April Newsletter
‘Whenever your preparations for sea are poor, the sea worms its way in and finds the problems’ – Francis Stokes , single-handed sailor
This month heralds the start of the practical season, delayed only by one month, a distinct improvement on 2020 when we had to wait until July.
In April there are Practical Crewing Courses, RYA Day Skipper Practical and private tuition, enough for myself and the new boat to get used to after the winter off and constant boat jobs, especially to make Pure Gallus ready for the season. Is Lian sold? you may well ask and the buyer is now awaiting his survey and the boat itself is ready for adventures anew.
Falklands Adventure
No, this isn’t one of my trips but an adventure undertaken by Emma Fulton who has been on many of my Courses and Trips and reports; ‘Every couple of years a role based in the Falkland Islands equivalent to my job in the UK is advertised. The last few times I have said to myself I’ll apply for that one day, and when it came up again last year I decided that if I was going to apply, then it was the best time for me to do this. The pandemic meant I was keeping in touch with friends and family via video calls and I could do the same from 8000 miles away.
The process took about six months, for the application, various checks and then flying out. I flew out on 17th January from the RAF base at Brize Norton to the military base at Mount Pleasant. When I arrived I was in quarantine for 14 days, which was not much different to how life had been in the UK. After the quarantine period I was released to a more or less normal life. I live in the capital, Stanley. Although quite far away and in a different hemisphere, it feels very much how I’d imagine living on a West Coast of Scotland island. Stanley has everything you’d expect in a small town and it is possible to get just about everything you need. It is also stunningly beautiful, clean and rich in history.
As with anywhere the Falkland Islands has its quirks. My favourites are:
A lot of the groceries are shipped and tend to be Waitrose, Co-op or Tesco. A lot of food is out of date and so you have to embrace this.
- Fresh milk is a rarity. In fact I have yet to see any. Out of date UHT it is.
- Everywhere has an acronym and learning this is key to finding your way around.
- I do not yet have a debit card although I have applied for one, although even when I do get one I don’t think there are any cashpoints.
I work for the Courts and Tribunals Service which is very busy and varied. I basically do all things needed to make sure the service runs, from paying bills, summoning a jury, providing legal advice to the Justices of the Peace in court, buying teabags, being Registrar to the Chief Justice, dealing with probate. I have also recently been appointed as a Registrar to conduct marriages.
Out of work there is so much to do and see. The absence of cruise ship tourists this year means there is the opportunity for those living on the Islands to access the tours and accommodation. I have been lucky enough to explore Sea Lion Island, Volunteer Point and am due to head off to Pebble Island tomorrow which will be my first trip to the West. The wildlife is magnificent and so accessible including sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals, sei whales, turkey vultures, petrel, black crowned heron, albatross and peregrine falcons. Not to mention the many penguins which are magical.
The last land mines were cleared from the Islands in November from Yorke Bay, (see image), this is a stunning beach a short drive from where I live. There’s a lot of visible reminders of the conflict and there is also so much more to the history of the Islands, including the maritime history. Fishing is a huge industry, particularly for squid.
So the most important question, can I go sailing here? There is a small yacht club who meets on an ad hoc basis and I have been a long. There is a marina which was created by a few boat owners pooling together to buy an area. The sailing experience is pretty impressive from voyages to the artic and back, to regular hops to South Georgia and Antarctica. I have not had my first sail, typically I was offered the chance tomorrow and I’m off to Pebble Island.’ Emma can be followed on her Instagram account ejf0707 where she posts lots of stunning images.
Yacht Delivery
The new school boat Pure Gallus was berthed in Brighton and the decision had to be made whether she would be sailed up or trucked. Sailing is risky in January as the weather can be foul for long periods but trucking would bring her to Royal Quays very quickly. Nevertheless, to be added to the cost of a low loader would be two lots of cranage with the mast off and then back on again with all the risks and ‘faff’ this would involve. lt was also pointed out that sailing up is a much more dignified and elegant method of delivery and so it proved to be as we had the excitement of looking for our new boat, which we hadn’t seen, in the dark one Saturday evening on a rare evening out (for business)
Following up a recommendation from Tony Scorer who used them on his delivery from Southampton and actually sailed with them non stop after a false start. It was July as I have responded to questions ‘are you doing it yourself?’ Simon, shown here onboard Pure Gallus did well after a weather stop in Eastbourne (for a month, but at least she was secure 
in a proper marina). Although there’s AIS onboard reception was patchy e.g. The Wash, but a satellite tracker was included so I always new where this record online purchase was. Anyone wishing this service can obtain an online quote :Wright Marine
Work in Progress
A not untypical scene for any boat owner as frantic preparations are underway to meet with launch schedules, every year promising ‘next year I will start earlier and avoid all this last minute rush’!
