Northumbria Sailing
The Leading Provider of Sail Cruising Courses in North East England
January Newsletter
‘Sailed dinghys since I was around 5. Had some experience on bugger boats but don’t have one myself. ‘ – Anon, in response to my request for experience
This typo was made last month in response to my request. Of course ‘bigger’ should have been sent, and yet this will have a ring of truth and receive a sympathetic response from boat owners having, yet again, to fork out cash for their boat.
Traditionally, this month I select 10 of the best from the previous year, but I have a quandry now as there is so much fresh copy here. Therefore it will be Best of 5 and demoted to further down this page.
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)
Boat Root
When Lian was lifted out, lo and behold, was a branch interfering with the rudder. Not seriously though as it was easily removed and had probably been picked up from the significant amounts of branches, trees etc which flow down the Tyne and find their way into the marina, despite their best efforts. Essential work was done by ‘young’ Rob of Storrars (left) and Phil of PA Lynch 
Wolf Rock and Banana Beds
My daughter presented me with a fascinating book on lighthouses. I first thought ‘I’ve read these before’, but no, this one’s different. Seashaken Houses by Tom Nancollas is not just the story of lighthouse building. Tom, whose ancestor family were involved in lighthouses, refers to the ‘banana beds’, so called because the lighthouse curved shape demanded beds and mattresses similarly so. Tom visits some and memories of former keepers are graphic for the hardship and loneliness enduring for months on end. World’s Loneliest Christmas .
In 2011 I sailed around Bell Rock, off the Dundee coast, in Lian. Onshore and opposite is the port of Arbroath, where the Signal Tower, now a museum can be found. It was daily practice to raise a ball on a pole, which was visible from the lighthouse, a similar reply from the Bell Rock indicated that all was well.
Mull Adventure 2020
From 3rd to 10th June 2020 a superb yacht has been reserved for our latest Adventure, a 2008 commissioned 13 metre yacht, Pollyanna, a Dufour 425, sailing out of Dunstaffnage, Oban, a marina with easy access and excellent facilities. There will be a maximum of 6 persons onboard. A larger yacht might be more glamorous and cheaper per head, but is less participatory. We aim to circumnavigate Mull, taking in; sheltered Loch Aline – picturesque Tobermory – Staffa & Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave – Tinker’s Hole anchorage opposite Iona – lovely Colonsay Island – Corryvrechan (outside whirlpool time) & then finally Dunstaffnage.
Berth pricing ranges from £675 to £775, excluding a catering ‘kitty’ (FULL). A short North East Adventure for the end of August is being considered.
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
Beware of fraudulent Online Courses
In my day there was a choice between an evening class or correspondence and I actually did my Day Skipper Theory twice. First by correspondence and later by evening class as I wasn’t convinced that I knew the subject as well as I wanted, even though I had passed.
The Local Authority Evening Class had a cost subsidy so was cheap, but a large class, perhaps 20+, and set in school. The large number prevented the instructor from giving personal attention and proceeded at a set pace and it was up to you to keep abreast, or fall away. Over two terms as well, the class seemed to go on forever and was a real struggle to go out on a November evening into a basic, school, setting.
The Local Authority classes seem to have expired leaving, realistically, class, private or online. The RYA is developing a part online Course as an option and some schools provide their own version. Many years ago now, I completed my RYA Day Skipper Theory as a correspondence course. I passed but later thought I didn’t really know the subject so enrolled on a Local Authority evening class.
You can now choose which suits you best and factors you may wish to consider are:
1. If you live so far away you will probably only have the online option or a residential Fastrack.
2. There are some subjects which, in my opinion, are difficult to learn online. Chartwork principally, but also tides and time zones. I have seen many instances of the correct answer being produced with chartwork, but quite the wrong drawing.
3. Online multi choice, as one victim put it ‘I could see that by clicking an option I would be allowed through, but couldn’t understand why’.
4. Most of my victims haven’t done anything like this for many years and need time to assimilate together with explanation, not just given another paper to try.
5. Learning in company creates friendships, crewing opportunities, and a bit of laughter
6. I have a warm and comfortable room in a modern building in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne with unrestricted street car parking at hand
7. One2one is often done at The Lock café, Royal Quays, with excellent surroundings and a latte to hand!
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.
I think the scarf gives it away! Recent Yachtmasters Peter Millican and Peter MacLaren may be planning on going away though, having successfully completed the challenging RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Course. My Ocean theory Course includes several opportunities to use a sextant (I have four), but on the level and not in a heaving swell.
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. Next Course; January 9, 11, 16, 23 & 30th, February 6, 8, 13 & 27th, March 5, 12, 19, 25 & 26th 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. Winter/Spring evening class; January 13, 20, 25 & 27th February 3, 10, 24 & 29th March 2, 9, 16 & 23rd. 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. Next sessions; Spring 2020
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 & 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; April 25 – 30th, 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 Course; April 25 – 30th. 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
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 Course, a Full Day; 10th January. 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 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. 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 £28.50 (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 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)
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.’
