May Newsletter
Northumbria Sailing Online is here!
‘One of the best temporary cures for pride and affectation is seasickness‘ – Henry Wheeler Shaw, humorist
Finally we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. We have a Prime Minister, virus deaths appear to be on the decline and the sun still shines (as of the time of writing).
During the past two weeks I have been trialling presenting theory courses online via Zoom. I have to thank Laury, Elaine, Fiona, Stephanie, Adrian, Jo and Donna with a particular mention of Phil Butler for providing practical support in my efforts to be efficient enough to be acceptable to the RYA. This involved a demonstration to Craig Burton, a senior member of the RYA and, actually, a former member of Tynemouth Sailing Club, which was successful. Craig did mention though ‘you are about to enter a steep learning curve’!
I have just received my first new booking, and fee, since the lockdown started, this for a RYA Competent Crew Course in August. With the current situation I am giving flexible cancellation terms but encouraging reservation since I anticipate a bit of a rush once we know we can sail the sunny seas.
Following my demonstration to the RYA I am pleased to be able to launch Online Courses via Zoom. On Monday I received authorisation and by Wednesday two wanted to go ahead and had completed their FREE trial. 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. At present I will be doing only One2ones in order that I can hone my skills and upgrade my equipment. The Course cannot be as good as with human contact but, in my opinion, this is better than an online course where little or no direct contact is made with the instructor. Online information
Jessica returned the instruments I had lent her and decorated the envelope! She has just completed her RYA Day Skipper Theory although the end had to be done online following the lockdown. Jessica is hoping to go to America this summer and teach sailing
Northumbria Sailing Adventures
For these adventures we either charter a sailing yacht or take ‘Lian’ somewhere interesting and challenging. When weather and crew status permit we will do distances, often sailing through the night via the watch system. If this is not possible we will cruise looking for pleasant places to visit with good shoreside wining and dining facilities.
Trips in recent years have included the Orkneys, the Clyde, London Tower Bridge, Amsterdam, Skye circumnavigation and traditional sailing on the IJsselmeer.
We will endeavour to have you fully involved in the sailing of the boat and to consider your preferences. Alcohol will often be enjoyed when we are no longer underway. At the end of the trip you will have a log book filled and plenty of nautical adventures to tell.
30th August – 1st September. On this short Adventure we aim to explore the delights of the North East coast and ports. (and even the pubs!) Departure is from Royal Quays, onboard comfortable Lian, and probably the weather will dictate whether we sail north or south. Sailing south, targets would be Whitby and Hartlepool, northwards Holy Island, the Farnes and Amble. The Adventure can qualify for a certificate in RYA Start Yachting.
Cost: £225 plus a share of two evenings catering and drinks onshore. Onboard catering is included for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Berthing fees & fuel are also included. Maximum 4 places.
Meet the Team
I do consider myself fortunate to have such a large bank of experience to call upon
Melvyn Wallhead, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor. I started this business in 2009 partly to justify keeping our rather nice Hallberg Rassy yacht, never expecting the school would grow to the present level. The North East has a long maritime tradition but potential mariners have had to go outside the area or deal with local colleges offering an inflexible ‘service’. I have sailed all over; UK, Med, Europe, Caribbean, Thailand, four continents in all and hope I can encourage others to do the same, without the ‘incidents’.
Trevor Jefferson, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor has a long pedigree in teaching with dinghy sailing going back some 40 years and is an RYA Race Trainer. Sail Cruising has been his recent activity with instruction time in Gibraltar and the West Coast of Scotland where he owned a watersports centre.
Steve Lovett, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor has a wealth of experience, including sailing with us up to the Shetlands in 2016. Steve lives in Durham and has some 50 years experience on the water ranging from dinghies to cruising yachts in the UK and abroad, including the UK to Rio leg of the Clipper Race in 2013.
Don Gunton, Yachtmaster has extensive sailing experience primarily on the west coast of Scotland. Other trips have included a scary one to Norway with me onboard. Note ‘scary’ due to the weather. This image is a little old, as is Don, but still willing and able to pass on his knowledge – if I ask nicely!
Stephen Scott, Yachtmaster & RYA Instructor now the latest recruit to the Northumbria Sailing team. Stephen has been sailing since childhood and has over 25,000 miles on the water to his name. His likes include; ‘snug remote anchorages and helping sailors improve their skills and increase their confidence.
Update on Courses & Trips
‘Keeping your brain active protects against dementia, probably because it increases the quality of your cognitive reserve – the connections within the brain network’
THEORY COURSES
Classes have been temporarily suspended, but One2One via Zoom is available
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.
RYA COASTAL YACHTMASTER The advanced Course, a must for those proceeding to Yachtmaster level. Cost £475 for class & £675 tailored tuition. You need a good knowledge of this Course before being tested by the RYA Examiner. Since the Course was re-written by Chris Slade, one of my RYA Inspectors, it’s a lot more challenging, but relevant. Phil from 2018 says; ‘Although I knew the YM Theory would be a step up and a challenge the hard work and effort was worth it once I got out there on the boat. That extra depth of knowledge really helped me understand the dynamics of sailing, sea conditions, anticipated weather looming on the horizon and, of course, it’s likely impact on boat handling and the crew’.
