‘A small sailing boat is not only beautiful, it is seductive and full of strange promise and the hint of trouble. If it happens to be an auxiliary cruising boat, it is without question the most compact and ingenious arrangement for living ever devised by the restless mind of man’ – EB White, author
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All good things come to an end and it’s sad to see Don Gunton saying goodbye to the sea and his beloved west coast of Scotland.
Here we look at the sailing on the North East Coast with the Farnes and Holy Island in nesting season being as good as it gets anywhere, provided the weather accommodates, and now there’s a trip in June open for bookings.
Rob Langley is looking for crew for Channel Mile Building, see below.
Don has Swallowed the Anchor
After many years of experiencing life on the water my former Chief Instructor, friend and Mentor too has decided to ‘Swallow the Anchor’ with his final sail on the Clyde. Don Gunton gave me so many memorable experiences, not always pleasant, at sea including remarkable trips to St Kilda and Norway. A good bank of anecdotes are there for me to relate long afterwards to my own victims.
Anchor Found (Another Anchor Report)
Now finding a lost anchor is a rare occurrence but trust Rob and Faye to be the exception; ‘Can you remember our anchor that we lost in Loch Aline? Recently a sailor and diver from Loch Aline contacted us as they’d seen our video on YouTube where we had to cut our ground tackle free after it was caught on the sea bed. He asked us if we knew where it was and he’d go and have a look for us. As luck would have it, we used an app called ‘what three words’ when we cut it off, which gives us three words that identify the location that we were at. This can be convenient in a hurry when lat and long aren’t convenient and we even used it for things like monitoring our position at anchor to check that we hadn’t drifted. Anyway, we got a message back not 2 hours later from the diver saying, “it’s up!”. Remarkable! He also said that we were very unlucky; for 30m around the anchor there was nothing, but we the anchor had managed to wedge itself between where a mooring buoy connected to the sea bed and an old massive sea anchor that had been dumped into the Loch. In his words, “you’d never have gotten it out without a dive!” This made me feel a lot better having spent 2.5 hours trying to everything to set it free! Our parents are visiting Mull in April and will pick up our lost crew member and we will pay a few pints and drams of due to our local hero!’
Follow Rob & Faye’s adventures on Reach Out when the set off for France in May – Sailing Hjem
Ocean Yachtmaster Emre
Congratulations to Emre who has now attained elevated Ocean Yachtmaster status, deservedly so after taking his boat all the way from Royal Quays to Turkey, crossing Biscay in the process. I do remember Emre, not that he’s the type of person you would forget, coming to me years ago saying he wanted to do this sail to Turkey but all he had then was his International Certificate of Competence. He progressed through all my Courses now to this. His boat remains over there, his country of origin, and is used for family holidays and an opportunity to see his own folks out there.
Holy Island and Farnes Adventure
This image was taken in June 2022 at the anchorage in Holy Island where the 69Club anchored twice, once overnight and the other daytime. This year we would like to make a repeat visit to the Farnes, now open, Holy Island and Berwick but only if conditions are right. Thus, if they are not, the Adventure would be cancelled and monies fully refunded. Again Pure Gallus will be sailed which offers an ensuite double cabin, two more large cabins (two occupants at a push) and a generous saloon berth. Provisional dates June 11 – 15th
Day Sail with an RYA Examiner
On March 14th my Chief Instructor John Parlane, an RYA Examiner, will be sailing on Pure Gallus raising funds in support of Tynemouth RNLI. 0930 – 1700hrs, all abilities are welcome and the cost is £95 per person, all of which will go the RNLI.
2024 and what can Northumbria Sailing offer on the water and ashore? – RYA practical courses under the supervision of the the new Chief Instructor, John Parlane who will add the quality and experience associated with his RYA Examiner status. Accompanying myself on practical courses, trips and adventures will be Steve Lovett and, new for 2024, Elaine Beauchamp. Shorebased face-to-face theory is still being taught by myself and there are some online but, in my opinion, face-to-face, either class or One2One, is the one to go for if possible (see Justin’s Report at the end).
Sailing Round the World
I remember hearing Robin Knox-Johnson’s voice when in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. He was suggesting to fellow rafters they they should re-arrange now rather than early in the morning when he was to set off. (he didn’t recognise my voice though….) In the event we spent an uncomfortable night in the marina. The only berth available was easy to enter but open to the fetch which came in during the night.
This is a most interesting podcast of his trip Round the World in a 32 foot ketch and well worth a 56 minute listen
Update on Courses & Trips
‘Educate rather than cram – a lesson; Most academic programmes focus on force-feeding knowledge rather than releasing curiosity. The result? We know some things – but we lose what’s most vital: the love of learning. In one study of a top university, the highest scoring graduates were given the same final exams one month after graduation. All of them failed – Cramming seldom gets past short term memory.’
