July Newsletter
‘I never knew a sailor, in my life, who would not prefer a pot of hot coffee or chocolate, on a cold night, to all the rum afloat.’ – Richard Henry, author of ‘Two Years Before the Mast’
Seafarers are away on their own adventures and Royal Quays looks rather bare.
Many practical courses are now full and the reservation action is turning towards autumn and winter theory where I hope to return to evening classes as well as Zoom. Several bookings have already been made for the Day Skipper and the Coastal Yachtmaster courses.
67 Club on the Solent
A charter from 2020 saw Steve, Phil, Tom, Peter & myself facing the cross tides of the Solent where we sailed into Cowes, Portsmouth, Yarmouth, Lymington, Beaulieu & Newtown rivers and Hamble. Never before have I watched tv onboard but this was the England v Germany match and we managed to berth into East Cowes two minutes before kick off! Name dropping, at Yarmouth we berthed near to Robin Knox-Johnston, who didn’t recognise me…, on his round the world boat Suhaili and in the Hamble river we shared a fuel berth with the famous pilot cutter Jolie Brise.
Where Eagles Dare
Five of us set off from Dunstaffnage, near Oban, on another delayed 2020 charter to look for sea eagles. Instilled in my memory is the sight of two huge eagles being chased by a seagull! Following this we sailed into Craobh marina, an excellent test for pronunciation. Onboard with myself were, from L to R, Mike, Mark, Elaine & Hassall.
Wild in Montrose
Richard, Pravin, Michael and instructor Stephen ‘having fun’ berthing in Montrose and sheltering for the following day from the northerly winds. An RYA Coastal Skipper course delivered on victims own boat. Look at the fenders for the harbour wall isn’t easy to berth to.
Lassooing
Shown here is Jade lassooing on my popular Practical Crewing Course. The skill is a very useful one to get you ‘out of jail’ when the wind blows. Also participating on this course were Nigel, Ged & Jamie. This Course is my equivalent of RYA Competent Crew for beginners but delivered over three days and half the cost.
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 (now replaced), 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’.
Stephen Scott, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor now my Chief Instructor. 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.
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 myself onboard. Note ‘scary’ due to the weather. This image is a little old, as is Don, but he’s still willing and able to pass on his knowledge – if I ask nicely!
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 2020. 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
Theory 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 £575 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 £525 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 or the traditional evening class from January 12, 15, 19 & 26th, February 2, 9, 12 & 16th March 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30th, April 6th January 2022. (2 reservations already) 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 £475 or £395 Zoom. Try Zoom and enjoy seafarer’s company or evening class; October 13, & 20th , November 3, 6, 10, 17 & 24th, December 1, 4, 8, 13, & 15th .(3 reservations already) Zoom classes are arranged according to demand and availability.
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; September 20 – 22nd
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 £65 weekday & £80 weekend. Next Availability; August 6th 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 if they are day sails and not catered. Next availability; October 18 – 22nd or 10 – 15th with stayover. 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. Next availability; 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 availability; October 10 – 15th (1 Place left). Prices from £650 depending on your berth 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, 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 £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. Next availability; August 13th & September 6th. 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 availability; September 28th (FULL). ‘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. Next availability; September 27th (FULL). 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 availability; July 13th (FULL). First Aid Certificates
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
Captain Dead
To abide by the anti-collision rules, ColRegs, vessels over 12m are required to have the ability to show two black balls in a vertical plane by day and two red lights by night. This will indicate to other vessels it is ‘Not Under Command’, hence ‘Captain Dead’ meaning the vessel is unable to keep to the ColRegs Rules for some reason, perhaps engine failure, and all others must keep clear.
Thus, since Pure Gallus exceeds 12 metres in length as opposed to Lian’s 11 I now have to be able to show this, as indicated here.
Have your Boat Painted
No, not the cherished boat itself, but artist Mark Taylor-Gregg does commissions and has a boat/studio in Royal Quays. Sounds a good idea and you can contact Mark on 07894 060677
For the Future
Making their first venture onboard Pure Gallus were daughter in law Claire with granddaughters Erin and Isobel. Might be seafarers in the years ahead?
Victims (all) at Sea
John Taylor is participating in the famous Round the Island Race (Isle of Wight)
Tony & Ingela
Goodbye to them as they sail out of Royal Quays heading for Sweden on Mohican Too
Rob Langley now in Portsmouth with his boat Pendragon enroute further towards Lands End and the Scillies.
Barry & Jill Underwood off to the west coast of Scotland on Sobriety
Mark Ranft is on his way there too, onboard Macska a catamaran with his father and cousin.
Tony Scorer sailed single handed out of Blyth on Future into Newton where he spent a rather bumpy night, ‘It was my first solo sail and overnight anchorage. Not a comfortable night with rolling waves and fog at 3 in the morning, but a great experience for me’.
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 Delivery
Try Simon and crew who successfully delivered Pure Gallus from Brighton. Anyone wishing this service can obtain an online quote :Wright Marine
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
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