Northumbria Sailing
The Leading Provider of Sail Cruising Courses in North East England
Shore to Sail News
December’s News On and Off the Water
‘If you can’t repair it, maybe it shouldn’t be onboard’ – Lin and Harry Pardey, cruising seafarers and authors
Just when I’m contemplating theory work only now that the boat is coming out of the water on the 9th, I’m faced with a request for own boat tuition later this month! Warm ski wear may well be the order of the day but new foulies must be contemplated before next season. These were held off pending my practical revalidation last October when I wouldn’t want to have been described as with ‘all the gear and no idea’.
Preparations for the off season have already involved two mast climbs, one to get the jib off and the other at the request of Rob Storrar to check the forestay.
Repairs and Renaming
Mark Duncan writes; ‘Earlier this year I emerged from 2 years of COVID lockdowns and remote working having somehow passed the RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical courses with the very patient, supportive and good-humoured Northumbria Sailing (thanks Melvyn). Then despite the warnings that owning a boat was a quick route to poverty I decided life was too short, took the plunge and bought Fang, a GibSea 33 built in 2000.
We spent the summer getting used to her, or it might have been vice versa I’m not sure, but we had many successful days trips, one night sail and a separate overnight adventure, all without too many mishaps.
Then at end of the summer she came out for 2 weeks to get ‘a couple of jobs done’…. famous last words. Within minutes of getting hoisted out I could hear the ghost of Day Skipper Past reminding me of the quick route to poverty! What started out as a wash, rub down and antifoul turned into 7 weeks of endless jobs starting with an unexpectedly knackered stern tube, and cutlass-bearing caused by a rogue rope cutter, followed by replacing the heads and hoses, refurbishing the cooker, dismantling and reassembling electrics, Genoa repairs and laundering, reefing repairs…honestly the list goes on.
However, through the hours of how-to YouTube videos and invaluable advice from very helpful boat mechanics like Mark Humphries at Breeze Marine I actually quite enjoyed the whole process and found some new skills.
To round it off we felt like Fang deserved a new start because she’d name, several years of minimal use and maintenance, plus we didn’t really think she suited the name so we settled on renaming her to Aura, the Greek Goddess of the morning breeze, and threw some booze around and uttered some magic words to placate Poseidon just in time to get an end of season sail and enjoy some fire works viewed from the sea.’ (I thought the prop was new but Mark tells me it was his polishing)
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.
Oops!
Look what happened at the Millenium Bridge recently. Engine problems resulted in a top taken off at one of the Bridge wings. An interview with Port of Tyne was to follow.
Last Sail of the Season – November
Brothers Nick & Craig requested a three day course in November! I was somewhat sceptical about completing this crewing course without having to postpone a day until March. Joined by Andy and with starts earlier than normal we had good weather and my fears were unfounded. They weren’t put off either and all have signed up for a four daytime day ICC course in March.
Steve is Still at it
Steve Leadbitter has been mentioned earlier for his efforts on Black Shadow. He’s still there totally transforming his yacht, working onboard nearly every day. The Saloon, as shown here, is a bit untidy but other parts of the boat provide ordered sanctuary. He’s been high on adhesive too!
Donna’s Sailing Experience
Donna has set out on video her sailing experiences to include her Day Skipper Course with myself. She gives a clear picture of how she felt as an ordinary person coming to this important sailing course; Donna Sail
VHF with a View
This was my view whilst delivering the VHF Course to NE1 at their offices in Milburn House. As a boy, a long time ago, I was a trainspotter and to see trains go by was a delight, probably wasted on the occupants of the offices. No signs of any steam locomotives though, sadly.
Update on Courses & Trips
‘Keeping your brain active protects against dementia, probably because it increases the quality of your cognitive reserve – the connections within the brain network’
THEORY COURSES
Classroom
Onboard Pure Gallus there’s a classroom suitable for a small class.
