January’s News On and Off the Water
‘The chance for mistakes is about equal to the number of crew squared’ – Ted Turner, America’s Cup Skipper
Whilst Pure Gallus rests in Royal Quays boatyard and is subjected to scrubbing and polishing, activity turns towards the theory side, excluding the walrus of course. Time to do the Day Skipper theory and also check up on the shorebased one dayers, such as VHF, Diesel Engine, Radar and First Aid all of which are available in the next three months and won’t be again once the practical sailing starts.
Ferry Meets Ferry
Last month I was delivering one of my away days – VHF to three ferry staff on their premises at Ferry Landing, South Shields. Rather than risk transiting the Tyne Tunnel at 0830hrs I opted for their ferry. At the same time the Amsterdam ferry was underway and the Shields ferry gave way, as I would interpret the ColRegs yielding to the vessel on starboard. The return crossing, in the dark, was worthwhile too. Remembering names during the Course was no problem here as Phil, John & James are all represented in my sons!
Famous Five from 2022
Here is my selection, in no particular order, with some original articles abridged;
No 1 – Saved by the Don (June)
After being let down by an instructor, the call for assistance went out and was answered by Steve Scott and Steve Lovett, but recourse was needed to bring Don Gunton out of semi-retirement. Shown here are four victims Jason, Adam, Rob & Iona rightly paying homage to Don since he was able to deliver the night sail, without which the Day Skippers would have been unable to be issued with their tickets. Only a few days later Don was able to successfully deliver a victim’s boat from Royal Quays to Seahouses. A busy week for Don and a big cheque to go with it! [space_20]
No 2 – Holy Island Anchorage (July) 
The annual outing of the now 69Club, intrepid, ancient and not so adventurous Seafarers anchored overnight off Holy Island as part of their Adventure on the North East Coast. The route included Amble – Newton lunch – Holy Island overnight after a Farnes visit – Berwick – Holy Island again – Amble – Royal Quays overnight. Seen here with myself are Peter MacLaren & Tom Pinder with youngster Steve Austin taking the image.
No 3 – Three New Yachtmasters (November)
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.[space_20]
No 4 – Wet and Wonderful (October)
This Day taster trip was enjoyed by all, despite the rain. Here Mike, Di & Michelle are with me having a better time than I might have thought, also producing a comment from my wife as this image went on Facebook. h Port of Tyne was to follow.
No 5 – Emre’s Delight (July)
Emre finally made it to Turkey the home of his parents and is shown bearded here with them and Jonathan Hetherington. During this epic voyage he had many experiences set out more fully in the article below under Victims all at Sea. When I first met him several years ago he expressed his desire to sail to his home country and now he has completed his quest but, knowing Emre, there will be more!
It’s That Time of the Year Again
Pure Gallus will, typically, be lifted out each year around about this time for maintenance to try and avoid anything mid season. Cold scrubbing and polishing, although it’s time to meet others in the boatyard. Thanks to Alex, Harry and Mark for the capable liftout, wash and cradle placement. Particular thanks to Harry for stepping in at short notice for my sick crew.
Boat Jobs To Do?
Mark Humphries of Breeze Marine could be the man to do the jobs onboard your boat, especially those tedious yard scrubbing and sanding ones in the boatyard. He can be contacted on 07827 276782
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
Last Cape Horners
On this YouTube video there’s 70 minutes of recollections and old film from a gathering of Cape Horners from the sailing era – well worth a watch. Eric Newby is a writer who also went to sea for adventure in the days before Elf & Safety and his book ‘The Last Grain Race’ is a good read for his experiences.
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 (limited space available). A Zoom class is under preparation and could take place on Thursday evenings – 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.
New – Mini Sailing Adventures
In response to demand, Sailing Adventures on Pure Gallus will take the form of Mini versions as well as Maxi, tailored for holders of their RYA Day Skipper Practical tickets, but also welcomed are other seafarers keen to experience sailing on this 2016 built yacht fitted to high standards. Electronics include Raymarine kit including a Plotter, Radar and AIS. Pure Gallus, a Sun Odyssey 419, is the type of boat, with twin wheel helms, you might charter on your holiday in the Med.
Guidance will be available but you will be fully involved in the Adventure and may even care to select your own crew. Maximum number will be four plus the Skipper and sharing the ensuite forecabin will give berths at the most economical rate.
Although longer sails are possible, envisaged are one to six nights onboard with a possible opportunity to sail through the night. Duties onboard will be shared and evening meals taken ashore whenever possible.
PRACTICAL COURSES
All local courses take place on the school boat, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 12 metre built less than 6 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 2022 and here we see John, Jill, Barry & Derek. Cost £350, 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 provisional dates; 3 from May 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 or 11th.
