July’s News On and Off the Water
‘He was now convinced that the most valuable sail onboard was the diesel’ – Ray Kauffman, author
Lots of seafarers reports in this edition but losing Phil Butler, whom many readers will know, has been a shock.
‘Pieces of Eight’ resurrects to highlight the days when having to climb the mast was the expectation of sailors joining the Navy. For myself it was just to the Crow’s Nest on the Malcolm Miller in 1986.
The RYA state that Zoom Courses are no longer possible so early booking for my evening classes is recommended.
Sadly another victim and good friend Phil Butler passed away last month, aged only 63. Phil successfully completed many Courses with myself eventually attaining his RYA Yachtmaster Coastal. We, the 70Club with whom he sailed, heard this news whilst sailing in Suffolk, the Harwich/Felixstowe area, which gave us the opportunity of a traditional tribute linked here. Phil’s funeral is to be held at Tynemouth crematorium 3pm July 18th.
I’m Superstitious about Steve
Steve Austin was my first Man Overboard casualty as skipper. He survived but was crew on another occasion when Don Gunton became my second. Not to be laid to rest he was onboard last month when the yacht we were chartering went aground or, more accurately, we went aground onboard a yacht we were chartering in Essex. Steve, of course, was onboard and is shown here trying to balance the boat. He is though an important member of the 70Club the only one under 60 years of age! 🙂 PS I thought I might check to see if there were any more cases, to which Steve replied; ‘Ha, but imagine how boring the sailing would be without a boat Jonah to liven things up 😂. No, there haven’t been any other incidents, yet …’[space_20]
70Club at Pin Mill
One of the most picturesque places around on the river Orwell close to Ipswich the area we were exploring. Seen here with myself Jonah Steve, Tom, actually Robert, & Peter MacLaren. We chartered Luna, a Jeanneau 36i. The boat sailed well as befits a one which has raced in Fastnets and a smaller version of Pure Gallus. On the final day we left the heat of Suffolk marina for the relative cool of Ipswich rail station!
Round Britain Seafarers
Rob and Faye have abandoned all to sail round Britain in their newly acquired Catalina 400 Reach Out and write; ‘We’re currently in Bangor, Northern Ireland. We’ve had a few long day sails since leaving Padstow, heading through some spicy sounds in Wales that required double checked calculations and a stiff upper lip! In particular rounding the North and South Stacks into Holyhead was the first time we’d had to contend with two separate tidal flows: one up the main Irish Sea Channel and the other its Scouse cousin that had bounced out of the Mersey and past The Skerries, north of Holyhead, and meeting in a crescendo of slop that had us slowing down from warp 9.5 knots to 3.5 knots with 3,000 revs on the engine! More surprises on that trip to see in our future videos, but suffice it to say that sailing around the UK is more difficult than we expected it to be; but that is precisely why we’re doing it!
From Holyhead we sailed to the Isle of Man, a lovely little place on the west coast called Peel. It was lovely to recharge the batteries and get a few decent nights of kip after bouts of anchoring and slumbers interrupted by strong winds and ferry wakes.
A beautiful early morning start to catch the tidal gate out of Peel, complete with spectacular sunrise, 3m of swell and 20 knots of wind in our faces woke us up quite nicely as we set off for Bangor. Our sail bag continues to keep us on our toes, with the other side of it now ripping and releasing our lazyjacks into the drink. I’d never appreciated the importance of lazyjacks until seeing the mainsail bellow out across the decks, forming a lateral wind sock that gives the helm plenty to think about. One certainly appreciates a cup of tea after sorting out such high jinx! These incidents do allow us to learn yet more skills though and the sail repair kit that our previous owner had kindly left us was put to good use. The lazyjack sewing has been double stitched on both port and starboard and is undoubtedly the strongest it’s been since new. It’s a shame the white thread contrasts against our green sail bag, but we can’t have it all!
The Irish Sea has been a tricky bugger. There’s either no wind at all, or enough wind to take your hat and toupee clean off. The tidal flows have been the strongest we’ve encountered and the coastal geography funnels them into some nooks and crannies that create overfalls, eddies and whirlpools that push, pull and twirl the boat in the most surprising and pant wetting of fashions!
