis shop and had time for a chat. He, and I, like the ‘Round Britain’ idea – the Organiser’s instructions are very simple; ‘Leave everything to starboard, except Rockall’.
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. 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.
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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