March Newsletter
‘The sea finds out everything you did wrong.’ – Francis Stokes, single handed sailor
Charles Kingston and Rosalie Sanders could have a lifetime sailing together. It must be great to be their age! ‘We both sail with the youth charity Ocean Youth Trust South, on a 95ft ketch called Prolific. The charity serves to take disabled or disadvantaged young people sailing, although we both discovered the charity through sailing on voyages tailored to individuals. We both quickly fell in love with big boat sailing, whilst both of us had some yachting experience (Rosalie on her aunt’s gaff cutter, Charles on his grandfather’s 32′ cruiser and through 3 summers working at a yacht club as boatsman) the Ocean Youth Trust offered longer voyages with loads of opportunities to gain confidence and skill, whilst teaching those who sail with us. Recently we have been promoted to 2nd mates, meaning we are now usually the more experienced of the two watch leaders that sail on each voyage. This is an exciting step up which will allow us to improve our teaching skills whilst having to be more aware of the workings of the boat. In the future we would both love to cram in as much sailing as possible, Rosalie would like to try an Atlantic crossing, and Charles fancies a Round Britain trip!’ The couple are VHF victims and Rosalie with her RYA First Aid as well, with my instructor Simon. They are shown here on Charles’ grandfather’s 32 foot Comet 1000.
John Hunter went out on Lady May with his wife and a friend only to have the rudder fall off!. Imagination took over though and they jury rigged another from bunk boards and wife was impressed (as well as myself). This all happened 5 miles off the coast, near Tynemouth, winds F6 too.
John is also notable for doing RYA Yachtmaster Theory back to back with his Day Skipper Theory. John reasons that he needs to do it whilst it’s fresh in his mind, I think he’s doing rather well.
Jonathan Colwell has just set up his own RYA Sailing School in Croatia, offering a range of RYA Courses, together with bareboat yacht charter Yacht Sail Training.
He cautiously asked me for assistance with paperwork and advice and, of course, I have given it and wish him every success. His web page is very impressive, and certainly puts mine into the shade!
Düsseldorf Boat Show
Billed as the largest in Europe and in true German tradition, this show is BIG. Some 15 halls with all types of boats and boaty items on display. Too big in fact to look round properly in one day and it took me 1½ with an exhausting full day. It was work for me mind you!
First I was recognised in Newcastle departure lounge by Kevin Waugh who kindly directed me to the night life of Düsseldorf old town. Also at the show was Paul Common from RNYC and, whilst returning, I was pleased to see David Scott Cowper, the round the world sailor (who took 3 days to get round the show)
A show I can earnestly recommend, especially as there are direct flights from Newcastle. Returning and waiting in the airport I was introduced to Instagram so am giving it a try – so follow me, northumbriasailing, on it
Sail Before the Mast on a Tall Ship
2019 and 2020 are important milestones in the history of Antarctica and Northumberland.
In Feb 1819 Captain William Smith (born in Seaton Sluice), a merchant seaman sailing his ship Williams (built in Blyth), sighted the South Shetland Islands – the first time land had been sighted south of latitude 60˚S. He reported his discovery to the British Admiralty who then despatched Captain Edward Bransfield RN to sail with William Smith to verify the position. In February 2020, Bransfield and Smith sailed to what is now Bransfield Strait and Smith Island and eventually sighted the Antarctic Peninsular.
It has long been the ambition of the Blyth Tall Ship Trust to recreate this fabulous discovery. The Williams II Round Britain Expedition is possibly the first step towards this goal. This will be the first test of Williams II and we are looking for crew (no experience necessary), watch leaders and mates to help us do this.
Our Round Britain Expedition will begin on 16th March and we plan to be back in Blyth on 25th May. Each stage is only seven days and applicants can do as many stages as you like. Anyone interested as crew should visit:
Anyone with sailing experience and feels they would be good as watchleader (or even Mate) can email me direct: liz@lizking.co.uk – Liz King, Skipper, Williams II Blyth Tall Ship
PS Victim Joe Boothby is working on the Williams II and spending time on a Monday evening in my RYA Day Skipper Theory class.
PPS Signing up for a leg is an excellent way of extending your sailing education and working on a traditional boat, at modest cost. Michael and Alan have signed up as Watch Leaders on legs and I will be reporting on their progress (and whether skipper Liz is looking after ‘my darlings’)
This annual event was recently held at the Côte Brasserie in
Newcastle upon Tyne, in a lovely room above the former Barclays Bank premises,
where we could imagine the lifestyle of managers in times gone by.
In the image we can see the rather relaxed mood, and at the start of the event,
victims attending; Seated; Phil, Tom, myself, Glen & Fiona. Front standing;
Karen, Mike, Joanne, Liz, Mario & Vici, Middle Row; Cecil, Don, Faye, Emma,
Peter, John J, Michael & John T, Back Row; Alan, Rob, Marcelo &
Jonathan. Marcelo came up from Liverpool specially for the occasion and Rob
arrived on crutches, probably to justify being unable to do his theory
homework. As was the case last year, the ‘young ones’ , led by Marcelo
extended the evening in the ‘Poison Room’, seen here; Marcelo, Jonathan, Phil
& Vici. Wisely victims from
last year found excuses; Joanne sail racing the following morning, and
Liz ‘had’ to drive back to her country house.
