Northumbria Sailing

      The Leading Provider of Sail Cruising Courses in North East England

September Newsletter

‘Men in a ship are always looking up, and men ashore generally looking down’ – John Masefield, Poet Laureate 

The schools go back, autumn comes in and the dreaded ‘C’ word gets mentioned. The weather cools off, the nights get a bit chilly and dew adorns the decks in the mornings. Now was it really a good summer or just loads of rain interspersed with blistering heat. Time to reflect and think of final sails and close season studies.

Emre Round the Top

Emre’s great achievement this year has been to sail around the top. Many seafarers, when talking about sailing around Britain, take the short cut via the Caledonian canal from Fort William to Inverness. Having sailed to Oban from Royal Quays, Emre enjoyed a family sail for a week before the ‘hard seafarers’ joined him in Mallaig. Steve and Jonathan fulfilled such a role and off they sailed north. The AIS image shows an apparent shortcut across land, but there’s not many AIS co-ordinators up there and they did, in fact, round Cape Wrath, ending up in Scrabster’s pub, looking a little tired. Stormbound in Peterhead was an unexpected delay but all arrived safe and (un)sound into The Lock café at Royal Quays.

Two Fingers to a Windlass

Colin Banks witnessed a rather nasty accident whilst sailing in the Med; ‘There was a scary moment this morning as I was chilling in the shade at the marina. I was watching a Greek hand balling his anchor chain in as his windlass was faulty. From there I heard an almighty scream so I ran to his boat to help him as his fingers were crushed into the windlass by the anchor chain. I managed to free him within seconds but his fingers were snapped and crushed. Paramedics came and he was airlifted off. They reckon he will lose at least two fingers. Me and an old hand in the port done our best to put the boat right. In doing so we found that the windlass control was shorting out due to lack of maintenance this resulting in making the windlass of it’s own accord to wind in and out and that’s what happened to the man while manually hand balling. This is an important wake up call to the real every day dangers of working a boat.’ PS ‘The accident isn’t as bad as first anticipated. He got away lightly with one badly broken finger and severe cuts but I reckon his holiday is over.’

Newbiggin Marina

There are proposals for a marina and you can take part in a survey Newbiggin Marina

An Easy Life!

Sunshine on the decks last month and three of the four taking their RYA Start Yachting two day course were helping level up the boat. Seen here, from L to R; Becky, Linda & David. Despite what it may look like in the image we had some useful Force 6/7 winds and a great two days of sailing. An excellent introduction to this lovely sport.

Candles & Grog

A traditional Sailor’s Dinner was served onboard, complete with hard tack, lime juice, grog, ‘Floaters in the Snow’ and ‘Figgy Duff’, plus a bit of wine and port! Chris, Liz & Gerard were there to enjoy and wonder whether this would have been served during an RYA Course.

A Kill Cord Could Save Your Life

Always wear one RYA Kill Cord

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

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:

1.     If you live so far away you will probably only have the online option or a residential Fastrack

2.     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.

3.     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’.

4.     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.

5.     Learning in company creates friendships, crewing opportunities, and a bit of laughter

6.     I have a warm and comfortable room in a modern building in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne with unrestricted street car parking at hand

7.   One2one is often done at The Lock café, Royal Quays, with excellent surroundings and a latte to hand!

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 £495 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 £475 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. Next Course; January 9, 11, 16, 23 & 30th, February 6, 8, 13 & 27th, March 5, 12, 19, 25 & 26th 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. Autumn evening class sessions; September 30th, October 7, 12, 14 & 21st November 4, 11, 18, 23 & 25th December 2 & 9th For Bareboat charter this is the first qualification to be obtained. Nevertheless in some areas, the Solent for example, a higher qualification is needed and UK tidal requested. An example from one web page; ‘RYA Coastal Skipper Tidal Practical course completion certificate must show the course was conducted in UK tidal waters. For example courses conducted in the Gibraltar & the Mediterranean are not accepted as tidal courses. The ICC qualification alone is not an acceptable qualification.’

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, £650 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. Next sessions; Spring 2020

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 and no need to stay onboard overnight. Cost £275, weekday only. Next Course; September 23 – 25th (FULL) 

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 & £75 weekend. Next Trips; 26 & 28th (Saturday) September. 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. Next availability; A late autumn Course with split dates, provisionally;  October 24 & 25th+November 5 – 7th (Only 1 place left)  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 Availability; A late autumn Course with split dates, provisionally;  October 24 & 25th+November 5 – 7th (Only 1 place left)‘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 

Failed to Complete your Practical?

I accept, of course, I am blowing my own foghorn here but in a period of one month I have had three questions put to me and I should give my warning. It’s all about taking your Day Skipper Practical elsewhere and the potential problems.

