Shore to Sail News
November’s News On and Off the Water
‘Flatter not yourself that good luck is judgment and discretion, for all your eggs could have foundered if the spirit of the sea had just said the word’ – Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick and more
Congratulations to the Hoskins family as Emma, pregnant during her Crewing Course (see April), and Justin, have a new daughter, Anastasia Elizabeth Jean who tipped the scales at 6lb 10oz.
Three New Yachtmasters!
Many congratulations to Elaine Beauchamp, John Taylor & Jonathan Hetherington for attaining their Yachtmaster status, shown here with Steve Scott their instructor. By way of a ‘celebration’ the heavens opened at the end of their two day examination and gave them a good soaking. In any event they were so tired an image would not have shown them to their best advantage!
All three have come ‘through the ranks’ showing their capability before Steve delivered the five day Yachtmaster preparation course leading up to the examination. On Cloud No 9 and several days were needed to recover. Well done everyone.
RYA Instructor in the Dark
It’s a humbling experience to remember that when we give victims a hard time our turn is next. So, it was with myself at Largs last month for my revalidation. Two very long days, midnight finishes and under a critical eye all the time. Finally a soaking just as the Course ended and I was eyeing up the last train from Carlisle. Thus midnight Saturday outside Central station, match day, Halloween celebrations and in a long queue for taxis, the only one in foulies with bags! Successful though 🙂
Lucy – Oops
Right at the very end of the five day course Lucy slipped and sprained her ankle whilst tidying up on deck. Here shown with her father, Mike, who accompanied her during the Course. Also successful were Ian & Thornley. The first injury in 12 years School sailing, but she’s recovered fine and is still keen to sail again.
6 Men in a Boat, the Phat Boys
Chris Robson reports; ‘We are a band of sailors self-styled as the Phat Buoys. We have sailed together for 23 years in different locations around the continents of North America and Europe seeking adventure and challenges in remote destinations such as Iceland, British Columbia, the Channel Islands and the Orkneys. We stay well away from palm trees, always sail on the “shoulder” of the season and visit a new sailing ground each year. This year we decided upon the Inner Hebrides, the heartland of Scottish cruising. Early reference to the Clyde Cruising Club’s sailing directions (essential reading for this trip) made me realise that a call to my long-suffering sailing tutor, Melvyn Wallhead, for a tidal navigation refresher would be helpful, indeed necessary!
Arrangements were made, and facilities established in the board room of my offices in Jesmond for two half day courses which gave me the confidence to go ahead with the planning for this trip. We chartered Aqua Vite, an Oceanis 41.1 out of Craobh (pronounced Kroov) just south of Oban. I stressed to my crew mates that my aspirations for the week were entirely dependent upon the fickle Scottish weather!
My prayers were answered, and we enjoyed favourable winds of 15-20kts most days with a few gusts dropping in to keep us on our toes. Most importantly the wind direction was near perfect every day for our meanderings around these beautiful islands. We quickly learnt the importance of keeping our eyes focussed on the local weather systems which could whip up near storm force gusts which made for some exciting activity, deploying the boats newly fitted third reef on some occasions.
Our course took us south down the Sound of Jura leaving the renowned Dorus Mor to port and the even more famous Corryvreckan to starboard. A steady north westerly wind assisted with an ebbing tide gave us good progress for the 45 miles to Port Ellen. This interesting harbour lies at the south end of Islay, an island which is becoming known as the Disneyland of distilleries. This was our only “alongside” overnight stay. Thereafter we were always at anchor, spoilt for choice on the west coast of Jura, Ross of Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Oronsay and Seil.