THEORY COURSES
Classroom
Onboard Pure Gallus there’s a classroom suitable for a small class but, mostly, the modern Life Centre in Heaton is used.
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 five 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’. Try this link from a former Royal Navy officer relating his experience navigating by the stars for real whilst sailing down to the Falklands 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. 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 and 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 £550. 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 for Day Skipper, £850 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ 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
Skills Centre
It’s now some 14 years since I started delivering RYA Courses, their format and their questions to be answered. Yet important messages are not always given their due weight and there’s no scope for further investigation. Skills Centre sessions and courses will have this in mind and offer the opportunity to seek further knowledge as well as refreshing existing. I see subjects being mainly theory with some practical, but am open to suggestions
TIDES In this subject we look at real tides and apply this to examples in waters of the UK and Europe, with particular emphasis on our very tidal North East Coast. Learn how to calculate tidal heights and streams at main and secondary ports. You will be using Reed’s Almanac and the first session will be for assumed beginners leading to more advanced stuff later on. This Course will be run across three sessions 1800 – 2100hrs at Heaton. Cost £95 for three sessions, less for fewer. Next Course; April 15, 16 & 22nd. ‘Being new to sailing and having seen numerous yacht go aground in Amble harbour entrance, the tides we have on the NE coast frightened me a little. I looked into the online courses but decided to go with you and the classroom instead and I’m glad I did. Learning in a group with instant help and feedback from you made understanding the lessons so much easier.’ – Thornley
FOG ALL OVER You have a chart plotter, AIS and Radar showing there’s another vessel out there. Plenty of electronic information but you then realise none tell you which way to turn. In the collision between Whispa and Gas Monarch the former was not on a collision course but the skipper misconstrued notorious Rule 19d and actually turned towards Gas Monarch and collided. This short course, delivered by Zoom across three evenings, will attempt to throw some light on this important subject. Provisional dates three from April 22 – 26th.
SKIPPER SKILLS Another new course aimed at improving skills of either an existing skipper or a very competent crew about to take their RYA Day Skipper Practical. This Course will include exercises such as berthing, which are not normally available outside an RYA Course and others according to demand. For example; use of up to date Raymarine electronics, night sail or just confidence building. Next availability April 19+20th (FULL), June 14+15th
Northumbria Sailing Adventures
These adventures are when we either charter a sailing yacht or take Pure Gallus 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 Skye, Orkneys, the Clyde, London Tower Bridge and a North Sea crossing.
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.
Yorkshire Adventure
July 11 – 14th
Sail down to Whitby to enjoy the delights of this great destination and return over a long weekend.
Mini Sailing Adventures
In response to demand, Sailing Adventures on Pure Gallus will take the form of Mini versions as well as Maxi, tailored for holders of their RYA Day Skipper Practical tickets, but also welcomed are other seafarers keen to experience sailing on this 2016 built yacht fitted to high standards. Electronics include Raymarine kit including a Plotter, Radar and AIS. Pure Gallus, a Sun Odyssey 419, is the type of boat, with twin wheel helms, you might charter on your holiday in the Med.
Guidance will be available but you will be fully involved in the Adventure and may even care to select your own crew. Maximum number will be four plus the Skipper and sharing the ensuite forecabin will give berths at the most economical rate.
Anyone already familiar with Pure Gallus or the predecessor Lian by means of a 3 or 5 day Course qualifies for discounted prices from £75 discounted and £125 non discount.
PRACTICAL COURSES
All local courses take place on the school boat, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 12 metre built less than 6 years ago and the type of boat you may aspire to when going out on your own adventures. For full information on what to expect from an RYA Course with Northumbria Sailing you are recommended to click
From Alan following a 5 day course; ‘Food was really good btw which I wasn’t expecting![space_20]
Where Do I Sleep?
On Pure Gallus you will have the opportunity to select your berth and pay accordingly. Singles go in the saloon or an aft cabin with doubles in the forecabin which has private ensuite facilities. Doubling up in the forecabin provides the cheapest deal.
PRACTICAL CREWING My version of RYA Competent Crew. Three days, 0930-1700hrs onboard for up to four ideally, sometimes five, and you will be up to the Comp Crew standard. No experience necessary and no need to stay onboard overnight. This was very popular in 2022 and here we see Lorna, Mel, Sean, Emma & Jo, one being pregnant too. Cost £350. August 15 – 17th.