Swallows & Amazons
Helen Lewis commented on the Arthur Ransome quotation from last month’s Newsletter; ‘I was interested in your use of the Arthur Ransome quote at the top of the newsletter – which I always avidly read even though there is next to no chance of sailing with you now.
AR is a large part of our lives. That quote comes from the first chapter of ‘Racundra’s First Cruise’ referring to the first boat he had built and had a hand in designing – it had to have a saloon big enough for a full size desk so he could use a typewriter on it. It was designed by Otto Eggers and built in Riga in about 1922, the book was published in 1923. Later owned by K Adlard Coles, Racunrda was lost in 1976. AR went on to own a number of boats most of which are still sailing, the last one was Lottie Blossom II built for him in 1954.
We have a 12th scale model of Racundra (see pic.) and a full size sail plan that we used in an exhibition in 2017.
Ransome also lived in many different houses so the restlessness of the quote is well founded in him.
Just some random information there!
With all best wishes for some sort of season when we are all allowed out’
When the Boat Came In
Northumbria Sailing Adventures
For these adventures 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 Orkneys, the Clyde, London Tower Bridge, Amsterdam, Skye circumnavigation and traditional sailing on the IJsselmeer. 2020 Adventures were postponed until this year.
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. Until the situation becomes clearer I’m not arranging and more than the fully booked Mull Adventure.
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
Northumbria Sailing on Zoom
Following my demonstration to the RYA I launched Online Courses via Zoom. In order that anyone thinking of this form of Course can see what it involves I will offer the first hour FREE so a decision can be made whether the format is appropriate. Thus I won’t take any money until after this FREE hour has been completed. The Course cannot be as good as with human contact but, in my opinion, this is better than a full online course where little or no direct contact is made with the instructor. You also enjoy the company of fellow seafarers. The RYA seem to have taken up my suggestion, made last May, to have a free session; ‘Consider providing a free check lesson to potential students who are not sure it will work for them. This will enable you to avoid those that do not have sufficient internet speed, processor speed or graphics capability to use online streaming ‘ – RYA Instructor Guidance for Online. Online information
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 £495 or £750 on tailored tuition. It’s possible to come for the Celestial Navigation only. The US Navy are teaching sailors Celestial Navigation again as a precaution against cyber attack. US Navy.
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £475 for class & £695 tailored tuition. You need a good knowledge of this Course before being tested by the RYA Examiner. Since the Course was re-written by Chris Slade, one of my RYA Inspectors, it’s a lot more challenging, but relevant. Try Zoom and enjoy seafarer’s company. 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 £425 or £395 Zoom. Try Zoom and enjoy seafarer’s company.
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 £650 (Zoom £625) for Day Skipper, £695 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ (Zoom £675) and £750 (Zoom £725) 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. You will be using Reed’s Almanac and the first session will be for assumed beginners leading to more advanced stuff on the second. Joining is possible for both sessions or just the first and will be at Heaton or The Lock café at Royal Quays, depending on numbers. 0930 – 1400hrs, cost £45 for the first session only or £85 for both.
PRACTICAL COURSES
All local courses take place on the school boat, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 12 metre built less than 5 years ago and the type of boat you may aspire to when going out on your own adventures.
PRACTICAL CREWING My version of RYA Competent Crew. Three days, 0930-1700hrs onboard for up to four. 4:1 private tuition 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 2020 and here we see John, Jill, Barry & Derek. Cost £295, weekday only. Next availability; June 18, 21 & 23rd.