RYA OCEAN YACHTMASTER Explore the wonders of a sextant with Celestial Navigation and Ocean Passage Planning. This ‘top of the range’ RYA theory course can lead to the coveted ‘Ocean Yachtmaster’ ticket. I have four sextants, one new lightweight metal, one plastic & two old brass, for you to handle. A practical session is included. Cost £595 or £925 on tailored tuition. ‘I have to say it was tough, and tested the brain calls somewhat. However – it was great challenge and good company – Debra’. The US Navy are teaching sailors Celestial Navigation again as a precaution against cyber attack. US Navy.
Navigating by the Stars
Fewer mariners with experience of ocean sailing before GPS are still with us and Jonathan Kemp is one of them. With his guidance I have acquired a Star Globe of the type he used down in the Falklands and will be using this in sessions, ashore I hasten to add. He has described his experiences for posterity. Jonathan.
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £575 for class & £850 tailored tuition. You need a good knowledge of this Course before being tested by the RYA Examiner. Zoom classes are arranged according to demand and availability. Phil from 2018 says; ‘Although I knew the YM Theory would be a step up and a challenge the hard work and effort was worth it once I got out there on the boat. That extra depth of knowledge really helped me understand the dynamics of sailing, sea conditions, anticipated weather looming on the horizon and, of course, it’s likely impact on boat handling and the crew’.
RYA DAY SKIPPER A popular starting point for many. Same Course for Sail or Power. This is a Course where early booking is essential. Classes take place in a modern building in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Included is a half day visit to the School boat. Cost £525 or £450 Zoom. Next face-to-face class; January 11, 16, 18 & 25th, February 1 & 8th, March 1, 8, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29th. A Zoom class is under preparation and could take place on Thursday evenings from November – let me know if you are interested. Day Skipper Theory.
I can’t do these times and am in a hurry!
Then a Tailored Timetable with one to one tuition could be for you. Costs £795 (Zoom £725) for Day Skipper, £850 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ (Zoom £795) and £925 for the Ocean. Available when the diary permits
Whilst I would not wish to encourage missing sessions, it’s a fact of life in todays world and time can be made up through private sessions or, sometimes, within the class timetable
TIDES In response to demand I’m offering this Course on tides, not RYA Tides, but real UK tides, especially on our North East Coast. Learn how to calculate tidal heights and streams at main and secondary ports. You will be using Reed’s Almanac and the first session will be for assumed beginners leading to more advanced stuff later on. This Course will be run across three, plus an optional fourth, sessions 1800 – 2100hrs at Heaton in March 2023. Cost £95 for three sessions and £40 for the optional fourth.
PRACTICAL COURSES
All local courses take place on the school boat, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 12 metre built less than 6 years ago and the type of boat you may aspire to when going out on your own adventures. For full information on what to expect from an RYA Course with Northumbria Sailing you are recommended to click
From Alan following a 5 day course; ‘Food was really good btw which I wasn’t expecting![space_20]
Where Do I Sleep?
On Pure Gallus you will have the opportunity to select your berth and pay accordingly. Singles go in the saloon or an aft cabin with doubles in the forecabin which has private ensuite facilities. Doubling up in the forecabin provides the cheapest deal.
PRACTICAL CREWING My version of RYA Competent Crew. Three days, 0930-1700hrs onboard for up to four ideally, sometimes five, and you will be up to the Comp Crew standard. No experience necessary and no need to stay onboard overnight. This was very popular in 2022 and here we see John, Jill, Barry & Derek. Cost £350, weekday only. The RYA Sailing Skills – Level 1 is incorporated into this Course and this RYA certificate will be issued with the logbook marked accordingly.
This popular Course is now available stayover where you will spend two nights onboard away from Royal Quays and included will be the RYA Start Yachting certificate. There is a maximum availability of four persons onboard plus the instructor, and the prices vary according to the berth; Aft cabin; £450 for one person alone. Saloon; with limited stowage, £360. Forecabin with ensuite; £325 each for two sharing or £550 alone, when available.
