February Newsletter
‘There is but a plank between a sailor and eternity’ – Thomas Gibbons , author
This month I was hoping to announce the arrival at Royal Quays of the new school boat Pure Gallus, but it’s not to be as she is now stormbound in Eastbourne and, looking at the forecast on 1st, it’s likely to be there a while. The delivery crew has returned home and will await a weather window. I have yet to see Pure Gallus but still have Lian which will continue from the start of the new season, whenever that may be.
The lockdown has prevented face to face contact so the day course such as VHF, First Aid and Radar have all been postponed until the time is right. Nevertheless my six Zoom theory classes keep me up to the mark and include victims locked down in Poland and a Yorkshireman locked out up here in Amble. Still, I don’t have to go out on a cold and dark night!
When the Boat Comes In
The new addition to my fleet, at least until Lian moves on. Pure Gallus is a lovely 2017 Sun Odyssey 419, just the type of boat you may end up chartering, and will be brought into commission in the early part of the season. For more information try my link Pure Gallus
Seconds Away From Drowning
I have seen some remarkable rescues on the RNLI’s compelling television programme Saving Lives at Sea but this one is top of the List for drama and the above title is no exaggeration. See if you can read the report without wiping a tear. Weston Rescue
RYA Conference
Anyone who knows me will realise that I dislike these events, which usually are promoted in an inaccessible area to us Northerners which involves several hundreds of pounds just to be bored and feel ‘out of the Club’. This year, like everything else, was different and was delivered in virtual form and FREE! All sessions could be viewed on catchup and I actually learnt a good bit, as I have in previous years but grudgingly.
Richard Falk, RYA Training Manager, is senior in the RYA and gave his talk, in his own words saying ‘at this point I put everyone to sleep’ with his facts a figures. I am going to summarise his content and also add bits from other speakers.
First shorebased Courses delivered virtually have seen an increase as a result of the plague, which may diminish when we are ‘back to normal’ but it’s still felt the future will still have a place for them. From Vaughan Marsh, head of Sail Cruising, came the statement; ‘there are no boats on the market at present!’, something I found when looking and am pleased I have managed to buy one, albeit unseen and now stormbound in Eastbourne. Vaughan also mentioned navigation will reflect the current market trends and will be more electronic based, to include use of radar. Richard mentioned Course downturns are 20 – 80%, although power has benefitted. The RYA is facing a deficit of £1.5M, but are still extending some small financial concessions to Sailing Schools.
Another speaker discussed the impact of VAT and Brexit. The VAT implications mean that UK boats which have been out of the UK for three years will need to return this year to escape VAT liability. Since EU countries are now ‘foreign’ the Rules will apply, such as flying the ‘Q’ flag, entering only at an official Port of Entry, and complying with Customs. There are implications for schools and instructors in the Med, Spain already is making demands, and instructors on non UK registered vessels may find their qualifications not recognised.
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. (FULL)
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.
Where Eagles Dare – 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.
Of particular interest is the possibility of seeing a white-tailed eagle, which is even larger than the golden. White-Tailed Eagle This magnificent eagle has been successfully re-introduced to Scotland where there are now over 100 pairs and current discussions are underway about bringing the eagle back to England. We will be making a detour to try and see one.
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. 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 & £695 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 £395 Zoom. Try Zoom and enjoy seafarer’s company.
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 £625) for Day Skipper, £695 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ (Zoom £675) and £750 (Zoom £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. 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 (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 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. 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. ‘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. 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. To check which certificates are acceptable to the RYA e.g. for examinations. First Aid Certificates
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
Shown here is the old Tyne Bridge dating from before 1866. Fast forward to sailors in 2021 and what they wish to know is whether their mast will clear the underside of the bridge. For this they will need to know their own air draught, mine is 16.5m, and the worst case scenario and this is where the Highest Astronomical Tide HAT comes in. This states that at the highest possible tide the clearance underneath the bridge, usually the centre, will be ‘x’. In the case of the Millennium Bridge there are two HAT clearances; 24m when open and 3.8m when closed. I still find it incredible that the Millennium bridge can give as much clearance as the Tyne Bridge!
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.
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.
Goodbye to;
Arabesque formerly owned by Peter Fall and Dorothy Mitchel formerly owned by Trevor Jefferson, both boats sold by the local broker David Wood of Network Yacht Brokers
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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