The Abbey on Iona was high up on our list for a visit. After topping up with water at Scalasaig on Colonsay, an interesting berth next to the ferry terminal, we set sail for the west end of the Ross of Mull. By now the wind had helpfully backed around to the south making for a quick but very lumpy passage. We tiptoed through Torran Rocks and left Rankin’s rocks to starboard to find the barely visible entrance to Tinker’s Hole, a beautiful, isolated anchorage which is well worth a visit. (image here)
After dropping anchor next to the ferry ramp, the visit to the Abbey on Iona involved a classic Phat Buoy onshore picnic taking in the peace, beauty and heritage of an island which is considered to be one of the most important places in Scottish history. An extra day negotiated on the charter allowed us the treat of heading north towards the Oban and finding our way, very carefully, into the stunning, much photographed anchorage of Puilladobhrain at the north end of Seil Island. After diligently calculating our depth with a falling tide, we tackled the half hour hike to the Tigh An Truish hostelry next to the Bridge over the Atlantic to enjoy some local hospitality. Stumbling back in the dark, it was a relief to see Aqua Vite still afloat, awaiting our return!
For our last day, the wind, as if to order, had veered to the north to push us gently with the tide down the Sound of Luing regarded by many as a stately river. Just as we headed north back to our base at Craobh, the wind picked up and allowed us to enjoy a final flurry of tacking upwind to finish off a very special trip.
For this trip, the Phat Buoys were Chris Robson, Simon Tyler and Andrew Wagstaff (Brits) and Canadians Mike Scrivens, Warren Creates and Boris Ulelha.’
Donna’s Sailing Experience
Donna has set out on video her sailing experiences to include her Day Skipper Course with myself. She gives a clear picture of how she felt as an ordinary person coming to this important sailing course; Donna Sail
One of My Favourites from the Archives
The Strange Case of SS Warrimoo
The passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was quietly knifing its way through the waters of the mid-Pacific on its way from Vancouver to Australia. The navigator had just finished working out a star fix and brought the Master, Captain John Phillips, the result. The Warrimoo’s position was LAT 00º 31′ N and LONG 179º 30′ W. The date was 31st December 1899.
“Know what this means?” First Mate Payton broke in, “We’re only a few miles from the intersection of the Equator and the International Date Line”.
Captain Phillips was prankish enough to take full advantage of the opportunity for achieving the navigational freak of a lifetime. He called his navigators to the bridge to check and double check the ships position. He changed course slightly so as to bear directly on his mark, and then he adjusted the engine speed. The calm weather and clear night worked in his favour.
At mid-night the SS Warrimoo lay on the Equator at exactly the point where it crossed the International Date Line! The consequences of this bizarre position were many:
The bow of the ship was in the Southern Hemisphere and in the middle of summer.
The stern was in the Northern Hemisphere and in the middle of winter.
The date in the bow (forward) part of the ship was 31st December 1899.
In the aft part it was 1st January 1900.
This ship was therefore not only in two different days, two different months, two different years and two different seasons, but it was also in two different centuries – all at the same time!
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
Classroom
Onboard Pure Gallus there’s a classroom suitable for a small class.
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 £595 or £925 on tailored tuition. ‘I have to say it was tough, and tested the brain calls somewhat. However – it was great challenge and good company – Debra’. The US Navy are teaching sailors Celestial Navigation again as a precaution against cyber attack. US Navy.
Navigating by the Stars
Fewer mariners with experience of ocean sailing before GPS are still with us and Jonathan Kemp is one of them. With his guidance I have acquired a Star Globe of the type he used down in the Falklands and will be using this in sessions, ashore I hasten to add. He has described his experiences for posterity. Jonathan.
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £575 for class & £850 tailored tuition. You need a good knowledge of this Course before being tested by the RYA Examiner. Zoom classes are arranged according to demand and availability. 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 £525 or £450 Zoom. Next face-to-face class; January 11, 16, 18 & 25th, February 1 & 8th, March 1, 8, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29th. A Zoom class is under preparation and could take place on Thursday evenings from November – let me know if you are interested. Day Skipper Theory.
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 £795 (Zoom £725) for Day Skipper, £850 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ (Zoom £795) and £925 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 at main and secondary ports. You will be using Reed’s Almanac and the first session will be for assumed beginners leading to more advanced stuff later on. This Course will be run across three, plus an optional fourth, sessions 1800 – 2100hrs at Heaton in March 2023. Cost £95 for three sessions and £40 for the optional fourth.