This popular Course is now available stayover where you will spend two nights onboard away, if possible, from Royal Quays. There is a maximum availability of four persons onboard plus the instructor, and the prices vary according to the berth; Aft cabin; £495 for one person alone. Saloon; with limited stowage, £395. Forecabin with ensuite; £375 each for two sharing or £650 alone, when available. Next Course is across Easter; March 29 – 31st (FULL), August 15 – 17th.
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 £695 (cabin sharing, £650 each). Or see Practical Crewing above. Next availability; March 18 – 22nd (limited space), May 20 – 24th (1 place left), June 2 – 7th (FULL), September 23 – 27th (FULL). ‘You were a pleasure to have as a guest, instructor and examiner. Your wisdom, advice and encouragement was much appreciated’ – Rachel
RYA DAY SKIPPER PRACTICAL The key to bareboat charter, this course aims to get you to the ability ‘ to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar’. Then you can be let loose to find your own adventures and provide endless anecdotes for you to enjoy telling. For Bareboat charter this is the first qualification to be obtained. Nevertheless in some areas, the Solent for example, a higher qualification is needed and UK tidal requested.
It is important that you are ready to take this important Course and, for minimum standards, check out on the web page Day Skipper Pre-Quirements. These standards and experience are expected at the time of booking. Cost, according to berth, from £750. Ask for more details if you possess the pre-quirements linked above. June 2 – 7th (FULL). ‘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 If you are interested in this course and meet with the Pre-Quirements then email. September 23 – 27th (FULL)
RYA START YACHTING A two day course for beginners which can be the ‘start’ of greater things. You live onboard for two days and visit another marina, away from Royal Quays. This is a Weekday Course for which a minimum booking of two is needed (singles also welcome). Cost from £300 sharing & from £295 single.
TASTER @ SEA The successor to the popular RYA Start Yachting Course, as above. Easier and more flexible to arrange dates and prices are similar to last year’s RYA Start Yachting. This Course will follow the RYA syllabus, but without the certificate. A two day course for beginners which can be the ‘start’ of greater things. You live onboard for two days and visit another marina, away from Royal Quays. This is a Weekday Course for which a minimum booking of two is needed (singles also welcome). Cost from £300 sharing & from £295 single. Next availability; June 10+11th
Taster Days & Trips
These are an introduction to sailing and meant to be a nice experience, so conditions have to be right even though it means being more sensitive to the weather. No-one wants a macho adventure, but this still won’t stop us from going out to sea briefly in a high wind.
DAY TRIPS. 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 and have been very popular during the 2023 season. Cost £75 weekday & £95 weekend. First of the 2024 season will be April 16th & May 25th (Saturday) 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
On March 15th my Chief Instructor John Parlane, an RYA Examiner, will be sailing on Pure Gallus raising funds in support of Tynemouth RNLI. 0930 – 1700hrs all abilities are welcome and the cost is £95 per person, all of which will go the RNLI. [space_20]
Kayakers need their VHF Too
6 kayakers descended upon the Heaton Centre for their VHF Course. Seen here are Liam, Rob, Lee, Lorna, Stuart & Chris who all passed. Brave guys and they are on the water every week, going to the Shetlands for their holidays (train and ferry) too. A great and entertaining session with lots of warnings that Pure Gallus was bigger than they are. Here’s what they say; ‘Blyth Kayak Club is a friendly club, always on the look out for new members from people looking to paddle for the first time, right through the experienced coaches. We are an active club, with pool sessions during the winter and outdoor sessions running regularly throughout the year. If you would like more information, please visit our website and contact us via the contact us link’.http://www.blythkayakclub.co.uk/
Liam; ‘The group have enjoyed an excellent day of learning and development. The course was expertly delivered by you and we take value from the experiences you shared. How to sail and to eventually progress to RYA Day Skipper’
Northumbria Sailing on Video
Alan Robson produced this video of his sailing experience during his five days and gaining his International Certificate of Competence. Day Skipper.mov – Google Drive
Have a look at my Theory Training Centre with this video. Training
Onboard the Hallberg Rassy training yacht, now replaced by a Sun Odyssey 419, by courtesy of Mark Batey and the kind co-operation of victims Andrew and Clive. See me giving berthing advice in trying to avoid the electric supply post Mark Batey Day Training
RYA Competent Crew in the sun, by courtesy of Mark again Mark Batey Competent Crew
Specialist Courses
RYA VHF This important Course is available in class, onboard, online or private tuition. Don’t be caught without a proper licence as you could be fined up to £5,000, plus 6 months inside, plus equipment confiscation – yes it’s very severe! At Northumbria Sailing you will receive tuition one per training set. As you will be assessed for practical skills as well as theoretical I think it’s advisable that you have every opportunity to familiarise yourself with the equipment. Cost £120 plus £70 for the RYA. Also available One to One at £190 and online at £95 to include manual. Assessment £70 extra. Next availability; March 8th, September 19th (others to be arranged between March & September). Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio and RYA Online VHF video
The RYA require you to book your face to face assessment at the time of enrolling on a Course. Beware of anyone offering this Course without this. RYA 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 11 to RYA. Next session; March 6th ‘Thank you very much for yesterday’s course’ – Stephen
CEVNI test for the Inland waterways endorsement to your ICC. Done online, cost £35
RYA DIESEL ENGINE
A Volvo Penta 2003 marine diesel engine will be used for demonstrations and you will get several chances to try your hand at changing filters etc.
