Northumbria Sailing
The Leading Provider of Sail Cruising Courses in North East England
February Newsletter
‘My idea of getting off in a boat is to get as far away from telephones as possible ‘ – Roderick Stephens, naval architect
On the morning after the night before the Sailor’s Dinner finds me completing this February Newsletter. Last night I announced my 10th Northumbria Sailing anniversary celebrations with a weekend gathering on Newcastle Quayside on 5th September. Sailors and their boats will be invited to meet and celebrate in the usual manner.
In the meantime my diary is full of RYA Theory Courses; Day Skipper, Coastal Yachtmaster and Ocean, the complete range. This is apart from the one day courses, such as VHF, First Aid, Radar and Diesel Engine. Besides which I need to find time for boat maintenance and the regulatory checks that go with a commercial business. Happy life!
Sailor’s Dinner
Sailor’s old and not so old gathered to re-tell experiences promoting their valour in the face of extreme adversity. Here we have Mario, Rob, Tom, Donal, myself, Karen, Alan, Diane, John, Don, Jonathan, Denis, Mike and John again. No this wasn’t like schooldays when standing for the whole school photo the camera revolved. One enterprising boy stood at one end, rushed round to the other, ‘spoilt’ the photo and was beaten for it!
Andrew Mason
John Taylor reports; ‘We were saddened to hear of the death in January of fellow student Andrew Mason, aged 30, from myeloma. Andrew, from County Durham, was one of the four Rough & Ready Boys who, in 2016, rowed around Britain for charity. They attempted to break the Guinness World Record for a non-stop, fully unsupported, journey. In preparation they attended several classes at Northumbria Sailing including VHF Radio (pictured here) and Sea Survival. Other students helped by providing navigational gear. Unfortunately, watermaking equipment failure meant that they had to make land en route but they completed the journey in an epic 5 weeks, 5 days, 22 hrs & 50 mins. The boys did this to raise funds for the Natalie Kate Moss Trust, a charity set up in 2012 in honour of their close friend who died suddenly, aged 27, of a brain haemorrhage. The Trust works in partnership with Manchester University to support students who have suffered a brain injury to complete a degree course and contributes to research into new treatments for stroke. Anyone wishing to remember Andrew in a positive way may wish to visit https://www.justgiving.com/thenataliekatemosstrust
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.
Northumbria Sailing Adventures
For these adventures we either charter a sailing yacht or take ‘Lian’ 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.
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.
North Eastern Adventure
20 – 22nd August. On this short Adventure we aim to explore the delights of the North East coast and ports. (and even the pubs!) Departure is from Royal Quays, onboard comfortable Lian, and probably the weather will dictate whether we sail north or south. Sailing south, targets would be Whitby and Hartlepool, northwards Holy Island, the Farnes and Amble. The Adventure can qualify for a certificate in RYA Start Yachting.
Cost: £225 plus a share of two evenings catering and drinks onshore. Onboard catering is included for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Berthing fees & fuel are also included. Maximum 4 places.
Sailing Masterclass July 13 – 15th
A new Course for those who wish the nautical equivalent of a re-tune. Starting from 8pm on 13th July at Royal Quays you will spend two nights onboard Lian under the instruction and close supervision of an experienced Yachtmaster Instructor, Stephen Scott. The Course will end on 15th and during this time you can expect to visit a tidal port and sail just a bit harder than you would expect on a typical RYA Course. Sail trim will also be a feature. Cost £275. Preference will be given to RYA Yachtmasters and Coastal Skippers and two spaces now remain available.
Meet the Team
I do consider myself fortunate to have such a large bank of experience to call upon
Melvyn Wallhead, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor. I started this business in 2009 partly to justify keeping our rather nice Hallberg Rassy yacht, never expecting the school would grow to the present level. The North East has a long maritime tradition but potential mariners have had to go outside the area or deal with local colleges offering an inflexible ‘service’. I have sailed all over; UK, Med, Europe, Caribbean, Thailand, four continents in all and hope I can encourage others to do the same, without the ‘incidents’.
Trevor Jefferson, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor has a long pedigree in teaching with dinghy sailing going back some 40 years and is an RYA Race Trainer. Sail Cruising has been his recent activity with instruction time in Gibraltar and the West Coast of Scotland where he owned a watersports centre.
Steve Lovett, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor has a wealth of experience, including sailing with us up to the Shetlands in 2016. Steve lives in Durham and has some 50 years experience on the water ranging from dinghies to cruising yachts in the UK and abroad, including the UK to Rio leg of the Clipper Race in 2013.
Don Gunton, Yachtmaster has extensive sailing experience primarily on the west coast of Scotland. Other trips have included a scary one to Norway with me onboard. Note ‘scary’ due to the weather. This image is a little old, as is Don, but still willing and able to pass on his knowledge – if I ask nicely!
Stephen Scott, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor now the latest recruit to the Northumbria Sailing team. Stephen has been sailing since childhood and has over 25,000 miles on the water to his name. His likes include; ‘snug remote anchorages and helping sailors improve their skills and increase their confidence.
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
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.
Record Day Skipper Theory Class
The autumn RYA Day Skipper Theory class came to a close with 11 successful victims, half of which will be undertaking their RYA Day Skipper Practicals with me in 2020. One even had successfully completed his practical elsewhere already but felt his theory could have been better, so he joined up. Seen here, l to r; Graeme, Fearnley, Tony, Ken, Ted, Nev (known to one there as ‘Dad’, Glen, Jim, Ed, Denis plus Donna (out of the image)
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £475 for class & £650 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. 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. 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.’