DAY TRIPS. ‘Taster’ days run throughout the season with the aim of having a pleasant day out on the water. You can see whether yachting is for you at modest cost. Trips operate out of Royal Quays 0930 – 1700hrs. Cost £75 weekday & £95 weekend. Yes, describing it as a “taster” is an understatement. It was a practical and thoroughly excellent training day. It’s a credit to your skill and confidence to take two complete novices to sailing at sea out into force 7+ and make it feel so easy. Your training plan and instruction was just right and delivered with clarity and a sense of humour which quickly removed any tension. I know Peter had as much fun as I did and we both came away with a heightened enthusiasm. – David
RYA COMPETENT CREW A 5 day, live aboard, course where you will learn ‘the ropes’ and to become a useful crew member. A good start to, perhaps, a lifetime boating. No experience needed. Cost, according to berth, from £650 (cabin sharing, £695 alone). Or see Practical Crewing above. Next availability; April 17 – 21st (provisionally), June 5 – 9th (aft cabin) ‘You were a pleasure to have as a guest, instructor and examiner. Your wisdom, advice and encouragement was much appreciated’ – Rachel
RYA DAY SKIPPER PRACTICAL The key to bareboat charter, this course aims to get you to the ability ‘ to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar’. Then you can be let loose to find your own adventures and provide endless anecdotes for you to enjoy telling. For Bareboat charter this is the first qualification to be obtained. Nevertheless in some areas, the Solent for example, a higher qualification is needed and UK tidal requested.
It is important that you are ready to take this important Course and, for minimum standards, check out on the web page Day Skipper Pre-Quirements. These standards and experience are expected at the time of booking. Cost, according to berth, from £695 (cabin sharing, £750 alone). Next availability; April 17 – 21st (provisionally) ‘I was pleased with the way the course was organised, the instructions for preparation and attending, the fact that you were there waiting for me when I arrived, and your welcome both before and after we boarded.’ – Hassall. Course Review by Tim Edwards For a murky glimpse of a night sail try Night Sail
RYA START YACHTING A two day course for beginner groups, which can be the ‘start’ of greater things. You live onboard for two days and visit another marina, away from Royal Quays, when Covid permits. This is a Weekday Course for which a minimum booking of two is needed. Cost from £275 sharing & from £295 single.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE (ICC) This can be done on the same course as Day Skipper/Competent Crew. In 2023 there will be a new ICC Course, shorter and cheaper than the full 5 day Day Skipper Practical. Some countries will not accept RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate and request the ICC; ‘To sail a yacht bareboat in Greece the Greek authorities require the skipper to be over 18 and have a sailing licence issued by a statutory authority. Currently the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) for sail is most widely accepted, an RYA Coastal Skipper practical certificate or higher (new certificate version to include photo ID’. Next availability; March 20 – 24th 0930 – 1700hrs (FULL). Cost £495. Alternatively I can test you on your own boat at much cheaper cost. Individual quotations are given for this which will be from £275 for one day, own boat ICC Guidance
Three New Yachtmasters!
Many congratulations to Elaine Beauchamp, John Taylor & Jonathan Hetherington for attaining their Yachtmaster status, shown here with Steve Scott their instructor. By way of a ‘celebration’ the heavens opened at the end of their two day examination and gave them a good soaking. In any event they were so tired an image would not have shown them to their best advantage!
All three have come ‘through the ranks’ showing their capability before Steve delivered the five day Yachtmaster preparation course leading up to the examination. On Cloud No 9 and several days were needed to recover. Well done everyone.
Pure Gallus Sailing towards Amble
Northumbria Sailing on Video
Alan Robson produced this video of his sailing experience during his five days and gaining his International Certificate of Competence. Day Skipper.mov – Google Drive
Have a look at my Theory Training Centre with this video. Training
Onboard the Hallberg Rassy training yacht, now replaced by a Sun Odyssey 419, by courtesy of Mark Batey and the kind co-operation of victims Andrew and Clive. See me giving berthing advice in trying to avoid the electric supply post Mark Batey Day Training
RYA Competent Crew in the sun, by courtesy of Mark again Mark Batey Competent Crew
Specialist Courses
RYA VHF This important Course is available in class, onboard, online or private tuition. Don’t be caught without a proper licence as you could be fined up to £5,000, plus 6 months inside, plus equipment confiscation – yes it’s very severe! At Northumbria Sailing you will receive tuition one per training set. As you will be assessed for practical skills as well as theoretical I think it’s advisable that you have every opportunity to familiarise yourself with the equipment. Cost £120 plus £60 for the RYA. Also available One to One at £190 and online at £95 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. Next session; January 17th Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio and RYA Online VHF video
The RYA require you to book your practical examination at the time of enrolling on a Course. Beware of anyone offering this Course without this. RYA Practical VHF
RYA RADAR Are you safe using your set? Can you properly identify a collision situation? If you have radar you are required to know how to use it properly and could be held responsible if an incident was to occur. Candidates for RYA Yachtmaster examinations are expected to be conversant with radar. Day Course: Cost £130, plus 10.50 to RYA. ‘Thank you very much for yesterday’s course’ – Stephen
CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £30
RYA DIESEL ENGINE
A Volvo Penta 2003 marine diesel engine will be used for demonstrations and you will get several chances to try your hand at changing filters etc.
