June’s News On and Off the Water
‘The sea is at its best at London, near midnight, when you are within the arms of a capacious chair, before a glowing fire, selecting phases of the voyages you will never make’ – HM Tomlinson, journalist & novelist
Jubilee celebrations are about to take place and one location easily accessible is Newcastle Quayside on June 4th and look to the end of this News for an invitation.
Pure Gallus has had a spectacular month but not without incident. In one month from April 25th there have been 3 x 5 day RYA Courses, 2 x 3 day Crewing and a Day taster trip! Now we look forward to trips to see the area with Adventures in June and July, not to mention the one day shorebased Courses. A full time occupation for me too!
Read down to see experiences from a record number of victims
Saved by the Don
After being let down by an instructor, the call for assistance went out and was answered by Steve Scott and Steve Lovett, but recourse was needed to bring Don Gunton out of semi-retirement. Shown here are four victims Jason, Adam, Rob & Iona rightly paying homage to Don since he was able to deliver the night sail, without which the Day Skippers would have been unable to be issued with their tickets. Only a few days later Don was able to successfully deliver a victim’s boat from Royal Quays to Seahouses. A busy week for Don and a big cheque to go with it!
Jubilee Dressing
Pure Gallus & Piepowder
Dressed by myself and John Taylor
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.
First 3 Day Crewing Stayover
Another first for Northumbria Sailing when the popular 3 day crewing course berthed overnight away from Royal Quays. Here we see Rhonda, Lia, myself & Duane enjoying a drink or two. Older, more ignorant, ones may wonder at this selfie but Lia was up to the mark as befitting her young age and not needing a very long arm!
Step in Don (and Stephen and myself)
After the loss of the instructor others took over and shared the Course, a successful one with Don shown here with Jason, Adam, Iona & Rob all showing their ‘delight’ at suffering three instructors on their 5 day course and a night sail starting at 9pm and finishing at 2am.
Not Without Incident
A gusty Royal Quays made berthing difficult and the informed may notice that Pure Gallus is not in her correct berth. On the very last manoeuvre of the final day of the last 5 day RYA Course of the Spring season a savage gust blew her away and ended up here. Shaken but not deterred the valiant crew and skipper could still pose; Alan, David, Instructor Steve Lovett & Justin.
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’.
Stephen Scott, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor and now my Chief Instructor. Stephen has been sailing since childhood and has logged over 25,000 miles on the water, most of these in the best cruising ground in the world, the West Coast of Scotland. A Fastnet Race, two circumnavigations of Ireland and a five month voyage to Lofoten have been highlights. Stephen likes ‘snug remote anchorages and helping sailors improve their skills and increase their confidence’. During his first RYA Coastal Skipper Course for Northumbria Sailing he appeared to be seeking to set a record for the number of anchorages visited, six in total!
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.
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 classes in the autumn, provisional dates; September 26, 28th, October 3, 10, 17, 31st, November 7, 14, 21, 28th, December 5, 12, 14th with an optional boat visit October 8th. 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. 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. For full information on what to expect from an RYA Course with Northumbria Sailing you are recommended to click[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.
North Eastern Adventure
18 – 21st July 2022
Departure is from Royal Quays, onboard comfortable Pure Gallus, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 built in 2016 to a 2017 model. Twin wheels, space and comfort on deck as well as down below.
Probably the weather will dictate whether we sail north or south but the preferred option is northwards towards Berwick with the Farnes, Amble and Holy Island in our sights. Sailing south the target would be Whitby
This adventure is likely to appeal to recently qualified Day Skippers seeking to improve their ability and confidence. Opportunities will be given to participate. Availability; Aft cabin £795, saloon £595
Sail Adventure June 13 – 15th
On this short Adventure we aim to explore the delights of the North East coast and ports. (even the pubs!)
Departure is from Royal Quays, onboard comfortable Pure Gallus, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 built in 2016 to a 2017 model. Twin wheels, space and comfort on deck as well as down below.