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 for Day Skipper, £675 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ and £750 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. Join any of the four at £25 each or £90 for all four. Each session takes place 6 – 9pm at Heaton; Session 1 will be Day Skipper level with tides at standard ports. Session 2 will be advanced with secondary ports, Session 3 Tidal streams. Session 4 will go through examples and homework set from previous sessions. Also to be explored are the less common e.g tidal coefficients.
PRACTICAL COURSES
All local courses take place on the school boat, a quality 36 foot (11.1 metre) Hallberg Rassy, well known for its comfort and steadiness afloat. Properly equipped with modern electronics, the preferred wheel steering and comfortable, recently replaced, bunk cushions you will be well set up to handle whatever may come your way. Courses are fully inclusive, except for a kitty contribution towards drinks onshore.
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. Cost £275, weekday only.
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 availability; Thursday 7th May (1 place left) & Saturday 9th 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. Course dates arranged so far; September 13 – 18th, & October 11 – 16th. 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. Course dates; June 14 – 19th (FULL). September 13 – 18th, & October 11 – 16th. ‘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’. Cost £650 Next Availability; September 19 – 24th. 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. Cost £230.
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
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
Late January has seen atmospheric pressure at an exceptionally high level, so much so that I had concern for my inherited mercury barometer. The barometer is very sensitive to the extent that my hands weren’t steady enough when fitting it to the wall without causing air to enter the system and, eventually, I had to ask the expert to fit this to the wall himself! As can be seen, the pointer is almost at the extremity of the dial (6 o’clock)
High pressure means the weather is steady, warm or cold, whilst Low is changeable together with a freshening of the system. The borderline between High and Low pressure varies as to the month and location but will typically be 1015 HPa (millibars) at North Shields. Anything over this is classed as ‘High’, and less ‘Low’. This will affect the tidal height, but not nearly as much as the wind. On 19th January 1050.5 HPa was recorded at Mumbles Head. Met Office
Specialist Courses
RYA VHF This important Course is available in class, 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. Next Courses, Full Day; 11th March. Also available One to One at £180 and online at £85 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
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. Next Course; March 18th ‘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. Next Course; 17th March. 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. Be prepared for a full day’s activity with lots of practical demonstrations and active participation – no going to sleep here with Simon!. To check which certificates are acceptable to the RYA e.g. for examinations First Aid Certificates Cost £75, £95 with Cat C drug endorsement, + £7.50 RYA Pack. Next Course; 26th February ‘Simon was fantastic yesterday, best First Aid instructor I’ve ever had and, being a fellow sailor, he was able to put things into a sailing context. Being an ex-instructor myself, I was very impressed with him.’
Victims (all) at Sea
(well, not all at this time of the year)
Liz King is one, however, as she sails into Antarctica on the tall ship Europa. Currently in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego about as far south as you can find ‘civilisation’. A lucky skipper indeed to have onboard as crew the formidable Liz! Europa
Christmas in the Corner House saw me meeting up with Chris Forker of Carbery Sailing and, one week later, Jonathan Colwell of YachtSailTraining swapping sailing and training stories
Steve Leadbitter is the new owner of a Ohlson 38 to be re-named Black Shadow. There’s lots of work to be done, but Steve has the ability – but does he have the pocket??
Nigel Twelves reports on his boat, which he shares with friends and was recently transferred from Sunderland to Blyth; ‘Carmen Maria is similarly stranded on the hard at Blyth with her mast in the shed awaiting essential maintenance before we get the surveyor out.’
Colin Graham is a significant part of the fishing community now, owning 6 fishing boats plus one small yacht! Here Blueye is in the yard for a replacement propeller. Now his new 5 bladed prop is big 49 inches diameter! Colin still sails with Daryl and others in the Greek Islands. The two of them plus Anthony were memorable all on the boat at the same time doing their Day Skipper practicals. The South Shields families almost live together, organised by Daryl’s redoubtable wife, Marie, who was having 26, yes twenty six, for their Christmas dinner. On the same day as Blueye came out Valhalla, another of Colin’s fleet was lifted in slings, for maintenance. February update; Colin has just sold Blueye and bought another fishing boat Stella Maris
Bill Hill likes to do long distance adventures and now is looking for his Ocean ‘ticket’. His Ocean qualifying passage did not go to plan however; ‘I am back from the trip I organised as a qualifying passage and thought you may be interested in an update.
We set off from Vilamoura in southern Portugal for the passage to the Canary Islands the first two days were quite rough (30 knot winds with a large swell) there were 5 of us on board an two of the crew were seriously affected with sea sickness so for the other three of us it was fairly tough. After two day however the weather eased and the two sufferers were beginning to be able to take part. After 5 days we reached the northern most island of the Canaries (La Graciosa) and we went alongside in the marina.
During the trip I managed to get a couple of noon sights which when checked against the GPS were remarkably accurate, I also managed a Sun Run Sun plot which I was pleased with the result. The thing I found difficult was the keeping of the log for my dead reckoning position this was probably due to the skipper not being interested in my project.
Unfortunately the distance of the trip was only 575nm so this will not count as a qualifying passage and I will now look to do another one next year probably with the same company that Liz used which I believe to be Rubicon. I did manage to get a photo when the weather settled down and thought you would like a copy’. Bill advises me he is now booked with Rubicon.
Yacht For Sale
My Chief Instructor, Trevor Jefferson, is on the move and selling his Dorothy Mitchel, asking only £70,000. I expect Trevor will have carefully maintained his onboard living in boat, and himself a reputable and very experienced Yachtmaster Instructor. Try this link to the broker Network Yacht Brokers
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
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
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