So we’re just one short hop from the west coast of Scotland. Familiar shelter in Campbeltown, Lochranza and the like remind me of the time we sailed a couple of years ago and we hope that the upside of the next few days of rain will be that we can make it through the Crinan Canal, which at present doesn’t have enough water for our draft. Failing that it’ll be more calculations to get around The Mull but after the last few months, we’ve gotten quite good at respecting when to go and more importantly when not to go!
When we set off in April on our initial drive down from Newcastle to Eastbourne, we couldn’t possibly have imagined what an adventure was in store for us. How much we’d laugh; how much we’d cry; how much we’d learn. You’d intimated earlier that we would create memories that we will never forget. Absolutely spot on Melvyn, spot on. 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 [space_20]
2 in the Farnes with a Laser 16
Richard Evans sailed with his son and reports; ‘Just back from that trip – took my Laser 16 with an outboard and a couple of sleeping bags. Was a wonderful trip. Dolphins a plenty. Anchored just south of the abbey as it was sheltered enough this weekend. I was quite proud of how we got through the tides, hugging the coastal rocks at times to avoid them when they shifted. I am doing my day skipper in Gibraltar this July, as I do want to progress further. Who knows hopefully be able to afford something in the future a little more comfortable than a carry mat around the centreboard, much as I like the Laser 16 on the sea. So I am sure I will be in touch in future about other courses.
You’re right of course about the tides there, timing was everything especially in the light airs. Unless you were with the stream you were using the engine. This is my son and I running and goosewinging from the Kettle to Holy Isle with the tide thank goodness. Avoiding the kelp banks. Overtaking a larger day cruiser which I was enjoying at the time‘ Ed – real sailing here and in a difficult, although beautiful, area.
Blyth not in the Sun
Victoria ‘enjoyed’ a cooler Blyth than the last edition and is seen again with myself and Tim when we sailed upriver to carry out ferry gliding exercises.
June Start Yachting
Well done Sophie, Richard, Alex & Tony beginners who had to experience a night sail on the first day. In Blyth with a strong wind forecast for the second and final day we opted for night sailing arriving safely back at Royal Quays at 1am! Later on in the day we set off with the worst scenario exiting the marina, a strong tail wind, so strong that I was in astern gear all the time during the approach to the lock. Earlier Tim Hines from the May Start Yachting had hailed me whilst cycling on the marina’s perimeter, finally identified himself (I had returned the wave but without any idea of the name, not uncommon in Royal Quays, I’m afraid) queried this astern approach; ‘how does she steer when going astern but moving forward?’.
Long Tow
An unexpected sight greeted us during a short night sail out of Blyth. Initially thinking it was hardly worth the bother from our position just east of Blyth pier ends we saw a rare assembly of lights from vessels underway. Indeed it took a while to identify a long tow accompanied by a pilot and another tug slowly making their way out.
Good for George
Ever since we bought Pure Gallus over two years ago the autohelm has never worked properly. Admittedly there were always better and more urgent things to do and, after all, I have victims to do the hard work at the helm. Finally though, I was at the helm at Whitehill Point, a wide area of the Tyne where the big ships turn, and I spoke firmly to George the autohelm and threatened him with being handed over to onboard Tim Hines of Sage software to be dismantled. Following the menu: big turn to port, then starboard, then straight ahead and George seemed to work and has behaved ever since!
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. 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. 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 for Day Skipper, £850 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ 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. Dates for the first course are two days September 4+5th (only saloon left).
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 (FULL) May 2024 out of Largs under consideration
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 15th (2 places left), August 12th (FULL), September 7 & 18th 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; 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
Seeking Day Skipper?
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
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.
