Florida in February
Wish I was there! – Ian and Jane are having a real adventure doing the Great Loop. ‘A trip from Florida up the East Coast and the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, then down the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to the Gulf then back to Florida, some 5,500 miles.
We flew out in January and bought a 1979 38 foot cruiser for about $45,000. It has a 6 litre Ford diesel engine, a generator, air conditioner and comfortable living space. I hope the whole trip will cost roughly £25,000 over 4 years, giving us about a year on board.
We have seen amazing wildlife, dolphins every day, pelicans, ospreys, alligators and some beautiful weather, plus a few cold fronts. Navigation so far has been simple. The boat has a basic chart plotter and depth sounder, the latter being essential as much of the route is in pretty shallow water’.
‘So far we have covered around 400 miles, and will lay up the boat shortly pending our next visit.
Your Day Skipper Course last September has proved very valuable, particularly in giving me the confidence to start this adventure and keep us safe. I have had quite a bit of docking practise now, no disasters yet.
Jane is recording her view of things in her blog :The American Waterways‘
– It makes for good reading, even if the reader will feel envious.
Update on Courses;
PRACTICAL COURSES
YACHTMASTER PREPARATION A three day Course of preparation on my boat leading to a two day examination to achieve the coveted Yachtmaster title. You will be guided through the first three days by Don Gunton and a night sail will be experienced. Don will then be replaced by the RYA Examiner. Before taking this you will need Coastal skipper standard in both practical as well as theory. Your certificates and sea miles in your logged book will be checked by the Examiner. Cost £595. 17 – 21st May 2014 Pre-Prep also available. Only one place left
RYA DAY SKIPPER PRACTICAL. The key to obtaining an ICC and the ticket to charter bareboat. 5 Day live onboard Course. Cost £550. Early season chili out of Royal Quays sold out already and later dates include; on the Clyde 11-14th May, out of Royal Quays 30th March – 4th April, 13-18th June, 20 – 25th July & 14-19th September
RYA COMPETENT CREW. 5 day, live onboard, Course with no advance knowledge needed. A good, all round, experience will be gained complete with RYA certificate. You will then be officially a useful crew member! Cost £525. From Royal Quays 30th March – 4th April, 13-18th June, 20-25th July, 14 – 19th September or on the Clyde 11-14th May 2014
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 £255 assuming three sailors. Next Course; May 1st, 2nd & 7th
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 (maximum 5 customers onboard). Bookings already being taken for the next dates; 23rd April & 8th May
Northumbria Sailing on You Tube
Have a look at my Training Centre with this video. Mind, this is my very first attempt at You Tube publicity so a visit and a ‘like’ would be appreciated. Wife was ‘roped in’ (another nautical slang) for the radio demo. Training Centre
THEORY COURSES
RYA OCEAN YACHTMASTER THEORY 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. I will try and arrange practical sessions. Cost £425 or £695 on tailored tuition
RYA DAY SKIPPER THEORY A popular starting point for many. Same Course for Sail or Power. Maximum 8 to a class and located in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Cost £325.
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER THEORY The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £350. No classes until the autumn but private tuition available when the calendar permits
New for 2014 – Online VHF Course with Simulator
A new RYA Online Course for you to do at home, either as a refresher without the assessment or to obtain the SRC certificate via an assessment. Cost £85 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio and RYA Online VHF video
Specialist Courses include;
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. Day Course 4th March, Evening; March 20 & 21st Cost £110 plus £60 to RYA
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 course. Cost £120, plus £9 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 £26 to the RYA
RYA FIRST AID. All day for the RYA certificate, valid three years. Cost £85, £100 for Cat C drug endorsement. Next Course;30th April
For more information try my web page or mail me
Sail Safely the RYA Way 🙂