Question 1. I am interested in a course but would like to take a practical in a warmer area (which I won’t identify). Do you realise the main problem in your chosen area will be the swell and consequential seasickness?

Question 2. We have completed our practicals on the south coast of England but there were come competencies which the school were unable to sign off. In such cases the best resort is to return there or face a complete re-run.

Question 3. Similar to the above, but with several competencies outstanding. A re-run isn’t available in the near future as I’m booked up.

Question 4. This is from a while back. Owing to the weekly flights and bad weather we were unable to complete the course in time to meet the flight back home.

To all the above, plus any variations thereon, I would say the ‘cold’ North East has distinct advantages for your Day Skipper Course, even though you may never wish to sail in the area. It also gives real tidal experience, not available in the Med. Any competencies outstanding from my Course can be re-run or a late finish organised, so everyone will get a proper opportunity to succeed.

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 Next Examination for Yachtmaster October 2020.

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

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

Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed

How do you enter and leave Royal Quays lock? Negotiating this lock is not easy and berth holders and visitors alike can be treated to a ‘character forming experience’. Unfortunately, this can result in a fear of entering the river and consequential ‘harbour rot’. Courtesy of Phil Butler, I’m shown entering and leaving the lock, made more difficult with the other boat already there. Fortunately this was correctly positioned at the front of the lock and, happily, we entered and left at this busy time on August Bank Holiday Saturday without incident.

 

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, a Full Day; 17th October. September yet to be announced. 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. Some radar knowledge is now considered essential for Yachtmaster candidates.   Day Course: Cost £120, plus 10 to RYA. ‘Thank you very much for yesterday’s course’ – Stephen

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 Course; October 8th   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 £79 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. Next Course; 18th September ‘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

From The Archives

Looking back over the years, and it’s now 10 since Northumbria Sailing  was underway for the first time, I’m looking back, this time from October 2014;

Polar Bear on Charter

I took the opportunity to charter the 70 foot, round-the-world, yacht for a day out, which was very successful as the image shows.

I was reminded of this when Polar Bear, now having been sold, made it’s way into Royal Quays, occupying it’s old berth. Now owned by Joint Services Training and re-named Adventure the yacht was off for the high seas. Not that it wasn’t an adventure back then for crew and myself. The yacht only just goes through the lock and Malcolm has cause to remember the large diameter cordage which damaged his back.

Victims (all) at Sea

Rob Langley is making his and the family’s way down to warmer climes; ‘After bringing Pendragon down to Plymouth from the Clyde, we had a good passage cross-Channel and down the western coast of Brittany through the Chenal du Four, a 12 mile channel through rocks and shoals, and round into Brest. Having to use my rusty schoolboy French on the VHF was the scariest part, but Marina du Chateau was very friendly, and the facilities excellent. We spent several weeks family cruising down to La Rochelle. The west coast of France is warmer and sunnier than the Channel, with many lovely islands, walled towns, good marinas and hardly any tide. The Bretons have a great attitude to life, and make some great beer (sampled in a great pub in L’Aberwrach). Coming back round by Ushant into North Brittany the coast became rockier, and the tides really challenging. We used the French “SHOM” tidal atlas, and NRV chart folios for long winding approaches to harbours like Trebuerden and St Malo.  Pendragon is now waiting in St Helier for us to bring her back to Royal Quays for her winter berth, but we would strongly recommend the western cost of France as a cruising destination. We’ll be back next year to Quiberon and the Isle de Re’. The image is entitled, ‘Sunset over Douarnenez, south Brittany’

Karen & Mike Hartley have bitten the halyard and re-engined SigiMae. A Beta 38 has just been installed and within one week of this image being taken they were off to Whitby. Quick work by the engineer!

Brendan Arrowsmith reports; ‘Having completed my Day Skipper with Northumbria Sailing in 2016 thought best to put theory into practice. Just completed round trip from Amble to Granton on the Forth. Visited Holy Island, Eyemouth and Dunbar in my 21ft Snapdragon. Thanks for your support Melvyn and team! Fair winds and here’s to more practice! Plan trip south to Whitby later this year’. The image shows Peggzy Girl moored in Eyemouth. ‘

If you have your own boat and would prefer private tuition or an RYA course then these are possible. Your boat would need to be acceptable of course and a daily rate for an instructor would be quoted.

Sailing Today Podcasts

Try these Podcasts Sailing Today Podcasts.

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.

Steve Austin has uploaded this video of our 2018 Adventure sailing a traditional Dutch flat bottomed boat

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 

Try me on Facebook for lots more images Facebook

Follow me on Instagram@Northumbria Sailing

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For more information contact me via my web page

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