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
Pieces of Eight
The Educational Section
Whilst visiting Shotley marina near Ipswich the 70Club had the opportunity of an update on the Training Mast, not that any of us would have wished to have been part of the dressing and climbing up so high, which is twice the height of Pure Gallus. The Button Boy had the special privilege of topping the mast for which he received a special bonus. Now undergoing renovation I wonder whether current ‘elf & safety’ will permit it’s use. HMS Ganges
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…)
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’
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; September 11th and October 19th Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio and RYA Online VHF video
The RYA require you to book your face to face assessment at the time of enrolling on a Course. Beware of anyone offering this Course without this. RYA 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; October 17th provisionally ‘Thank you very much for yesterday’s course’ – Stephen
CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £35
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
Rhonda Miller with six others making seven onboard enjoying the sun in Greece
Will Hopkins; ‘Just and update for you, after doing my VHF and Day sail with you, I did my competent crew whilst working out in Spain and then managed to get a last minute spot on a Day Skipper course in Scotland, when the weather was not so good! In January I purchased a 1982 Moody 333, which I’m currently sat in doing a solo sail from Greece to Spain, all from that first taster session with you. Would like to do my YM when back in the UK.’
Adrian & Jo Smith on Dawn Sky; ‘We took off on the boat in early June with a plan to go north. We have taken our time so we can explore places and worked our way up the east coast and round some of the Moray Firth. Braved the Pentland Firth and we are currently in Stromness where we have just seen out a storm. Off to Westray tomorrow for a few days. Will start working our way back then, hopefully stopping at different places to those visited on the way up.
Hopefully we will be back around end July.’
Castles & Islands Race 2023
Helen Taylor, daughter of John took part in this annual race on a trailer sailer. Written by Philippa Harris for her husband ; ‘Julian Everitt designed the Extrovert 22 for a firm of aluminium boat builders, Linklaters, on the banks of the Tyne. For a while in the early 80’s they were very much part of the racing scene at RNYC in Blyth. One of their number then named ET spent it’s early life at Holy Island and then at Alnmouth. After 5 years on the mud in the estuary there I put in a speculative and in retrospect generous offer to her owner which was accepted. I say generous because the cost of refitting a small yacht is surprising. With the advice of the designer we increased the mainsail area and reduced the jib to 105%. Then adding a larger spinnaker and a code zero on a small bowsprit. The deck gear all needed replacing and the keel was shot-blasted and epoxy coated. On hearing of the purchase my third son declared that he would be borrowing the boat for this year’s C&I race. No discussion was required. We were still adding details to the rig and rigging on the day before the race and there is more to be done. But she was ready for an outing. Hugo, the son, was joined by his new wife Rosie and Helen Taylor, daughter of John and Deidre from Alnmouth and RABC. Three runners and me.
Expecting to be last in the run from Alnwick to Amble, Hugo and Rosie were pleasantly surprised to have at least 6 runners behind them in a field of 8 boats and 16 runners. A small hiccough in dinghy inflation was solved not by Viagra but by the kind loan of a working dinghy pump from Monkey Business. This helped them board the small yacht, now called Final Warning, without getting their shorts too wet. And off we went. Four boats ahead and three behind. Albany Express, Sanda Sund and Monkey Business all getting flying starts. We were chased around Coquet by Fagin’s Express with Harriet’s Express a little ahead. With Albany Express that made three Albins. My daughter had successfully competed in our old Albin Expressly Forbidden in 2017 and we knew they were good boats for the race. Emerging from the back of Coquet we hoisted the large orange and still crinkly spinnaker and sailed high for speed in the soft wind. As we approached Boulmer Style the wind increased. Our anemometer was working but not calibrated for boat speed or heading so we do not know the wind speed but I estimated it was around 16 to 18 knots for a while. The Extrovert has wide flat after sections and we were soon surfing with 10 knots on the log. Rosie’s parents had come up for the weekend and my wife Pippa had taken them for supper in the Jolly Fisherman at Craster so as to be able to observe the sail past. After a slightly lively broach I suggested we gybe so as to pass closer to Craster at which point Hugo on foredeck reported that the mast spinnaker pole fitting had been damaged in the broach and the sail had to come down. The new Code Zero was pressed into action and though requiring slightly bigger angles to the wind was surprisingly effective. Harriet however with her lovely carbon sails was away, and Fagin’s was soon to overtake.