Eco Friendly Outboard
I saw this recently, an older model by Evinrude, where you wind the handle and the propellor rotates.
PRACTICAL COURSES
All local courses take place on the school boat, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 12 metre built less than 5 years ago and the type of boat you may aspire to when going out on your own adventures. For full information on what to expect from an RYA Course with Northumbria Sailing you are recommended to click
From Alan following a 5 day course; ‘Food was really good btw which I wasn’t expecting![space_20]
Where Do I Sleep?
On Pure Gallus you will have the opportunity to select your berth and pay accordingly. Singles go in the saloon or an aft cabin with doubles in the forecabin which has private ensuite facilities. Doubling up in the forecabin provides the cheapest deal.
PRACTICAL CREWING My version of RYA Competent Crew. Three days, 0930-1700hrs onboard for up to four ideally, sometimes five, 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 2021 and here we see John, Jill, Barry & Derek. Cost £325, weekday only. The RYA Sailing Skills – Level 1 is incorporated into this Course and this RYA certificate will be issued with the logbook marked accordingly. Next and definitely the last chance of the season; November 3, 4 & 9th.
This popular Course is now available stayover where you will spend two nights onboard away from Royal Quays and included will be the RYA Start Yachting certificate. There is a maximum availability of four persons onboard plus the instructor, and the prices vary according to the berth; Aft cabin; £450 for one person alone. Saloon; with limited stowage, £360. Forecabin with ensuite; £325 each for two sharing or £550 alone, when available.
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 £70 weekday & £85 weekend. 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. No experience needed. Cost, according to berth, from £550 (cabin sharing, £625 alone). Or see Practical Crewing above. ‘You were a pleasure to have as a guest, instructor and examiner. Your wisdom, advice and encouragement was much appreciated’ – Rachel
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. 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.
It is important that you are ready to take this important Course and, for minimum standards, check out on the web page Day Skipper Pre-Quirements. These standards and experience are expected at the time of booking. Cost, according to berth, from £595 (cabin sharing, £675 alone). ‘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. In 2021 we sailed as far as Eyemouth and anchored in various places including the Farnes and Beadnell. 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’. Prices from £675 depending on your berth. 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, when Covid permits. This is a Weekday Course for which a minimum booking of two is needed. Cost from £225 sharing & from £260 single.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE (ICC) This can be done on the same course as Day Skipper/Competent Crew. In 2023 there will be a new ICC Course, shorter and cheaper than the full 5 day Day Skipper Practical. Some countries will not accept RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate and request the ICC. 2023 dates are in the course of preparation. Alternatively I can test you on your own boat at much cheaper cost. Individual quotations are given for this which will be from £250 for one day, own boat ICC Guidance
Gone Fishing
Last time I fished was over 50 years ago and have always thought I might be seasick in a stationary boat with rod and line. This happened though since Albi and I failed to meet the tidal gate into Amble, in fact grounding twice at the entrance. Albi suggested getting the ‘feathers’ out and here I am, or was. In fact I caught a cod first, too small to retain, and then Albi had several mackerel and donated them to Diane, the very pleasant receptionist at Amble. I had over two hours there going up and down but never felt queasy at all!
Pure Gallus Sailing towards Amble
Northumbria Sailing on Video
Alan Robson produced this video of his sailing experience during his five days and gaining his International Certificate of Competence. Day Skipper.mov – Google Drive
Have a look at my Theory Training Centre with this video. Training
Onboard the Hallberg Rassy training yacht, now replaced by a Sun Odyssey 419, 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 £120 plus £60 for the RYA. Also available One to One at £190 and online at £95 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. Next session; January 17th 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 £130, 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 £130 plus £10.50 for the RYA Pack. Maximum 6 persons. Next availability; March 7th 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. Next session; February 28th First Aid Certificates
Victims (All) at Sea
Lost Prop
Peter MacLaren & Peter Millican report their incident; ‘Sailing Pollyanna out of Dunstaffnage we anchored for the night in Loch Aline. Next morning when we raised the anchor and tried to set off we found we had mislaid the prop. Fortunately diver Fraser Cameron came to the rescue and after a short search found it 2/3 buried in mud on the bottom of the loch. Unfortunately he couldn’t find the fixing nut and with the wind blowing straight into the Loch, we had to be towed out. We sailed back to Dunstaffnage and got pushed by a RIB onto a pontoon.