RYA DAY SKIPPER A popular starting point for many. Same Course for Sail or Power. This is a Course where early booking is essential. Classes take place in a modern building in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. Included is a half day visit to the School boat. Cost £425. For Bareboat charter this is the first qualification to be obtained. Nevertheless in some areas, the Solent for example, a higher qualification is needed and UK tidal requested. An example from one web page; ‘RYA Coastal Skipper Tidal Practical course completion certificate must show the course was conducted in UK tidal waters. For example courses conducted in the Gibraltar & the Mediterranean are not accepted as tidal courses. The ICC qualification alone is not an acceptable qualification.’
I can’t do these times and am in a hurry!
Then a Tailored Timetable with one to one tuition could be for you. Costs £650 for Day Skipper, £675 for Coastal/Yachtmaster™ and £750 for the Ocean. Available when the diary permits
Whilst I would not wish to encourage missing sessions, it’s a fact of life in todays world and time can be made up through private sessions or, sometimes, within the class timetable
TIDES In response to demand I’m offering this Course on tides, not RYA Tides, but real UK tides, especially on our North East Coast. Learn how to calculate tidal heights and streams. 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 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. Next course; July 31st, August 1 & 2nd
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. 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; August 7 – 12th, 19 – 24th (1 place left), 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; August 7 – 12th, 19 – 24th (1 place left). September 13 – 18th, & October 11 – 16th. ‘I was pleased with the way the course was organised, the instructions for preparation and attending, the fact that you were there waiting for me when I arrived, and your welcome both before and after we boarded.’ – Hassall. Course Review by Tim Edwards For a murky glimpse of a night sail try Night Sail
RYA COASTAL SKIPPER PRACTICAL The ‘top of the range’ RYA practical course providing greater challenges to get you up to the standard to skipper a cruising yacht safely by day and night. A sample requirement for chartering a yacht on the Clyde; ‘Skippers must hold/be experienced RYA Coastal practical or Yachtmaster practical when sailing within the Clyde. Outwith the Clyde – Yachtmaster practical’. Cost £650 Next Availability; September 19 – 24th. Jonny Colwell gives a detailed review of his YM Examination
RYA START YACHTING A two day course for beginner groups, which can be the ‘start’ of greater things. You live onboard for two days and visit another marina, away from Royal Quays. Cost £230.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE (ICC) This can be done on the same course as Day Skipper/Competent Crew. Cost £625 with dates as above. Alternatively I can test you on your own boat at much cheaper cost. Individual quotations are given for this which will be from £225 for one day, own boat ICC Guidance
Northumbria Sailing on Video
Have a look at my Theory Training Centre with this video. Training
Onboard the Hallberg Rassy training yacht, by courtesy of Mark Batey and the kind co-operation of victims Andrew and Clive. See me giving berthing advice in trying to avoid the electric supply post Mark Batey Day Training
RYA Competent Crew in the sun, by courtesy of Mark again Mark Batey Competent Crew
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
How about this for a large yacht collision, send by Peter Chater Antigua
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. Also available One to One at £180 and online at £85 to include manual. Assessment £60 extra. Try these links. RYA Online VHF Radio and RYA Online VHF video
The RYA require you to book your practical examination at the time of enrolling on a Course. Beware of anyone offering this Course without this. RYA Practical VHF
RYA RADAR Are you safe using your set? Can you properly identify a collision situation? If you have radar you are required to know how to use it properly and could be held responsible if an incident was to occur. Candidates for RYA Yachtmaster examinations are expected to be conversant with radar. Day Course: Cost £120, plus 10.50 to RYA. ‘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 £29 (includes instruments) for the RYA Pack. Online Navigation
RYA FIRST AID. All day for the RYA certificate, valid three years. Be prepared for a full day’s activity with lots of practical demonstrations and active participation – no going to sleep here with Simon!. To check which certificates are acceptable to the RYA e.g. for examinations First Aid Certificates Cost £75, £95 with Cat C drug endorsement, + £7.50 RYA Pack. ‘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.’
Glen, John & Mario enjoying a final hurrah in the Med last month visiting the fleshpots of Benidorm and Palma, but having a great time on Glen’s boat Caledonia before a lift out to attend to the stern gland. Little did they expect what was to come…..
John Williams writes; ‘I returned from the Caribbean 600 in early March and mention this because of the weather changes I’ve observed over even a short period. The C600 is a race around 10 caribbean Islands starting and finishing in Antigua. It always takes place in February, usually on my birthday! so is a great excuse to get away from the cold of Cullercoats.
The attraction, other than the warm water and rum, is that the NE trades (should) blow consistently and steadily at 15 to 20 knots and so make for 3 to 5 days of super racing dependent on how fast your yacht is.
My first time was in 2015 on a Volvo 70, the winds did as expected and we shot round the course in just over 2 days.
In 2017 however there was a lot of upper air turbulence resulting in boat breaking squalls with half the fleet retiring, not what was meant to happen at all.
Now in 2020 the opposite happened with predominantly light winds and large ‘parking lots’ of flat calm and not just in the lee of the islands but also in the open sea. The term I heard most to describe the weather was ‘weird’.
There’s no doubt weather patterns are changing.’
Andrew Slater, who recently completed is Yachtmaster Theory with me, is involved in this Sailing Project, taking young sailors out for adventures in the English Channel, including across to France. Rona is a volunteer based charity with three modern ocean going yachts 19 – 23m in length and is doing a great job Rona
Victims (all) at Sea
Liz King & Jonathan Colwell have had their attempts at obtaining RYA Yachtmaster Instructor qualification suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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
And finally from myself, try this one for a Broach
Try me on Facebook for lots more images Facebook