At Newton several boats were already in or heading in. A good move we thought but with some uncertainty as to whether the skipper would need to join the runners, in which case he would need to do the shortest run, we headed on to Seahouses in the company of Fagin’s. Arriving there just behind them at around midnight we did a handbrake turn towards the piers and threw both girls into the freshly inflated dinghy (WaveEco, about the size of an inflatable foot bath) which they paddled manfully ( can I still say that?) around the pier head and disappeared from sight. Radio communication with the marshal was impaired by the high pier but eventually we heard that they had landed and were not adrift among the Glad Tidings of Seahouses. Hugo and I threw the anchor over and brewed a coffee to keep us alert. It was not until after the race that we saw in small print that the Morrison’s coffee bags we had were decaffeinated. Staying awake despite this we were impressed by the speed of the girls as they pursued Fagin’s runners around the course. We had anchored much closer to the pier than Fagin’s, in all honesty rather too close, but it paid off as our runners despite being second back were first to be aboard and anchor already raised we were quickly off heading through the inner sound for Holy Island. Half way there the wind died and we gybed the zero repeatedly sailing high angles to maintain boat speed. Fagin’s was again ahead as we reached Triton but not by that much as we started the outboard and motored in. A yacht, Albany I think, was already leaving as we entered. In the harbour were four or five boats and we dropped Hugo and Helen off as close as we dared before throwing the hook over. I slept for an hour to the baleful moanings, or ‘song’ some say, of the seals on the sands beyond. Spotting the runners returning by the castle I raised the mainsail only to regret it as the anchor became irretrievable. Dropping again I eventually raised it and they were quickly on board and away. On the run they had overtaken Fagin’s runners one of whom had damaged his ankle slowing him considerably. Once again we were ahead. From now on the winds were well forward of the beam but we made good progress towards and through Staple sound with the south going tide setting in and the sun rising in the east ( where it should be). We could see a small race ahead off the Knivestones but were unpleasantly surprised by the continuing very unpleasant chop all the way to Beadnell. Nobody succumbed entirely but Rosie felt less than cheerful. By the time we reached Newton there was very welcome warmth in the sun and the bay was thankfully peaceful with no surf. I offered to run but the hard core were having none of it and Hugo and Helen were off again while Rosie revived. Sanda Sund and Harriet’s were seen sailing past to seaward having completed the Newton run on their way North. Not much chance of catching Harriet’s but could we catch Sanda on handicap? Runners on board and fortified by the unknowingly decaffeinated coffee and some ‘add hot water’ porridge (gas camping stove on the cockpit seat) we embarked on the last lap. The wind had veered enough to make it a one sided beat easing to a close reach all the way to the finish. Sanda ahead but no one evident close behind we relaxed and enjoyed a beautiful sail. But then we noticed that Sanda was becoming easier to see. 22ft versus 34 ft. What was going on? The answer was a spinnaker line, two fishing floats and a ball of seaweed. These were retrieved from their rudder and propeller the following morning. We approached the finish line neck and neck, they to seaward, we inshore. They pipped us by a minute or two and we crossed at 1125. This left just enough tide to scrape our 1.4m epoxied keel over the bar and across the cill into the marina.
Greeted by Rosie’s relieved parents (allowing her to marry my son was one thing, letting her go to sea in a half prepared tin can was another) and by John and Deidre and of course Pippa we were pleased to be in and tied up while larger and later boats were stuck outside.
Home for lunch and a nap, we arrived back, me still groggy, for the prize giving. Albany was quickest all round and Harriet’s fastest sailing. We were 3rd overall and 3rd sailing which more than satisfied our hopes. Poor Monkey Business who had so kindly helped us out with the dinghy pump, after a blistering start left their propeller blades somewhere on the seabed near Newton and were forced to retire. A great event as always with ups and downs, but hard work. Type 2 fun as Rosie remarked.
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!’
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.’
Will Hopkins; ‘Just and update for you, after doing my VHF and Day sail with you, I did my competent crew whilst working out in Spain and then managed to get a last minute spot on a Day Skipper course in Scotland, when the weather was not so good! In January I purchased a 1982 Moody 333, which I’m currently sat in doing a solo sail from Greece to Spain, all from that first taster session with you. Would like to do my YM when back in the UK.’
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 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 Y