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 £75 weekday & £95 weekend. 2023 Trips; April 24th, June 27th and more later. 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 £650 (cabin sharing, £695 alone). Or see Practical Crewing above. Next availability; April 18 – 22nd (Forecabin for 2 only left. Could be for 2 singles as yet unacquainted), June 5 – 9th (FULL) ‘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 £695 (cabin sharing, £750 alone). Next availability; April 18 – 22nd (Forecabin for 2 only left, can mix with Comp Crew. Could be for 2 singles as yet unacquainted) ‘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 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 £275 sharing & from £295 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; ‘To sail a yacht bareboat in Greece the Greek authorities require the skipper to be over 18 and have a sailing licence issued by a statutory authority. Currently the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) for sail is most widely accepted, an RYA Coastal Skipper practical certificate or higher (new certificate version to include photo ID’. Next availability; March 20 – 24th 0930 – 1700hrs (FULL). Cost £495. Alternatively I can test you on your own boat at much cheaper cost. Individual quotations are given for this which will be from £275 for one day, own boat ICC Guidance
Repairs and Renaming
Mark Duncan writes; ‘Earlier this year I emerged from 2 years of COVID lockdowns and remote working having somehow passed the RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical courses with the very patient, supportive and good-humoured Northumbria Sailing (thanks Melvyn). Then despite the warnings that owning a boat was a quick route to poverty I decided life was too short, took the plunge and bought Fang, a GibSea 33 built in 2000.
We spent the summer getting used to her, or it might have been vice versa I’m not sure, but we had many successful days trips, one night sail and a separate overnight adventure, all without too many mishaps.
Then at end of the summer she came out for 2 weeks to get ‘a couple of jobs done’…. famous last words. Within minutes of getting hoisted out I could hear the ghost of Day Skipper Past reminding me of the quick route to poverty! What started out as a wash, rub down and antifoul turned into 7 weeks of endless jobs starting with an unexpectedly knackered stern tube, and cutlass-bearing caused by a rogue rope cutter, followed by replacing the heads and hoses, refurbishing the cooker, dismantling and reassembling electrics, Genoa repairs and laundering, reefing repairs…honestly the list goes on.
However, through the hours of how-to YouTube videos and invaluable advice from very helpful boat mechanics like Mark Humphries at Breeze Marine I actually quite enjoyed the whole process and found some new skills.
To round it off we felt like Fang deserved a new start because she’d name, several years of minimal use and maintenance, plus we didn’t really think she suited the name so we settled on renaming her to Aura, the Greek Goddess of the morning breeze, and threw some booze around and uttered some magic words to placate Poseidon just in time to get an end of season sail and enjoy some fire works viewed from the sea.’ (I thought the prop was new but Mark tells me it was his polishing) – famous last words. Within minutes of getting hoisted out I could hear the ghost of Day Skipper Past reminding me of the quick route to poverty! What started out as a wash, rub down and antifoul turned into 7 weeks of endless jobs starting with an unexpectedly knackered stern tube, and cutlass-bearing caused by a rogue rope cutter, followed by replacing the heads and hoses, refurbishing the cooker, dismantling and reassembling electrics, Genoa repairs and laundering, reefing repairs…honestly the list goes on.
However, through the hours of how-to YouTube videos and invaluable advice from very helpful boat mechanics like Mark Humphries at Breeze Marine I actually quite enjoyed the whole process and found some new skills.
To round it off we felt like Fang deserved a new start because she’d name, several years of minimal use and maintenance, plus we didn’t really think she suited the name so we settled on renaming her to Aura, the Greek Goddess of the morning breeze, and threw some booze around and uttered some magic words to placate Poseidon just in time to get an end of season sail and enjoy some fire works viewed from the sea.’ (I thought the prop was new but Mark tells me it was his polishing)
Last Sail of the Season – November
Brothers Nick & Craig requested a three day course in November! I was somewhat sceptical about completing this crewing course without having to postpone a day until March. Joined by Andy and with starts earlier than normal we had good weather and my fears were unfounded. They weren’t put off either and all have signed up for a four daytime day ICC course in March.
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. Next session; provisionally March 9th. ‘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 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
A Long Wait
I have just received this image of John onboard his boat in Sicily with his wife Kel. Reproduced here is an article he wrote two years ago and this cherished moment of the two together onboard Grey Glider has been long in gestation; ‘So, 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’. Ed; the old saying is ;’Good things are worth waiting for’ and now, finally, they can leave for adventures in the Med.
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. December update; ‘Noah arrived a week ago, 6lb 6oz, both Noah and Lucy doing well! We’re currently enjoying the rollercoaster that is learning to look after a newborn’.
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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