January 2021

January Newsletter 

A New Year and new hope but, for the present, we are stuck with lockdowns, tiers and social distancing. This hasn’t affected demand for Zoom RYA Day Skipper Theory and I’m putting together probably the final theory class of the season and there’s only a few places left.

5 Day Practicals are fully booked until May and I still don’t see the Courses being residential yet.

The school boat, Lian, now has a buyer and I’m actively looking for her replacement. Watch this space…. 

Gone

The Earl of Zetland was lifted out last month, albeit at the second attempt, the first having failed due to the fact that the Zetland hulk was still too heavy. Attracting lots of bystanders prepared to stay in the cold for long waiting periods of apparent inaction. More images can be found on the marina Facebook site. On land the final dismantling was swift and by Christmas it was all gone.

Christmas on a Lighthouse

Try this one of the ‘Good old days’ Trinity House

 

Up the Mast

I pressed Colin Banks into service to help with removing both sails for the winter. Allowing two hours for this I said after removing the main in less than an hour ‘that was quick’ – a bad judgement as the genoa jammed and we could not free it no matter how hard we tried so it was tied up temporarily. A flat calm day later came with two assistants Matt Simms and David Wood. My job to go up the mast to free it, which was easy once up there. Then, with myself still admiring the view, the subject of a coffee break was mooted by my two assistants…..but they let me down first thankfully.

Sailing Masterclass 2021 

July 11 – 13th. A new Course for those who wish the nautical equivalent of a re-tune. Starting from 8pm on 11th July at Royal Quays you will spend two nights onboard Lian under the instruction and close supervision of an experienced Yachtmaster Instructor, Stephen Scott. The Course will end on 13th and during this time you can expect to visit a tidal port and sail just a bit harder than you would expect on a typical RYA Course. Sail trim will also be a feature. Cost £275. Preference will be given to RYA Yachtmasters and Coastal Skippers.  

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. 2020 Adventures were postponed until this year.

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.

Mull Adventure

June 9 – 16th  a superb yacht has been reserved for our latest Adventure, a 2008 commissioned 13 metre yacht, Pollyanna, a Dufour 425, sailing out of Dunstaffnage, Oban, a marina with easy access and excellent facilities. There will be a maximum of 6 persons onboard. A larger yacht might be more glamorous and cheaper per head, but is less participatory. We aim to circumnavigate Mull, taking in; sheltered Loch Aline – picturesque Tobermory – Staffa & Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave – Tinker’s Hole anchorage opposite Iona – lovely Colonsay Island – Corryvrechan (outside whirlpool time) & then finally Dunstaffnage.

Berth pricing ranges from £675 to £775, excluding a catering ‘kitty’ 

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

Northumbria Sailing  on Zoom

Following my demonstration to the RYA I launched Online Courses via Zoom. In order that anyone thinking of this form of Course can see what it involves I will offer the first hour FREE so a decision can be made whether the format is appropriate. Thus I won’t take any money until after this FREE hour has been completed. The Course cannot be as good as with human contact but, in my opinion, this is better than a full online course where little or no direct contact is made with the instructor. You also enjoy the company of fellow seafarers. The RYA seem to have taken up my suggestion, made last May, to have a free session; ‘Consider providing a free check lesson to potential students who are not sure it will work for them. This will enable you to avoid those that do not have sufficient internet speed, processor speed or graphics capability to use online streaming ‘ – RYA Instructor Guidance for Online. A small class for RYA Day Skipper Theory via Zoom is being assembled to start mid-January. Limited space available. Online information

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 £750 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 & £675 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. Try Zoom and enjoy seafarer’s company. 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 or £375 Zoom. Try Zoom and enjoy seafarer’s company. Next class starting Early January

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 £650 (Zoom £525) for Day Skipper, £675 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ (Zoom £575) and £750 (Zoom £650) 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. You will be using Reed’s Almanac and the first session will be for assumed beginners leading to more advanced stuff on the second. Joining is possible for both sessions or just the first and will be at Heaton or The Lock café at Royal Quays, depending on numbers. 0930 – 1400hrs, cost £45 for the first session only or £85 for both.