Probably the weather will dictate whether we sail north or south and enjoy life onboard overnight in a different port. This adventure is likely to appeal to inexperienced seafarers. Costings. There is a maximum availability of four persons onboard plus the skipper, and the prices vary according to the berth; Aft cabin; £550 for one person alone. Saloon, limited stowage; £395. Forecabin with ensuite; £350 each for two sharing or £595 alone, when available. Two places left
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 2021 and here we see John, Jill, Barry & Derek. Cost £325, 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. Next availability; June 9 – 11th & September 19 – 21st (daytime or stayover)
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 £70 weekday & £85 weekend. Next availability; June 17th (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. No experience needed. Cost, according to berth, from £550 (cabin sharing, £625 alone). Next availability; September 5 – 9th (1 place left), 11 – 15th, October 10 – 14th daysailing cost £575. Or see Practical Crewing above. ‘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. 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, according to berth, from £595 (cabin sharing, £675 alone) and you will need RYA Day Skipper Theory and Competent Crew practical on a yacht at the time of booking. Next availability; September 5 – 9th (1 place left), 11 – 15th, October 10 – 14th daysailing cost £650 ‘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. In 2021 we sailed as far as Eyemouth and anchored in various places including the Farnes and Beadnell. 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’. Prices from £675 depending on your berth. Jonny Colwell gives a detailed review of his YM Examination Next availability; September 11 – 15th
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 £225 sharing & from £260 single.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE (ICC) This can be done on the same course as Day Skipper/Competent Crew. Costs as per Day Skipper 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
Phil Butler caught Pure Gallus on a windy afternoon.
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 availabilities; June 29th, October 4th 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. Next Course; July 11th ‘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 £130 plus £10.50 for the RYA Pack. Maximum 6 persons. Next availability; July 4th 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 September 27th First Aid Certificates
LV50
The Light Vessel now used as the club ship for RNYC at Blyth. The history has been compiled by the Friends is well worth looking at via:
https://friendsoflv50.org.uk/lv50-animation/
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
What Happened Next?
Look at this video to find out, for which I’m grateful to Tish Dixon for finding such a gem.
Man Overboard Again
After reading Jonathan Hetherington’s excellent report on an incident in our Lakes Phil Butler draws my attention to this: ‘Following on from your excellent MOB piece in this month’s newsletter I spotted the following article this morning in my daily shipping accident round up and thought it might be of interest especially as we were there last summer!
“A man had a dramatic escape from the path of container ship Al Zubara (IMO 9708875) on March 6th while it was in the Solent, en route from Southampton to Le Havre. The man had been in a dinghy that found itself in the path of the container ship, with a stalled engine. Eventually he jumped overboard and swam for his life. The man was recovered from the water by a patrol boat and taken to hospital after treatment for shock. The Harbour Authority for Southampton Water was investigating the near miss.”
Video at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-60638458
Victims (All) at Sea
Mark Barry has just taken the plunge and bought a boat, a Pegasus 800 now at Sunderland. He was warned ‘you are a rich man until you buy a boat’.
Steve continues his work on Black Shadow at Royal Quays and remains optimistic despite setbacks, the latest being leaks from the deck which has involved re-decking – not in expensive and almost unobtainable teak though! Boats involve lots of work and he has had it ‘in spades’ as they used to say.
Spot the Odd Man out
Mario Ilewicz has followed my recommendation and joined Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club learning to sail a dinghy. Dinghy sailing is very good for wind awareness and a failure to appreciate wind direction could well mean a dunking! Mario has the RYA Coastal Skipper qualification and is prepared to vary his sailing experiences thereby adding to his confidence and ability.
Mark Duncan like Mark Barry with confusing names has also bought a boat Fang now in Royal Quays and, having just passed his RYA Day Skipper Practical with myself is out with Sarah practising. See below for another mention.
Emre Yilmaz continues his epic voyage, has crossed Biscay on Wishful and is now north of Crete with Turkey being his ultimate destination. Jubilee day landed in Cyprus. Accompanying him on the final leg from Sicily is Jonathan Hetherington. Taking sextant sights on the way Emre is likely to also have in his sights his Ocean Yachtmaster ticket.
Mark Duncan or is it Duncan Mark, is off on a long trip with skipper Rob Langley on his Najad Pendragon. Bet Rob gets the name mixed up! They sail on 6th June ultimately to Calais but Mark gets off at Ramsgate. We wish them fair winds and no ‘hughies’.
Mark Bagott sailing on El Tiburon up the west coast via Ireland, from Milford Haven to Dublin via Kilmore and Arklow. Shown here passing Dalkey heading for Troon eventually.