The Course is for beginners and will show the simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself to help maintain your engine in working order. The RNLI has complained that most of call outs are from engine failure where simple tasks have not been performed. Your rescuing lifeboat may make firm suggestions if this is found to be the case. RYA Examiners have requested greater knowledge from candidates. Cost £130 plus £11 for the RYA Pack. Maximum 6 persons. Next Session; March 14th. 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 £30 (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 £8.50 Pack. Next Session; March 14th (FULL). First Aid Certificates
PERSONAL SURVIVAL. A must for all fit and healthy seafarers over the age of 16. The RYA Basic Sea Survival Course is unavailable in the North East, but this is the STCW equivalent and an accepted substitute by the RYA. The Course is delivered by the former South Shields Maritime College in their Pool on the banks of the River Tyne to educate in the ability to survive at sea after vessel abandonment. Cost £235. Wet in the Pool
Victims (All) at Sea
Colin Graham earned his RYA Day Skipper Practical for Sail and now look at his boat 🙂 Colin now has a fleet of well looked after fishing boats out on charter and goes to sea himself in conditions many yachties would shrink at, being on the North Sea in winter. Shown here is his super yacht Lady M berthed at Royal Quays and has been luxury sailing in the English Channel with his family.
Jo and Adrian called to see me onboard Pure Gallus (one of the nice happenings and useful too as they helped me with a boat job!) are were reminiscing about their own momentous trip up to the Orkneys and back. Jo used a phrase I had not heard before referring to the notorious Pentland Firth ‘it had been ironed flat’ – perhaps this was the Yorkshire in her. In 2024 they both hope to return to the west coast of Scotland to experience the Hebrides and the Caledonian canal.
Crewing Opportunity
Looking for a Channel mile-building opportunity? Look no further! Former victim turned skipper, Rob Langley is seeking a 4th crew member to join him and a friendly, sociable crew on a 400 nautical mile journey down-Channel from Ipswich to Jersey this August. Rob has an impressive 25,000 sea miles under his belt, and the First Mate has even circumnavigated. They are seeking a strong sea-farer with a GSOH and no history of sea-sickness. Pubs and meals ashore are not included, but all costs on board are provided, including the ship’s sweetie cupboard and cellar. You would be expected to pay for your own transport to and from the vessel.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to build your Channel miles with a seasoned crew. Contact Rob Langley to learn more; rll.law373@outlook.com.
This is why I’m in the Sailing Business
Justin
‘My primary objective in choosing to study the YM Theory course was to build a solid understanding of the subjects covered in the RYA syllabus in order to underpin good practical decision-making whist on the water and not just to cram enough information to ‘get through the exam’. To this end, studying in a ‘bricks and mortar’ setting with Northumbria Sailing was definitely the right choice.
The study sessions were relaxed and enjoyable whilst at the same time being well organised and delivered in bite size junks. Each session comprised presentations, in-class discussion and practical work with homework being set between times to be discussed at the next class. Instructor Melvyn was extremely patient in answering questions and was able to draw on his significant practical sailing experience to bring topics alive whilst at the same time adapting the speed and style of his delivery to ensure that I had gained a good grasp of each subject area as we progressed through the course.
Whilst studying with an online course provider may have been sufficient to get me through the exam, I am confident that the quality of the experience of studying face to face with Northumbria Sailing will have given me a more solid long-term foundation to underpin my future sailing activities and to prepare for the higher-level practical exams.’ – Justin Hoskins
Sailing Today Podcasts
Try these Podcasts Sailing Today Podcasts.
Reader’s Links
A section featuring links of a maritime interest sent to me.
For vessel traffic on the Tyne try NormTyneShips on YouTube.
Donna gives a clear picture of how she felt as an ordinary person coming to her RYA Day Skipper Practical Course; Donna Sail
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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