March’s News On and Off the Water
‘The sea drives truth into a seafarer like salt’ – Hillaire Belloc, author on Sailing the Sea
Theory courses are still underway but focus is now on the forthcoming practical season with boat and personal preparation. Now is the time to get validated with the one day shorebased courses for VHF, Diesel Engine and Radar, all with space available in March and April. Autumn dates for the very popular face to face evening class have now been published, with one signed up already.
First Aid in Action
A full RYA First Aid course saw us all in action, including myself, on the floor with manikin Annes and moving partners into Recovery Positions. We even received instruction on drugs too! First Aid tickets are only valid for three years so this is a regular occurrence.
Tides of March
This Tidal Course starts March 2nd, running for two more evenings 6 – 9pm on 6 & 16th. A short Course dissecting real tides, not RYA ones, and utilises Reeds Almanac, the yachties ‘bible’. Good for revision as well as for a complete novice. If you have missed the first session you can still join, with adjusted cost, on 16th which will cover Secondary Ports. See below for more details.
Messy Pure Gallus
Pre-season mess here at present as Pure Gallus receives her clean, tidy and repair from the bilges upwards in preparation for another busy season with RYA and other practical courses.
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. A Wednesday/Thursday evening class is planned to commence October 2023. 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 £550 or £450 Zoom. Autumn 2023 dates; October 2, 9, 10, 16 & 23rd, November 6, 7, 13, 20 & 27th, December 4, 11 & 12th all from 1800 – 2100hrs 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 sessions 1800 – 2100hrs at Heaton on March 2, 6 & 16th. Cost £95 for three sessions, less for fewer.
Northumbria Sailing Adventures
These adventures are when we either charter a sailing yacht or take Pure Gallus 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 Skye, Orkneys, the Clyde, London Tower Bridge and a North Sea crossing.
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.
2018 has seen a trip on a traditional Dutch flat bottomed boat on the IJsselmeer and Clyde cruising, see below, and for 2019 we had the Kintyre & Crinan Adventure. Postponed in 2020 but returning again in 2021 with a Scottish Eagles Adventure and in 2022 North Northumberland.
For 2023 we seek to explore the Yorkshire Coast on a 5 Day Adventure, visiting Whitby and, hopefully, Scarborough before return. Dates are August 25 – 29th
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; £495 for one person alone. Saloon; with limited stowage, £395. Forecabin with ensuite; £375 each for two sharing or £650 alone, when available. September 19 – 21st (2 singles 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 £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; September 25 – 29th ‘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). ‘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. This is a Weekday Course for which a minimum booking of two is needed. Cost from £275 sharing & from £295 single. Next provisional dates; 2 from May 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 or 11th.
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 provisional dates; 4 from May 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 or 11th. 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
Two Sailing School Principals (One in waters a lot warmer)
Jonathan Colwell paid a visit on his return from Croatia where he’s principal of an RYA Sailing School in warm waters. Jonathan was one of my very first victims and went through most of my courses and now is able to sail in the sun. Yacht Sail Training so if your preference is the Med give him a try
Donna’s Sailing Experience
Check out Donna’s experiences sailing with Northumbria Sailing, even though she doesn’t mention my name 🙁 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
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 £70 for the RYA. Also available One to One at £190 and online at £95 to include manual. Assessment £70 extra. Next session; April 19th 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
Get Legal!
It’s against the law to operate VHF equipment unsupervised without an operator’s certificate, unless in an emergency. Penalties are harsh, could be 2/3 years inside plus equipment confiscation! Mind you to play music over Channel 16, the emergency channel, which I have heard, is a serious offence as this could prevent contact being made by a casualty with the rescue authorities. Usually taken as a one, long, day Course demand is especially high at this time of the year. Seen here are 7 successful candidates, no, not 8 as I’m there and do actually have my ticket, albeit taken many decades ago. Lined up are; Tim, myself, Michelle, Jose, Faye, Rob, Tony & Sam. Next availability; April 19th.
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; 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. First Aid Certificates
Victims (All) at Sea
Lifeboat Rescue
Richard & Pravin Smart moved their boat Kestrelle from Royal Quays to Portavadie on the Clyde two years ago and have enjoyed the stunning scenery and interesting sailing in these popular waters. A decision was made to transfer her to winter quarters in Whitehaven for maintenance and the usual jobs which are the lot of a boat owner. Their journey was a little more adventurous than they had intended and report; ‘It was quite a rough passage from Portavadie to Whitehaven, with wind and waves much stronger than forecast and too strong for us to feel comfortable sailing at any juncture. Despite carrying 40 litres of spare fuel in jerry cans (with the main tank showing just under ¼ full before topping up) and refuelling some 38 miles from Whitehaven, it would appear that with wind and waves against us and a deadline for locking through into Whitehaven looming it apparently meant we were consuming diesel far too quickly. (Under normal revs and conditions that fuel would have taken us twice that distance.)
You couldn’t have scripted what happened with the engine cutting out 1.4 nM West of Whitehaven lock (after having just contacted the Lock-keeper that we were approaching!!). After having weathered all that was thrown at us and the seas back down to slight, we’d run out of fuel and with the wind having calmed down and no more than a couple of knots did not have the stomach to approach the lock under sail given the tide was on its way out. It was our first case of having to call the Coastguard (by phone and not VHF) and I was impressed at how easy and yet thorough the process was. I lost track of time but the boat arrived and had us into Whitehaven lock whilst it was still daylight with sufficient water under the keel and left safely moored alongside the fuel berth. Probably around an hour and a quarter after making that first call. Impressive!!!
I’d always intended joining the RNLI as a shore member after visiting the Tynemouth station when we moved Kestrelle to Royal Quays a few years ago, but somehow never got around to it. This episode has finally made me follow up and Pravin and I are now joint shore members. We have also committed to a monthly donation in thanks for the wonderful work they do.’
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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