He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea’ – Thomas Fuller
10 from 2017
2017 has again been a remarkably successful year, so much so that another Instructor, Steve, has come onboard. I now have four instructors, Trevor, Don, Malcolm and Steve to assist, all of whom were needed during 2017.
New Courses included a split 5 day practical across two weekends as well as pontoon bashing at the other, important, end. A record four Ocean Theory victims were successful, Chris, Edward, Bill and Liz showing that all were not male. Day Skipper theory classes continue to be full up for the evening and, following a request, I put on a new Tidal Course where we studied real tidal situations (as opposed to RYA disciplines). Record numbers have enrolled for the Yachtmaster Theory Course this month.
The boat continued it’s expensive journey as I keep up to date, well try to, with a near complete replacement of cushions, a new stack pack, anchor chain, cockpit cover and halyards.
On the Adventure front the boat sailed to Amsterdam, another was chartered for a Skye circumnavigation and my appointment as guru for a Mull circumnavigation gave me my two weeks ‘fix’ of sailing off the beautiful west coast of Scotland (and we had great weather too)
Traditionally this time of the year is for reflection and I am selecting 10 special times for my memories. I set them out in no particular order;
No 1 – Crew Exercises
I would like to say this was an image of myself but, no, an aspiring Day Skipper was carrying out his daily exercises. Posting this on Facebook prompted the comment ‘is this mandatory?’ One of the great things about this business is the diversity of victims who bring their own education and insights into their lives. Humour as well and this is Will, an acrobat and juggler, who has his own business and can be contacted on Will Be Juggling
No 2 – Skye Circumnavigation
From left to right with italicised boat names; Whisky Mike, Skipper, Tom, Corridor Man, Orang & John. Five brave souls joined me and set out for a week’s trip around Skye with all it’s beauty and challenges. We left our mark at Tobermory, a burst water pipe, and sailed on in our 40+ foot Westerly for some 275 miles with overnights at anchor, moorings and pontoons at Tobermory where we settled the burst repair.
No 3 – 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.
No 4 – Space Invaders
This is how it looked on the chart plotter during the sail across the North Sea to Amsterdam. Lian, ringed, encountered a great deal of traffic, shown by the triangles, which had to be safely circumvented. Skipper Malcolm, in his typically modest fashion, reports; ‘heroic Yachtmaster masterfully negotiated a vast number of AIS targets in the form of huge tankers and cargo vessels to thwart their intent of sending little Lian to Davy Jones’ locker, calculating on the hoof with extraordinary numerical and navigational proficiency avoiding actions, thereby brilliantly and modestly bringing her to port in Scheveningen safely’.
No 5 – HMS Trincomalee
Last September I invited victims to a celebration onboard and in the Captain’s cabin of this splendid old warship, now in dry dock at Hartlepool. Heads were cracked and bottles opened and some even managed to sail back the following day.
No 6 – How are your Futtocks?
Tim Fitzhigham is a guy who wanted to cross the English Channel in a bath tub and wrote a very amusing book about his adventures entitled ‘All at Sea’. I kid you not by revealing the bath tub was made by Thomas Crapper & Co. Over to Tim;
When I first phoned the Royal Navy to try and get them on board with the idea, there was a mistake at the switchboard and I got put through to a rear admiral. And that was the best result for me, because both my uncle and my great uncle were in the Navy and they told me If ever you’re talking to a member of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, you always start the conversation with a question – How are your futtocks, old man?
So I get put through to the rear admiral and I say How are your futtocks, old man? and he replies At their furthest reach, dear boy.
No 7 – No Free Movement Here
Sixhaven marina is superbly placed just across the free ferry to the centre of Amsterdam. Malcolm, Andrew, Emma & Alan sailed there from Royal Quays, see Malcolm’s Space Invaders game below. I took over together with Alan (yes he went both ways), Orang and Mike. After window shopping and a meal in old Amsterdam we returned to the boat only to find others kept coming in, and in, and in.
No 8 – 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. Image courtesy of David Stanley
No 9 – Another Late Call – from a Sailing School
Chris Forker of Carbery Sailing called to say that he was coming home, actually close to myself, on 21st December and would like his RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory done before he returned to Tenerife on 10th January. ‘But it’s Christmas & New Year!’ I said, but we did it. Postscript; Sadly Chris had a nasty fall from his boat, in the yard in Tenerife, and was thought unlikely to survive. I have met him and am pleased to report he’s very much his old self, but still needs to restore stamina.