Outrage in the Seine
Rob Langley had a challenging experience in France when sailing with his wife and reports;’ The estuary of the river Seine is wide, sandy and mostly very shallow. The main shipping lane goes up to Le Havre, where Port Control is based, and a narrow secondary channel leads in from the sea up to Rouen. After a few days in Honfleur, Helen and I were motoring westwards down the Rouen channel towards the sea in our 37 foot yacht Pendragon, into a westerly force three, weather fair, sea state slight.
The local VTS rules require pleasure craft to stay just outside the red buoys north of the shipping channel, where the depths were about 6 to 10 m. Significantly, the south side of the channel was bordered by dangerous rocks and shallows.
There were several small fishing boats of about 40 feet working in the areas to the north of the channel, and we noticed that one was gradually inclining west south-west towards shipping channel, and so we speeded up to 7 knots to keep clear. The fishing boat also increased speed, maintaining its gradual approach. Through the binoculars I could see that they had their trawling gear out behind them
Seeing this I slowed us down to 3 knots, but the fishing boat also slowed down, and was now on our quarter getting steadily closer. I looked hard for the boat’s name but it was very difficult to make out. Very worryingly, the fishing boat now reached the edge of the shipping channel pushing us south into it. Helen turned us through 180°, back east towards Honfleur. The fishing boat at this point turned on its AIS transponder, identifying itself as the Vaisseau de Peche Rosenah.
After Rosenah had steered along the north edge of the channel for a period, we turned west again and I went below to check the chart when I heard Helen call out –
Rosenah was now inside the shipping channel only 40 metres away, still with its trawl lines out, about to either hit us or cross our bows with its lines. I hailed them on VHF 16, knowing that the Le Havre Port Control would be listening:
“Vaisseau de peche Rosenah, Vaisseau de peche Rosenah ici Pendragon, vous etes dangereux, vous etes dangereux, arretez, arretez maintenant ! Over! »
She immediately swung away and reduced speed, having given the English a serious fright. Whether this was deliberate intimidation against an English boat, or an attempt to set up an insurance claim for their trawl gear, we can’t say, but there was nothing accidental about their behaviour. We believe that they switched on their AIS as part of the insurance claim plan, but it enabled us to foil the attack by naming them over the VHF to the Port Control.
After we had cleared the channel we close-hauled to Ouistreham, and received a warm welcome from the French yachties on the pontoon, and the friendly, competent staff in the Bureau du Marina – back to normal French courtesy and hospitality’.
Own Boat Tuition & Courses
What happens when there are two Day Skippers onboard. Ask Jo & Adrian of Dawn Sky how they manage with one tiller between them. 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.
This is why I’m in the Sailing Business
Jason
Jason Christie has come all the way from novice to, deservedly, Day Skipper; ‘A year ago, I stepped onto a sailboat for the very first time with the intent to learn. A rather intimidating, relatively new, 42ft Jeanneau 419 named Pure Gallus.
This week I passed my RYA Day Skipper.
I was tested a lot. Everything from intentional groundings in the Tyne to man over board drills under sail due to ‘engine failure’ to retrieve our sacrificial fender ‘Wilson’, in the North Sea. Very intense, but totally worth it. Still learning’. It has been my privilege to take Jason through his Course starting with the Day taster Trip, then the 3 Day Practical Crewing, RYA Day Skipper Theory and, finally, his RYA Day Skipper Practical. Now Jason will set off on his own adventures and I hope he will keep me informed of progress.
Sailing Today Podcasts
Try these Podcasts Sailing Today Podcasts.
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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