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 £60 weekday & £75 weekend. Next Trip; June 7th (1 place left). 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. Cost £595, subject to £50 discount as they are day sails and not catered. The full RYA certificate will still be available. Course dates; May 17 – 21st (2 places left), July 19 – 23rd (1 place left), August 25 – 29th (2 places left), September 13 – 17th & October 18 – 22nd. Course Review
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. Cost £625. 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. An example from one web page; ‘RYA Coastal Skipper Tidal Practical course completion certificate must show the course was conducted in UK tidal waters. For example courses conducted in the Gibraltar & the Mediterranean are not accepted as tidal courses. The ICC qualification alone is not an acceptable qualification. Cost £625 subject to £50 discount as they are day sails and not catered. The full RYA certificate will still be available. Course dates; May 17 – 21st (2 places left), July 19 – 23rd (1 place left), August 25 – 29th (2 places left), September 13 – 17th & October 18 – 22nd. ‘I was pleased with the way the course was organised, the instructions for preparation and attending, the fact that you were there waiting for me when I arrived, and your welcome both before and after we boarded.’ – Hassall. Course Review by Tim Edwards For a murky glimpse of a night sail try Night Sail
RYA COASTAL SKIPPER PRACTICAL The ‘top of the range’ RYA practical course providing greater challenges to get you up to the standard to skipper a cruising yacht safely by day and night. A sample requirement for chartering a yacht on the Clyde; ‘Skippers must hold/be experienced RYA Coastal practical or Yachtmaster practical when sailing within the Clyde. Outwith the Clyde – Yachtmaster practical’. Next Courses; August 15 – 20th & September 5 – 10th (FULL). Prices from £650 Jonny Colwell gives a detailed review of his YM Examination
RYA START YACHTING A two day course for beginner groups, which can be the ‘start’ of greater things. You live onboard for two days and visit another marina, away from Royal Quays, when Covid permits. Cost £250.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE (ICC) This can be done on the same course as Day Skipper/Competent Crew. Cost £625 with dates as above. Alternatively I can test you on your own boat at much cheaper cost. Individual quotations are given for this which will be from £225 for one day, own boat ICC Guidance
Northumbria Sailing on Video
Have a look at my Theory Training Centre with this video. Training
Onboard the Hallberg Rassy training yacht, 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 £115 plus £60 for the RYA. Also available One to One at £180 and online at £95 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. 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 I have received many requests for this course but, sadly, this is not yet permitted by the RYA. Rest assured they will be re-started just as soon as possible, hopefully in May.
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 £120, plus 10.50 to RYA. ‘Thank you very much for yesterday’s course’ – Stephen
CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £30
RYA DIESEL ENGINE
A Volvo Penta 2003 marine diesel engine will be used for demonstrations and you will get several chances to try your hand at changing filters etc.
The Course is for beginners and will show the simple maintenance tasks you are can do yourself to help maintain your engine in working order. The RNLI has complained that most of call outs are from engine failure where simple tasks have not been performed. Your rescuing lifeboat may make firm suggestions if this is found to be the case. RYA Examiners have requested greater knowledge from candidates. Cost £120 plus £10 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 £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
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
Shown here is the old Tyne Bridge dating from before 1866. Fast forward to sailors in 2021 and what they wish to know is whether their mast will clear the underside of the bridge. For this they will need to know their own air draught, mine is 16.5m, and the worst case scenario and this is where the Highest Astronomical Tide HAT comes in. This states that at the highest possible tide the clearance underneath the bridge, usually the centre, will be ‘x’. In the case of the Millennium Bridge there are two HAT clearances; 24m when open and 3.8m when closed. I still find it incredible that the Millennium bridge can give as much clearance as the Tyne Bridge!
Victims (all) at Sea
Paul & Rachel Dollery on PD Voyager, a Jeanneau Sun 2000, on their February journey from Royal Quays up to Seahouses for the summer season. Both Paul & Rachel successfully completed their RYA Day Skipper theory courses with myself and will be undertaking their practical with me in July.
It would have been a cold eight hour trip but congratulations to them on having a go. Paul, himself, could never be called a ‘snowflake’ and here he is shown kite surfing at Seahouses.
Own Boat Tuition & Courses
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.
Sailing Today Podcasts
Try these Podcasts Sailing Today Podcasts.
Yacht Skippering
There are times when you might feel that your ‘ticket’ and/or experience will not be adequate for a safe holiday. For the last few years I have enjoyed a commission enabling a larger yacht to be chartered and to sail to more adventurous places.
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
Try me on Facebook for lots more images Facebook
Follow me on Instagram@Northumbria Sailing
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