No 10 – Keen Kay
Kay cycled 15 miles to my Day Skipper theory class in January. That’s what I call ‘Keen’. If her bike had given up she could have gone to victim Mario of the Hub who does cycle repair in order to pay for his Northumbria Sailing Courses
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 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
‘Lian’ out of the water
End of season boat maintenance time and victims Mark and Chris, working at Royal Quays, do the lift and pressure wash.
The winter will see ‘Lian’ in the boatyard for scrape and polish, together with all those unexpected jobs which are inevitably found. A re-launch will be hoped for early in March.
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 £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 & 29th If there is demand I would consider a daytime Course
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 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 )
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. May 13 – 18th, June 3 – 8th, 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 (FULL). Jonny Colwell gives a detailed review of his YM Examination
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.
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
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
Sailor’s Joy or Sailor’s Misery
How would you interpret this forecast?
From last month this forecast was posted on MyWeather2 web page. Gruesome it was indeed;
Wind – Direction Northerly and the long fetch from this direction produces a high significant wave height. Being from the north it’s likely to be cold. On an ebb tide there will be a ‘wind against tide – rough ride’ scenario adding to the wave heights.
Wind Strength – Force 7/8 with gusts of 9, a gale.
Wave Height – ranging from 3.2 metres to 5.3 when a wave height equal to the beam of the boat, in my case 3.5m, can capsize of caught beam on. 4 – 6m is classified as ‘Very Rough’, and from 6m ‘High’ (then ‘Very High’ and, finally, ‘Phenomenal’ for the masochists).
Temperature – +4°C becomes -3°C in the high wind chill factor, with wintry showers thrown in.
Clearly this is a no-go for small boats, but it’s not always so clear and decisions have to be made. Wave heights were classified as rough at times on my Ocean Qualifying Passage, but we were sailing with the wind towards the Canaries and it was warm!
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; 15th January, 5th February, Mornings March 21+28th 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 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. Next session; 7th February
Accident Alley
A section to draw attention to accidents and what we can learn from them
Photograph of yacht Orca being recovered from the water
Orca collision in clear daylight – yachtsman died
The dredger Shoreway and the sailing yacht Orca collided 7 miles off Felixstowe. Damage to Orca was catastrophic and it sank within minutes of the collision. The yacht’s skipper was rescued but his wife could not be found. There was no damage to Shoreway.
Orca’s skipper saw Shoreway when it was in the deep water channel outbound from Harwich Haven. Orca was under sail returning towards its marina berth in Harwich Haven. The skipper assumed the dredger would remain in the deep water channel and decided to engage his autopilot and go below for a short period. At this stage Shoreway was approximately 1.6 miles away and from its aspect, the skipper assessed there was no risk of collision. However, Shoreway altered course to leave the deep water channel soon after, placing Orca on a collision course. Despite the clear visibility and all navigation aids being available, the officer on watch on the bridge of Shoreway failed to see Orca until the collision was unavoidable.
The MAIB investigation found that the vessels collided in good visibility as neither the chief officer, who was alone on the bridge of Shoreway, nor the skipper of Orca, who was below deck in the cabin, were maintaining a proper lookout in the period immediately prior to the collision.
Due to the good visibility, the officer on watch on Shoreway was not using his radar and had not seen the target of Orca that had been visible on his screen for 11 minutes before the collision Orca
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)
Joanne Sime second from right, a much junior version than today seen here holding a fish in Corsica. In those days Joanne’s life consisted of April to October in the Med sailing/hostessing and November to March skiing (when she wasn’t looking after a boat, meaning a luxury yacht). What a great lifestyle, especially as she is relating this during a five hour theory session with myself on Tides and Charts – how the great come down to earth! Perhaps she will earn her tickets and sail off into the blue yonder (and leave me behind with my tides and charts….) Joanne has the last word; ‘Wish I could go back in time and do it all again’.
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.
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.
Try me on Facebook for lots more images Facebook
For more information contact me via my web page
Sail Safely the RYA Way