PRACTICAL COURSES

All local courses take place on the school boat, a quality 36 foot (11.1 metre) 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. (for 2021 temporary adjustments may still be necessary)

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. This was very popular in 2020 and here we see John, Jill, Barry & Derek. Cost £295, weekday only. Next availability; April 8 – 10th (2 places left), April 21 – 23rd (One place left).

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 Trip; April 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, subject to £50 discount as they are day sails and not catered. The full RYA certificate will still be available. Course dates; April 25 – 30th (1 place left), May 16 – 21st,  July 19 – 23rd & August 25 – 29th. 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. Cost £625. 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. Cost £625 subject to £50 discount as they are day sails and not catered. The full RYA certificate will still be available. Course dates; April 25 – 30th (1 place left), May 16 – 21st, July 19 – 23rd & August 25 – 29th. ‘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’. Next Courses; April 11 – 16th (FULL) & October 10 – 15th. Cost £650  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

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

Specialist Courses   

RYA VHF This important Course is available in class, onboard, 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. Also available One to One at £180 and online at £95 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. Courses are suspended until the situation improves. Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio  and RYA Online VHF video

The RYA require you to book your practical examination at the time of enrolling on a Course. Beware of anyone offering this Course without this. RYA Practical VHF 

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. Candidates for RYA Yachtmaster examinations are expected to be conversant with radar. Day Course: Cost £120, plus 10.50 to RYA. March 10th ‘Thank you very much for yesterday’s course’ – Stephen

CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £30

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. RYA Examiners have requested greater knowledge from candidates. Cost £120 plus £10 for the RYA Pack. Maximum 6 persons. Courses are suspended until the situation improves  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 £29 (includes instruments) for the RYA Pack. Online Navigation

RYA FIRST AID. All day for the RYA certificate, valid three years. Find out the latest recommendations on what to do at sea from an experienced sailor with over 50 years in nursing to include A & E. Cost £95 plus £7.50 Pack. Courses are suspended until the situation improves. To check which certificates are acceptable to the RYA e.g. for examinations.  First Aid Certificates   

Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed

Refer back to ‘October Iron Men’ above where I opted for an ‘in slings’ inspection, cheaper and quicker than the full lift. Here the boat was just lifted enough to show the propellor so this could be checked (for which I was very grateful to Royal Quays marina, Alex in particular, for doing the lift so promptly).

Famous Five from 2020

Here is my selection, in no particular order, with some original articles abridged;

No 1 – October Iron Men (November)

A quote from Royal Quays marina on their Facebook page; ‘Pretty grim conditions today as witnessed by the fact that everyone is wearing waterproofs! Cold, grey, wet, with a brisk north easterly – even the trawlers are tied up. So hats off to our two resident sea schools Oceanic Sea School and Northumbria Sailing for getting out and having fun on the water.’

No 2 – December, Adrian & Jo Smith ‘We had both retired from long careers in the NHS during 2019 and were starting to think about how to use all this newly acquired free time; an exciting opportunity but also a bit scary when you have become used to a fixed routine for so long. What we needed was something we could do together for shared experiences, something that would stop our brains seizing up and yes, something that would stop us getting fed up with the sight of each other!’

No 3 – November, Exclusive Pontoon F. Pontoon F at Royal Quays marina is rather exclusive and it’s even rumored that newcomers have to gain acceptance by the local committee before being allowed to berth! Northumbria Sailing is very proud to have so many of its home produced sailors here and all SIX have taken their RYA Day Skipper Practicals with myself. They are Ingela, Emre, Mark, Tony, Orang & John. One more has booked his place on the March practical which is full already.

No 4 – October, Peter Millican & Peter MacLaren, ‘Peter and I have just returned from the most amazing week sailing on the west coast. Originally we planned to go in May but this was cancelled due to restrictions. Alba sailing offered us a week in late September in a Dufour 425 GL which was almost 12 tons in weight compared with the Sun Odyssey which we originally booked which was nearer 7 tons. This proved to be an unplanned blessing as Pollyanna behaved incredibly well in the exciting conditions of the week.’