Chris Forker of Carbery Sailing operating out of Tenerife for the winter reports a typical problem there; ‘The Sahara sand causes havoc to the rigging and decks so a good hose down was in order for Merlin. Stainless steel parts tomorrow’. Earlier Chris reported; ‘The trip down shall we say had some excessive weather. First leg had Merlin clocked just under 16kts and the second leg just under 19kts. Both speeds obtained wave surfing. However, first night out in big seas 8m with 7sec period and 36kts of wind was going really well, all beam stuff, until the auto helm thought it was a good idea to gybe at night! This little episode resulted in what I can only describe the reefing line for the 2nd reef to explode rather than break. So no bother out of my bunk, kit up and put the 3rd reef in. All good and a good nights sleep.
Next morning conditions still as before then the 3rd reef line explodes. What a mess! It did calm down significantly about 100nm north of Finistere so we put into Baiona. Being Spain and it a Friday everything closed till Monday for a festival. Finally got away the following Thursday due to strong southerly gale on Tuesday and Wednesday. In the meantime I replaced the reefing lines with dyneema and sailed rapidly to Madeira. One thing though which has resulted in an update of the SOP’s. Check all the nuts on the master fuse panel before a passage. It would be the 2 nuts holding the 24v alternator fuse that would loosen with the result the battery bank feeding my navigation system would run down. Tested everything even checked the master fuse but failed to check the nuts. It’s never happened before on any other boat I’ve been on. I’m now putting a split spring washer on the fuses so the nuts stay tight. It was only the one fuse which was affected and a nightmare. Also showed the necessity of keeping an accurate log at all times. Essentially on an ocean passage I do it on a crew change which is every 2 hours from 20:00 to 08:00 and then 4 hourly although crew are encouraged to put one in halfway through a 4 hour watch. So now in Tenerife. I’ve had the linear drive serviced and the course computer firmware updated since we arrived by the Raymarine agent. The sprayhood got slight damage from the reef line failures and that is now like new again by a swiss sailmaker in the marina. Engine serviced by Marc a Dutch Volvo guy again in the marina. So just about ready to go again.
Looks like you have a very busy season ahead so fair winds and following seas on your passages. I should be in Newcastle over Christmas so will try and arrange a meet up’. Mobile: +353 85 2256901
Mark Batey has taken the plunge and re-engined Jessie his 1989 Moody 336 and employed Steve of SDS marine to do the job and fit a new Beta engine (same guy as the Hartleys)
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.
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.
Five of the Best from 2019
Here is my selection, in no particular order, and some original articles abridged;
No 1 – Düsseldorf Boat Show (February)
Billed as the largest in Europe and in true German tradition, this show is BIG. Some 15 halls with all types of boats and boaty items on display. Too big in fact to look round properly in one day and it took me 1½ with an exhausting full day. It was work for me mind you!
First I was recognised in Newcastle departure lounge by Kevin Waugh who kindly directed me to the night life of Düsseldorf old town
No 2 – Learning in Luxury (February)
Here’s Rodney clearly enjoying his tuition in excellent surroundings. Where? – The Lock café at Royal Quays, where he can have his capuccino and snack lunch whilst taking his RYA Day Skipper Theory with myself. He’s just the first of a number waiting for similar treatment, a real luxury during inclement winter months.
No 3 – Oops! (March)
John Hunter went out on Lady May with his wife and a friend only to have the rudder fall off!. Imagination took over though and they jury rigged another from bunk boards and wife was impressed (as well as myself). This all happened 5 miles off the coast, near Tynemouth, winds F6 too. John is also notable for doing RYA Yachtmaster Theory back to back with his Day Skipper Theory. John reasons that he needs to do it whilst it’s fresh in his mind, I think he’s doing rather well.
No 4 – The Joy of Youth (March)
Charles Kingston and Rosalie Sanders could have a lifetime sailing together. It must be great to be their age! ‘We both sail with the youth charity Ocean Youth Trust South, on a 95ft ketch called Prolific. The charity serves to take disabled or disadvantaged young people sailing, although we both discovered the charity through sailing on voyages tailored to individuals. We both quickly fell in love with big boat sailing, whilst both of us had some yachting experience….’
No 5 – Crinan Canal Caper (June)
How do you turn your boat around in a narrow canal like the Crinan? Risky with the 12.5 metre boat we chartered from Flamingo last May. Take a long warp to the centre cleat and pull around. Here we surprised the lockkeeper who was about to open the lock gates, when next time he looked we had turned around ready to depart without going through his locks.
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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