Northumbria Sailing
Sail Cruising Courses & Trips in North East England
Shore to Sail News
June’s News On and Off the Water
‘Any fool can carry on, but a wise man knows how to shorten sail in time’ – Joseph Conrad, author
An abundance of News items this month which I hope Readers will enjoy. Notable are a last minute availability for the 5 Day RYA Course June 5 – 9th and a new Skipper Skills Course with the first session in July.
Sad to report is the passing of Professor Stuart Parker but, on a happier note, several new Day Skippers about to set off on their own adventures.
My own adventures in Scotland are reported, also highlighting the difficulties of yacht charter in the area.
5 Different Boats in 7 Days
Incredible when I look back. Day 1; Own Boat tuition on a lovely gaff rigged Yarmouth 23 Impulsive II. Mike has made it rather nice down below and so he should as he runs an upholstery company Compleat Interiors. Day 2; a Day Trip on Pure Gallus, my most popular course at the moment. This time with the eccentric Hassall and family. Day 3; Own Boat Tuition again, this time on a Hunter 27 Jetstream with Stephen. Day 4; a chartered boat out of Oban, Frolika, with the two Peters. Day 5; this boat decided not to go into gear forwards and we had to get back to a Tobermory mooring under sail. A bit tricky especially with a full jib flogging – amazing how many other boat owners on their moorings came out to watch! The gearbox could not be repaired and we had to await a replacement boat, which arrived on Day 7; Morpheus a smaller version of Pure Gallus made the fifth boat in seven days. Day 6? Whilst stuck in Balamory we decided to hire electric bikes, a first for me. I say a ‘thank you ‘ to both Peters for withholding information regarding the turbo setting and I puffed hard up the steep hill leading out of town 🙁
All was not sadness though and we enjoyed a mooring at Ornsay and a sail up the remote Loch Doune before setting off for Canna in a rising wind. A short stop in Rum produced an amazing change in the wind and Canna beckoned, together with a superb meal of lobster, crab, langoustines and more. In the fading light more adventures continued as we had forgotten to top up the outboard’s fuel and hence it was oars time on the sailor’s most dangerous journey. A stop enroute home to Oban at Loch Aline produced a spluttering tap and we were out of water! Morpheus 
wasn’t supplied with the necessary hose so we remained the great unwashed and unshaved before presenting ourselves to wives on the Saturday (one Peter being in virgin condition after spending his £2 on a shower 5 days previously…)
Round Britain Seafarers
Rob and Faye have abandoned all to sail round Britain in their newly acquired Catalina 400 Reach Out and write; ‘Just a quick note to let you know that our VHF skills have been put to good use over the last five weeks that we’ve been living on board and cruising westwards through the Channel on our circumnavigation back to North Shields. Come to mention it, our theory and practical skills that we learned with you have also come in very handy!
The learning curve has been steep but the efforts have been rewarded with beautiful maritime towns and harbours, anchorages and historical centres. Our calculations have been on point so far getting through the Solent, around St Alban’s Head, Portland Bill and soon we’ll be tested around Lizard Point and Land’s end as we wait for a suitable weather window to enter the Irish Sea.
Four years ago we would never have dreamed that an experience like this would have been possible. Our time with you had opened us up to a world that is most appealing; time becomes something that orientates around tides and wants orientate around what is truly needed. It’s a beautiful life.
Thank you from Faye and I for helping us to go from bonafide land lubbers to what feels like… almost mariners! We have another 1,200 miles to go to get back home but we couldn’t be happier at the prospect. We’ve also been keeping a video diary; if you’d like to have a look you can see it in the link below. Also is a link where you can see our Facebook page. https://youtu.be/k4v1-MK1LR4 https://www.facebook.com/sailinghjem’ Faye is a writer and presents this very well. Look out especially for ’20 Seconds from Mayday’ – Ed
Yachtmaster Andrew with MOB for Real
Warm congratulations to Andrew Slater who has completed several practical Courses with Northumbria Sailing together with theory preparation for his practical examination in the Solent where he volunteers for the Rona project. Last January sadly Andrew made an error, was failed but encouraged to re-take in May 2023. Over to him; ‘The exam was a little different this time, we each had two passages to do, the two Coastal (Andrew’s choice) doing easier passages than the offshore candidate.
First passage was leave Shamrock quay by XX come alongside a different pontoon and then find a buoy and then get to Calshot. The second passage was find a buoy in the middle of the Solent and then drop the anchor on the O of Osborne Bay by YY. I then had to take us to Newtown Creek finding a buoy on the way.