No 5 October, John Matthews ′…. we had two memorable evenings at anchor, the first was a beautiful peaceful evening at the south west end of Loch Lochy away from the mundane pontoons, the second was a visit to the Lochside Brasserie on the south shore of Loch Lochy.  Apparently we were the first customers to arrive by boat and we were of great interest to the staff as they watched us surveying the sharply shelving loch bottom. I was keen to be the gallant husband and insisted on carrying Anne from the dinghy to the shore so that she would not get her feet wet. Unfortunately I caught my foot in the painter, lost my footing on the slippery stones and then sat down landing us both in the water and getting soaking wet.

A New Job

I have now accepted an appointment as Harbour Agent for the North East to assist with updating information in the Reeds Almanac. It’s a paid post too! – a free almanac so marinas can expect me to be contacting them for updating and victims can make suggestions too. 

Victims (all) at Sea

John Short on Grey Glider ‘Even before I undertook my Competent Crew Course with Melvyn, I decided to buy a boat. Even more to the point, I had never sailed before, hadn’t given sailing a lot of thought but wanted to have one big final adventure before I became too old. I am currently 64. Yes, yes, I know that you need experience, need to know your way around boats, need to know your left from your right and so on. I was going to do what I wanted in direct opposition to all sailor’s advice. The one thing I was (I am) certain about is I wasn’t going to setting around watching day time TV and waste my winter years. Here is the story so far…
I watched Ben Fogle’s Lives in the Wild and saw Rick Page on his Island Packet living an onboard lifestyle. I was pretty much hooked. Then I read Ricks book – Get Real, Get Gone and couldn’t hold back (Rick has been a mentor too myself both about boat type and being the right type of person to enjoy his lifestyle). My searches began across the Internet and the many yards and for sale boats. I only had a few criteria. It must have a long keel, be around 35 feet with a sea going reputation around the Mediterranean. I am getting on and I want to be warm! I did narrow down to a handful of boats and ran them past Rick who would comment on them for me. Eventually, in June 2020, I found a Trident Warrior 3 which was in a marina in Sicily. I contacted the owner and had a multitude of questions answered, some not answered and some not quite truthfully. Yes, I was given a heart reaching story that the owner (whose husband had died) loved the boat and for the last 18 years had been her pride and joy. I wasn’t swayed by this but did take it into account. She was from Scotland and I am a bit of a sucker for the gentle accent!
So, after negotiating and a full survey, which was brilliant, I had an offer accepted. The price I paid included marina fees for 9 months allowing me to go over and undertake a gamut of repairs. I have just returned after spending 2 months there in great weather, having met some wonderful people who were so helpful and completing many jobs. These jobs included full engine overhaul, diesel bug removal, electrical upgrades, bilge pump repair and a bit of a face lift in the aft cabin and head. I am very practical so it hasn’t cost a fortune so far but things do take a long time especially if you are moored along the main pontoon and have to service everyone’s conversation. A small price to pay.
I even sailed a couple of times and she handled wonderfully. I will be going back in early 2021 to continue works including new dingy and outboard, a decent radio amongst other facelifts.
Have I been crazy, lucky or are gambles worthwhile once in a while. It is for you to decide on that.’ – sadly John has been ill recently but we wish him a full recovery – Ed.

Tony Scorer onboard his recently acquired Future together with Donna, Graeme & Fearnley.  Sailing in December I’m especially pleased to have brought them all together from separate RYA Day Skipper Practical Courses and was a little envious of them at sea.

Sarah & John Knapton made their investment in a Hallberg Rassy, Cally, with a wheelhouse thereby enabling them to go for a sail in conditions which would deter others. Take a look at November sailing and keeping warm in this video. Cally

Derek Richardson has just bought a Hanse yacht with a tongue twister name Kiononia, which has provoked debate about name changing in class. Berthed in Amble, his insurance conditions prevent him from sailing her without an appropriately qualified person onboard. Needless to say he’s anxious to gain his RYA Day Skipper Practical qualifications as soon as possible.

Miriam & Phil have now put their boat Someday on the market as they are moving ashore to a more traditional home

Own Boat Tuition & Courses

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.

Phil Butler again with very useful advice on mal de mer. Seasickness 

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

Peter Chater again – ‘How about this for a large yacht collision’  Antigua 

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 

And finally from myself, try this one for a Broach    

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