Jo Smith congratulations on passing her RYA Day Skipper Practical in the Greek Islands and the warm water as shown here.
Elaine Beauchamp & Mike Purvis together with Mark Dodds & Mel Purvis, another confusing name for myself, sailing in Croatia and neatly berthed stern to.
Peter MacLaren, shown at the helm, chartered a large yacht on the Clyde and reports; ‘It was really nice. Big boat, lots of space. Just enough wind to need a reef. According to the crew a highlight was anchoring overnight at Caladh (kyles of Bute). Low point was my Kashmir lamb in Tarbert. My main failure was not booking a restaurant, the whole of Glasgow having migrated to Tarbert for Easter weekend’.
Paul Shill reports; ‘As I hold on tightly to the helm of Aslan, the 34ft yacht I’ve chartered out of Dubrovnik, crashing through 2m+ swells on the way back to the mainland, having never sailed before 12 months ago, I’m thinking how did this happen. Well let’s rewind a bit and I’ll tell you the story.
I’ve always loved boats. I’ve travelled a lot and always enjoyed being on them, in addition I’ve done thousands of scuba dives, so have been around boats of all different sizes on many, many occasions, however this time last year I’d never steered a boat, never tied a bowline, or trimmed a sail.
Doing my day skipper had been on my bucket list for a while, but it’s a large commitment of time, so I had never had the chance. One of the benefits of the pandemic was that I suddenly had more time, both spare holidays to do my competent crew and day skipper practical, and more time at home to do my day skipper theory. So last May I completed my competent crew with Melvyn, then I joined Tynemouth sailing club to learn to actually sail. I found the dinghy sailing difficult, I’m 6ft4 and don’t fit under dinghy booms very easily, the first time I went out in a single hander I capsized at least 30 times, however I doggedly stuck at it, going along every Sunday morning until I could tack and gybe as well as any of the new starters. Then came the day skipper theory, I’ve always been pretty academic, so I didn’t find that too hard, just time consuming, then finally I did my day skipper practical with Melvyn, who put me through my paces until he was happy to sign me off and give me that magical card that says I’m capable of skippering a yacht on my own.
So fast forward to April of 2022, and despite the expert tutelage of Melvyn, and the countless hours I’d spent studying, I had just been given the yacht tour and I felt woefully underprepared for taking it out. My crew mate was my younger brother, who until that day, had never been on a yacht, so it was all on me. Despite the apprehension, the week went really well, both of us, and the yacht, all came through unscathed, and had to contend with my first ‘stern to’ moorings (hard work in a 30 knot cross wind), big seas and gale force winds. The tough conditions certainly haven’t dampened my enthusiasm for sailing, and I can’t wait for my next adventure’.
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
From Ian;
‘It is difficult to put into words how brilliant a day Elaine and I had with you yesterday. From start to finish you displayed knowledge, professionalism, and patience with a pair of eager novices . In short it was a brilliant day which far exceeded our expectations
Thank you so much for showing us so many different facets of the rudamentaries of sailing and we will contact you shortly to arrange more training. I hope you will be able to join us on the start of our journey from extreme incompetence to one day, with your continued guidance, the dream of being able to class ourselves as competent crews.’
Sailing Today Podcasts
Try these Podcasts Sailing Today Podcasts.
June 4th Jubilee
From: Newcastle City Marina <enquiries@newcastlecitymarina.co.uk>
Sent: Monday, 23 May 2022, 14:37:41 BST
We would like to invite you to join us at Newcastle City Marina for the bank holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. There are various exciting activities planned for the Quayside on Saturday 4th June, from live music to Maritime Volunteer Service’s Platinum Jubilee Parade of Sail, which we would encourage our NCM visitors to join to help make it an even bigger spectacle for visitors of the city.
So the call out is for skippers to join us for the long weekend (or just Saturday day/night), dress your boat and accompany MVS on their Jubilee Parade of Sail.
To help you enjoy the celebrations and get into the Jubilee spirit, all Saturday overnight visitors will receive a bottle of bubbly, food and other goodies. We will also give the best dressed boat a luxurious hamper.
If you would like to join us for the weekend, please reply to this email with your intended arrival and departure details and we can make sure everything is in place for you.
If you have any questions, or if there is anything else we can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thanks and we very much hope to see you soon’.
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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