At dusk we left Newtown and headed to Cowes finding an unlit buoy on the way. This was hard and we almost missed it. Once in Cowes the YM offshore took over to find a buoy in the middle of the Solent. This did not go well. There was little wind and the Examiner agreed we did not need to put the sails up. YY decided once out of Cowes to hoist sails which meant we were pushed sideways as we hoisted. Then she decided to drop the headsail again losing out to the tide. We missed it twice and then with some more chartwork found it. We then headed to Port Hamble for the night. We came onto a finger berth. I jumped off and made off the stern line, then XX jumped off with the bow line slipped and fell in. The Examiner moved like lightning and had him out in 30seconds. We secured the boat and made sure XX was ok.
The next day was my final passage after checking our prepared passage plan asking questions including some on radar. I had a moment when asked about an isolated danger mark lights and froze. He then asked me about the lights again at the debrief when it was all over. Poor YY failed due to the night passage.
My debrief pointed out my weaknesses and we discussed what I need to do. Very happy I passed but much harder than the previous exam’
Blyth in the Sun
Andy and Paulene enjoyed sunshine and fair winds on their two day RYA Start sailing Course. Paulene is shown here gaining her Day Skipper skills at the helm.
Day Skipper Andy
Andy, no connection to the above, displays his RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate.
May Skippers
Another RYA practical with certificates awarded and congratulations to Shaun, Dave, Michelle & John and we wish them all well as they commence their sailing adventures.
Clyde Sailing in January
Shaun Robson takes his Day Skipper preparation seriously and follows our requirements before undertaking his 5 day practical Course Day Skipper Pre-Quirements. Firstly a 5 Day RYA Competent Crew Course in the Clyde in August 2022, Secondly his theory in my autumn evening class. Then, admirably, a January Mile Builder on the Clyde complete with horizontal snow, with another in March 2023 and then my VHF Course (not strictly necessary for the practical but would be needed at some stage). This culminated in a successful RYA Day Skipper practical 5 Day Course in May, and Shaun is an excellent example to follow
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. Next class starts January 2024. 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 & 30th, 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
Skills Centre
It’s now some 13 years since I started delivering RYA Courses, their format and their questions to be answered. Yet important messages are not always given their due weight and there’s no scope for further investigation. Skills Centre sessions and courses will have this in mind and offer the opportunity to seek further knowledge as well as refreshing existing. I see subjects being mainly theory with some practical, but am open to suggestions
TIDES In this subject we look at real tides and apply this to examples in waters of the UK and Europe, with particular emphasis on our very tidal 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. Cost £95 for three sessions, less for fewer. ‘Being new to sailing and having seen numerous yacht go aground in Amble harbour entrance, the tides we have on the NE coast frightened me a little. I looked into the online courses but decided to go with you and the classroom instead and I’m glad I did. Learning in a group with instant help and feedback from you made understanding the lessons so much easier.’ – Thornley
FOG ALL OVER You have a chart plotter, AIS and Radar showing there’s another vessel out there. Plenty of electronic information but, you then realise, none tell you which way to turn. In the collision between Whispa and Gas Monarch the former was not on a collision course but the skipper misconstrued notorious Rule 19d and actually turned towards Gas Monarch and collided. This short course, I’m not sure yet how many sessions, will attempt to throw some light on this important subject.
SKIPPER SKILLS Another new course aimed at improving skills of either an existing skipper or a very competent crew about to take their RYA Day Skipper Practical. This Course will include exercises such as berthing, which are not normally available outside an RYA Course and others according to demand. For example; use of up to date Raymarine electronics, night sail or just confidence building. Provisional dates for the first course are two days between July 10 & 20th.
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 Lorna, Mel, Sean, Emma & Jo, one being pregnant too. 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.
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. Next Trips; July 10th (provisionally), Saturdays July 15th (2 places left) & August 12th (12th FULL) and more later as they fill up quickly (one victim, Owen, takes all places for practice before their boat charter in the Med). 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; June 5 – 9th, September 25 – 29th & October 2nd – 6th ‘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 June 5 – 9th. Ask for more details if you possess the pre-quirements linked above. ‘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 beginners 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 (singles also welcome). Cost from £275 sharing & from £295 single. Next dates; June 30th + July 1st (FULL).
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’. 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
Cordon Bleu Catering
Last year a decision was made to outsource onboard catering. Not that my own cordon bleu cooking wasn’t up to scratch, or so I thought (!), perhaps meals should be more in keeping with the high boat standards. Julie was the answer, if she could be persuaded as her efforts are not for sale but for charity fund raising. As we are both involved in charity fund raising for children in Thailand Lert Sa Wat Julie was persuaded and already several £100s have been sent to a worthwhile cause. The quality of the catering has been received with acclaim, often unexpected onboard; ‘Food was really good btw which I wasn’t expecting!’ – Alan, ‘The whole experience was made all the better for the quality of the dinners that were pre-prepared, they were so tasty and wholesome, the portions were big which is just what we all needed after a day tackling the elements’ – Matty ‘The food was absolutely amazing, I even had seconds! Please pass this on to Julie and also let her know the ginger cake is to die for!! 😁’ – Paulene
Off with a Bang
went the start of the sailing season at sea. Look at the image of Craig at the helm in a Force 7 wind with maximum gust of 34 knots (a gale). The early RYA Practical Courses are full except for space on RYA Start Yachting in May. Have a look at what Northumbria Sailing has to offer, compare prices with the Med and look for a sailing experience which will stand you in good stead to deal with situations you will encounter yourself. As was said to me; ‘If I can sail in the North East I can sail anywhere’!