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, Amsterdam, Skye circumnavigation and traditional sailing on the IJsselmeer.
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.
Spurred by my attempts last year to see the Farnes, for which I bought a new outboard engine, and John Taylor’s exploits, see below, I am looking to take Lian up that way next summer. If the weather is right, then this could be a great Adventure as the tides will be favourable then. Using the school boat has the advantage of keeping the costs down and enjoying the stability and luxury of a Hallberg Rassy. Cost £425 Provisional dates; June 15 – 22nd
Kintyre & Crinan Adventure in May 2019
A stunning Adventure round the Mull, going through the notorious Corryvrechan and relaxing in the Crinan canal. This will be one you will remember for a very long time.
If all goes to plan, and understandably it’s an ‘if’, we are aiming to set off from Largs on 11th May on passage for; picturesque Lochranza – sheltered Campbeltown – the notorious Mull of Kintyre – whisky Islay – Colonsay Island – Corryvrechan (outside whirlpool time) – the idyllic Crinan Canal – the narrow Kyles of Bute & then finally Largs.
The chartered yacht is 13 metres in length, commissioned in 2010
May 11 – 18th with costings depending upon the berth and from £625. (FULL)
I hope you enjoy this Newsletter and you can ask me to e-mail it to you monthly
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
Learning in Luxury
Here’s Rodney clearly enjoying his tuition in excellent surroundings. Where? – The Lock café at Royal Quays, where he can have his capuccino and snack lunch whilst taking his RYA Day Skipper Theory with myself. He’s just the first of a number waiting for similar treatment, a real luxury during inclement winter months. Next in line are Eric and Diamuid (Dermot)
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. THE RYA HAVE LAUNCHED AN UPDATED COURSE. ANYONE PREFERRING TO TAKE/RE-TAKE THE OLD SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £450 for class & £650 tailored tuition. You need a good knowledge of this Course before being tested by the RYA Examiner. Since the Course was re-written by Chris Slade, one of my RYA Inspectors, it’s a lot more challenging, but relevant. Phil from 2018 says; ‘Although I knew the YM Theory would be a step up and a challenge the hard work and effort was worth it once I got out there on the boat. That extra depth of knowledge really helped me understand the dynamics of sailing, sea conditions, anticipated weather looming on the horizon and, of course, it’s likely impact on boat handling and the crew’.
RYA DAY SKIPPER A popular starting point for many. Same Course for Sail or Power. 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.
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 up to four. 4:1 private tuition and you will be up to the Comp Crew standard. No experience necessary. Cost £275, weekday only. Next Course; May 7 – 9th
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 £60 weekday & £70 weekend. May 20th. Yes, describing it as a “taster” is an understatement. It was a practical and thoroughly excellent training day. It’s a credit to your skill and confidence to take two complete novices to sailing at sea out into force 7+ and make it feel so easy. Your training plan and instruction was just right and delivered with clarity and a sense of humour which quickly removed any tension. I know Peter had as much fun as I did and we both came away with a heightened enthusiasm. – David
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. 31st March – 5th April (1 space left) and June 9 – 14th (1 space left), provisionally; August 7 – 12th. 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. Next Courses; 31st March – 5th April (1 space left) and June 9 – 14th (1 space left). Provisionally; August 7 – 12th. ‘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 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 ICC Guidance
Northumbria Sailing on Video
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This video was compiled by Phil Butler and shows our efforts sailing a 15 metre traditional Dutch yacht on the IJsselmeer. A great time, other crew being Tom Pinder, Steve Austin and Orang Salehy. We enjoyed ourselves so much, once we got the hang of it and rid of the nervous owner, that we are chartering another for summer 2019 Adventures. (can’t think why the owner was so anxious about our skills on this boat which had few mechanical comforts such as winches and sail hoisting was heavy work for men past their prime – in sailing terms I mean…)
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
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What is Happening Here and Why?
This video was taken at Allmend Rail station whilst we were on a family skiing holiday at Grindelwald, Switzerland.
I challenge readers to tell me what is happening, why it’s happening and what relevance has this to sailor’s time taken from a GPS.
Email me if you think you have it and the results will be published next month.
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. Cost £115 plus £60 for the RYA. Next Course; Full Day; 29th March. Also available One to One at £180 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 10 to RYA.
CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £25
RYA DIESEL ENGINE
A Volvo Penta 2003 marine diesel engine will be used for demonstrations and you will get several chances to try your hand at changing filters etc.