The Course is for beginners and will show the simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself to help maintain your engine in working order. The RNLI has complained that most of call outs are from engine failure where simple tasks have not been performed. Your rescuing lifeboat may make firm suggestions if this is found to be the case. RYA Examiners have requested greater knowledge from candidates. Cost £130 plus £10.50 for the RYA Pack. Maximum 6 persons. Next availability; March 7th RYA Diesel Engine
RYA ESSENTIAL NAVIGATION ONLINE Do this starter course on your own laptop. A good introduction to the theory part of sailing, with yacht or power boat. Cost £79 plus £29 (includes instruments) for the RYA Pack. Online Navigation
RYA FIRST AID. All day for the RYA certificate, valid three years. Find out the latest recommendations on what to do at sea from an experienced sailor with over 50 years in nursing to include A & E. Cost £95 plus £7.50 Pack. To check which certificates are acceptable to the RYA e.g. for examinations. Next session; February 28th First Aid Certificates
Victims (All) at Sea
6 Men in a Boat, the Phat Boys
Chris Robson reports; ‘We are a band of sailors self-styled as the Phat Buoys. We have sailed together for 23 years in different locations around the continents of North America and Europe seeking adventure and challenges in remote destinations such as Iceland, British Columbia, the Channel Islands and the Orkneys. We stay well away from palm trees, always sail on the “shoulder” of the season and visit a new sailing ground each year. This year we decided upon the Inner Hebrides, the heartland of Scottish cruising. Early reference to the Clyde Cruising Club’s sailing directions (essential reading for this trip) made me realise that a call to my long-suffering sailing tutor, Melvyn Wallhead, for a tidal navigation refresher would be helpful, indeed necessary!
Arrangements were made, and facilities established in the board room of my offices in Jesmond for two half day courses which gave me the confidence to go ahead with the planning for this trip. We chartered Aqua Vite, an Oceanis 41.1 out of Craobh (pronounced Kroov) just south of Oban. I stressed to my crew mates that my aspirations for the week were entirely dependent upon the fickle Scottish weather!
My prayers were answered, and we enjoyed favourable winds of 15-20kts most days with a few gusts dropping in to keep us on our toes. Most importantly the wind direction was near perfect every day for our meanderings around these beautiful islands. We quickly learnt the importance of keeping our eyes focussed on the local weather systems which could whip up near storm force gusts which made for some exciting activity, deploying the boats newly fitted third reef on some occasions.
Our course took us south down the Sound of Jura leaving the renowned Dorus Mor to port and the even more famous Corryvreckan to starboard. A steady north westerly wind assisted with an ebbing tide gave us good progress for the 45 miles to Port Ellen. This interesting harbour lies at the south end of Islay, an island which is becoming known as the Disneyland of distilleries. This was our only “alongside” overnight stay. Thereafter we were always at anchor, spoilt for choice on the west coast of Jura, Ross of Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Oronsay and Seil.