Bunk Up
Onboard Pure Gallus the mainsail head is hard to reach, being high up. This involves crew using the mast steps and roofer Dave introduced us to an excellent idea which he uses in his business, the Bunk Up. (Wish I had known Dave last year when it was so difficult to get a roofer after all the storms) Being bunked up is Shaun and both of these guys undertake their RYA Day Skipper Practical in May and we wish them every success.
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 sessions; June 12th (limited space available) & October 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
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 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 £11 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 £30 (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 £8 Pack. Next Session; October 5th First Aid Certificates
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
Victims (All) at Sea
Mark Batey left, has a lovely but impossibly named Hallberg Rassy 29 with deck re-laid in thick teak. Ngahue left Blyth on 23rd May, calling at Scarborough and Lowestoft enroute to IJmuiden. Mark said he was dreading speaking to the Coastguard with a name like that, but he has form having had an altercation with Tyne VTS many years ago.
Elaine and Mark are spending 6 weeks sailing in the Med; ‘Having done two weeks in Turkey and now entered Greek waters enroute to Kos. Encountered lots of challenging wind and now today no wind!’
Swedish Adventure
Ingela Vestin-Kearney & Tony Kearney report; ‘Ingela and I are now settled in Sweden. Our trip to Gothenburg was interesting.(2021) Our first port of call was Farsund someway inland. When passing big rocks it is generally the case that rocks that go steeply into the water continue in that direction. Rocks and small islands that slope gently into the water very often lead onto reefs just below the surface. Rocks less than 5 metres sometimes have a pole on them.
Farsund has a long pontoon with water and electricity to hand . This is was free! Harbour dues are paid in the very attractive town at the tourist office. As we did not have a Norwegian bank account they were very sorry that they could not take our money. So the stay was completely free.
The water in the Skagerrak moves in an anti clockwise direction so the run over the top of Denmark was with a flow under us of up to 3 knots. This water movement took us almost to Gothenburg. We stayed in that area for the Winter. The following year we went though the Gota Canal. The lakes have a buoyage system as some of them are shallow. Never rely on unwatched buoys ! The bottom is mud and it is easy to get free if you slowly come to a halt. Mohican Too is 4 metres beam. Some of the canal is about 5 metres wide which focused the mind.
We then took Mohican Too to Gävle where she spent the Winter. Ingela took her RYA Yachtmaster theory paper and passed with no input from the school to help her. We then sold Mohican Too to a Swedish couple who are thrilled and hope to go on a long trip sometime. So now we are qualified and for the first time have no boat. Best wishes to you and this year’s students.’
ITMA
Readers will have to be very old to remember this acronym (It’s That Man Again, a wartime radio programme) but it’s John Taylor Yachtmaster, as of October 2022, for whom due respect is expected and yet again features in my News; ‘Back in Northumberland after a great week sailing the Italian Riviera with Glen Hogg and friends on Caledonia. If you are lucky enough to have been invited to join him later and have not yet responded then I strongly recommend it.’
French Connection
Rob Langley over wintered Pendragon at Calais and aims to sail the English Channel, both French and English sides, as well as working onboard. Helen is seen here in Ramsgate showing the Northumberland flag.
Hassall on a Day Trip
Hassall brought the Balshen family again and they are always welcome, despite thoughts provoked by the name; ‘We really enjoyed it. Great to see you again, and good to meet Peter who I hope will soon be another of your victims! Thanks for the picture – not my best side; but I’ve yet to discover which that is!’
Goodbye To Professor Stuart Parker
Stuart Parker passed away last February after a lengthy illness and I reproduce here an article from March 2020. Stuart livened up a class with his humour and affability
Oops!
Stuart Parker had a little accident during his VHF Course, the consequence of shaking a bottle of orange juice when the top hadn’t been closed properly. At this time Stuart was doing MayDay procedures, clearly very appropriate!. Stuart is re-doing many courses he has already done successfully, but many years ago. With two Ocean crossings to his credit he clearly has set his eyes on many more adventures.
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 to see him again, but not interfere with family life.
Sailing Today Podcasts
Try these Podcasts Sailing Today Podcasts.
Reader’s Links
A section featuring links of a maritime interest sent to me.
Donna gives a clear picture of how she felt as an ordinary person coming to her RYA Day Skipper Practical Course; Donna Sail
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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