The Course is for beginners and will show the simple maintenance tasks you are can do yourself to help maintain your engine in working order. The RNLI has complained that most of call outs are from engine failure where simple tasks have not been performed. Your rescuing lifeboat may make firm suggestions if this is found to be the case. Cost £120 plus £10 for the RYA Pack. Maximum 6 persons. Next Session; 22nd March RYA Diesel Engine
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) for the RYA Pack. 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!. To check which certificates are acceptable to the RYA e.g. for examinations First Aid Certificates Cost £75, £95 with Cat C drug endorsement, + £7 RYA Pack. ‘Simon was fantastic yesterday, best First Aid instructor I’ve ever had and, being a fellow sailor, he was able to put things into a sailing context. Being an ex-instructor myself, I was very impressed with him.’ – Phil
Accident Alley
A section to draw attention to accidents and what we can learn from them
Cloudesley Shovell
(1650-1707)
*oil on canvas
*127 x 101.5 cm
*March 1702 – January 1705
Britain’s Biggest Naval disaster
1707 saw a legendary tragedy where over 1500 seamen lost their lives.
Sir Cloudesley Shovell, the Admiral of the Fleet, was returning to England from action against the French in the siege of Toulon. Approaching home waters a meeting was called onboard his flagship, HMS Association, to consider exactly where they were. The majority opted for just off Ushant, but a lone voice claimed they were three hours sailing off the Isles of Scilly. The majority view was accepted and the fleet of about seven ships sailed straight into the Scillies, a notoriously difficult area. Many ships were lost, together with over 1500 seamen. HMS Association reportedly went down in four minutes, with all 800 hands and Sir Cloudesley.
In those days, of course, there was no GPS and ships had to rely on Deduced Reckoning and it was also suggested they had forgotten about compass variation (These were the days well before Northumbria Sailing!).
A full report can be checked out here. Scillies Shipwreck.
Victims (all) at Sea
Colin Graham seems to have deserted the yachtie world and gone over completely to fishing, and in a big way. He and his family are well remembered for the frantic time we had together on a 5 day RYA Course. One of his boats is Blueye and I can follow his posts on Facebook, for example; ‘Fishing gear tagged – hopefully the Navy leave moi alone down time only cost ya – new fishing regs for 2019 all undersize fish except codlings & few others I think – has to be landed dead or alive fecken disgrace expect us to front it out our quota it’s like saying to taxi driver you have to give 20 fares free charge every day or u get fined or jailed – one for anglers to think about sitting there all day 2020 catching cold well rant owa piers ooooot ’ !!
Malcolm’s Mediterranean Cruises
Last December I met Malcolm, back in England complete with
cough, for an update.
Galapago, his 62 foot Oyster is parked in Palma, Mallorca, for the winter. Here
is the opportunity for a refit and reflection. Crossing Biscay on the way down
was straightforward and he compares Galapago with Lian for sailing performance.
Whilst skippering Lian he was impressed by her seaworthiness and considers
Galapago also to be such a sailboat, only bigger of course, 62 to 36 feet in
comparison.
Some repairs date from the journey, others part of her preparation for the future
as a charter boat. Storms he found a plenty in the Med, some seriously so.
Leaving near Rome Malcolm heard; ‘Captain, I suggest you wait an extra day’,
advice ignored and the consequences memorable.
Time in the Med was without the dolphins which were constant companions on the
way down, and he spent 50:50 anchoring, for free, and expensive marinas e.g.
Soller, Mallorca at €300/night. Crowded conditions in July and August and once
his big anchor was dislodged by the French resulting in an alarming drag.
Crewseekers often provided crew, some 12-15 with only one bad?, and he can
recommend them. Realistically priced diesel, not €1.80 in Italy, had to be
sought out but fresh water no problem. Tangier will never be revisited. The
beautiful marina was 90% empty, staff helpful, but officialdom a nightmare.
Endless waits, forms and boat searches meant that Malcolm was pleased to endure
40knots just outside to scuttle over to Gibraltar.
The App navily was invaluable at booking a marina space whilst outside and identifies
anchoring opportunities, of which there are plenty out there.
For 2019 Galapago will be available for skippered charter of a luxury nature,
operating out of Palma, Mallorca. Apart from catering, lots of ‘toys’ jet skis,
jet surfs, you name it they will get it will be laid on for customers. Anyone
seeking this luxury life, a group of 4 minimum, could contact Malcolm direct on
malcolm@nuchido.com (Mention my Newsletter and he might even give you a special
price!) Son Tom, actually possessing higher qualifications than his Dad, will
be on hand to assist and entertain.
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.
Trevor Jefferson, my Chief Instructor, is very much into yacht delivery these days and has a wealth of experience.
Yacht Skippering
There are times when you might feel that your ‘ticket’ and/or experience will not be adequate for a safe holiday. For the last few years I have enjoyed a commission enabling a larger yacht to be chartered and to sail to more adventurous places.
Reader’s Links
A section featuring links of a maritime interest sent to me.
Phil Butler highlights the unexpected and rapid shift in Earth’s Magnetic Field.
Peter MacLaren mentioned this article about a Yacht Delivery Skipper’s Life.
Peter Chater has found a remarkable way of plugging a failed seacock – with a carrot! Sea Cock Repair
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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