The Abbey on Iona was high up on our list for a visit. After topping up with water at Scalasaig on Colonsay, an interesting berth next to the ferry terminal, we set sail for the west end of the Ross of Mull. By now the wind had helpfully backed around to the south making for a quick but very lumpy passage. We tiptoed through Torran Rocks and left Rankin’s rocks to starboard to find the barely visible entrance to Tinker’s Hole, a beautiful, isolated anchorage which is well worth a visit. (image here)
After dropping anchor next to the ferry ramp, the visit to the Abbey on Iona involved a classic Phat Buoy onshore picnic taking in the peace, beauty and heritage of an island which is considered to be one of the most important places in Scottish history. An extra day negotiated on the charter allowed us the treat of heading north towards the Oban and finding our way, very carefully, into the stunning, much photographed anchorage of Puilladobhrain at the north end of Seil Island. After diligently calculating our depth with a falling tide, we tackled the half hour hike to the Tigh An Truish hostelry next to the Bridge over the Atlantic to enjoy some local hospitality. Stumbling back in the dark, it was a relief to see Aqua Vite still afloat, awaiting our return!
For our last day, the wind, as if to order, had veered to the north to push us gently with the tide down the Sound of Luing regarded by many as a stately river. Just as we headed north back to our base at Craobh, the wind picked up and allowed us to enjoy a final flurry of tacking upwind to finish off a very special trip.
For this trip, the Phat Buoys were Chris Robson, Simon Tyler and Andrew Wagstaff (Brits) and Canadians Mike Scrivens, Warren Creates and Boris Ulelha.'[space_2
Lost Prop
Peter MacLaren report their incident; ‘Sailing Pollyanna out of Dunstaffnage we anchored for the night in Loch Aline. Next morning when we raised the anchor and tried to set off we found we had mislaid the prop. Fortunately diver Fraser Cameron came to the rescue and after a short search found it 2/3 buried in mud on the bottom of the loch. Unfortunately he couldn’t find the fixing nut and with the wind blowing straight into the Loch, we had to be towed out. We sailed back to Dunstaffnage and got pushed by a RIB onto a pontoon.
Own Boat Tuition & Courses
What happens when there are two Day Skippers onboard. Ask Jo & Adrian of Dawn Sky how they manage with one tiller between them. If you have your own boat and would prefer private tuition or an RYA course then these are possible. Your boat would need to be acceptable of course and a daily rate for an instructor would be quoted.
This is why I’m in the Sailing Business
Jason
Jason Christie has come all the way from novice to, deservedly, Day Skipper; ‘A year ago, I stepped onto a sailboat for the very first time with the intent to learn. A rather intimidating, relatively new, 42ft Jeanneau 419 named Pure Gallus.
This week I passed my RYA Day Skipper.
I was tested a lot. Everything from intentional groundings in the Tyne to man over board drills under sail due to ‘engine failure’ to retrieve our sacrificial fender ‘Wilson’, in the North Sea. Very intense, but totally worth it. Still learning’. It has been my privilege to take Jason through his Course starting with the Day taster Trip, then the 3 Day Practical Crewing, RYA Day Skipper Theory and, finally, his RYA Day Skipper Practical. Now Jason will set off on his own adventures and I hope he will keep me informed of progress.
Sailing Today Podcasts
Try these Podcasts Sailing Today Podcasts.
Reader’s Links
A section featuring links of a maritime interest sent to me.
Steve Austin has uploaded this video of our 2018 Adventure sailing a traditional Dutch flat bottomed boat
Phil Butler highlights the unexpected and rapid shift in Earth’s Magnetic Field.
Phil Butler again with very useful advice on mal de mer. Seasickness
Peter MacLaren mentioned this article about a Yacht Delivery Skipper’s Life.
Peter Chater has found a remarkable way of plugging a failed seacock – with a carrot! Sea Cock Repair
Peter Chater sent this one about a fisherman suing as a result of a collision Fisherman Sues
Peter Chater again – ‘How about this for a large yacht collision’ Antigua
Nigel Hierons saw this news item about a flare Flare in recycling explodes
Franek Richardson sent this Time Lapse
Phil Butler mentions the two women rescued after 5 months at sea in the Pacific.
Stuart Porter took and posted this great dolphin display, quite the best I have seen North Sea Dolphins
And finally from myself, try this one for a Broach
Try me on Facebook for lots more images Facebook
Follow me on Instagram@Northumbria Sailing
Back editions are now available
For more information contact me via my web page
Sail Safely the RYA Way 🙂