September Newsletter
‘Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats’ – Kenneth Grahame, author of ‘The Wind in the Willows’
This is why I’m in the Sailing Business
From Ian last month;
‘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.’
Crewing Opportunity
There is a chance to get 400 sea miles and valuable experience helping Rob Langley YM sail back from Cowes to Newcastle. Pendragon is a Najad 373 and a safe, sturdy sea-boat. The crew needs a fourth or fifth person to join their voyage up the Channel, past Dover and into Lowestoft for a break overnight at Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club. With sandbanks, shipping lanes, gas rigs and wind farms, there will good opportunities to practice pilotage and to get some night hours.
All the other 3 crew are very experienced sailors, and this could be suitable for someone with Competent Crew or above. If you think you might be interested, call or text Rob Langley 07710030681, or email him on rll.law373@gmail.com to find out more.
A Night in the Farnes
Anchored in ‘the kettle’ Pure Gallus spent the night amongst the birds and seals and enjoying the sunset across the Inner Farne. Only one of many times at anchor for this Coastal Skipper Course delivered by Stephen Scott. Four new Coastal Skippers were the result and congratulations to Elaine, Andrew & Mike.
Seahouses Ahoy!
Whilst Pure Gallus was occupied with the Coastal course there was the opportunity to complete the Day Skipper/Competent Crew Course for the Dollerys. From their boat PD Voyager a Jeanneau 20 moored in the fluke, a section of Seahouses harbour, we also visited the Farnes and culminated the day by sailing back into the harbour and onto the mooring. Paul & Rachel were very pleased! It didn’t end there though for the boat lacked a toilet and I ended up doing a ‘bucket & chuck it’, the first for many years.
Safety Talk on Pure Gallus
No comment!
More Day Skippers
Congratulations to Peter with son Thomas, Anthony, Ralph & Chris. A special mention too for 12 year old Thomas for keeping up with the old men across 5 days.
August Weather
This is not the weather forecast want to see in August for a Day taster Trip. Ralph, due to come for the day was watching the weather forecast, as folks do when they are about to go to sea, and quipped; ‘I did notice it’s due for lightning at lunchtime so I was going to bring a BBQ for lunch.’ Sadly the day had to be postponed, always a difficult, but necessary, decision to have to make.
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 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.
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. I have interest for autumn 2021 and am trying to assemble a mini class. 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 (FULL with a January course under consideration) 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.
Where Do I Sleep?
On Pure Gallus you will have the opportunity to select your berth and pay accordingly. Consequently you could squeeze two into an aft cabin for the cheapest price, alone in the saloon for more space, or the forecabin with private ensuite facilities.
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 £325, weekday only. Next availability; April 6 – 8th 2022
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; October 1st. 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 (1 place left) ‘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. 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 (1 place left). ‘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 (FULL). 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; September 6th & October 14th 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 (1 place left). ‘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. First Aid Certificates
Pieces of Eight – Knotty Problems Analysed
New Style Mooring Buoy
Whilst sailing in Portsmouth harbour we came across this new type of mooring buoy. No pickup buoy, just a warp to extract from a raised arm. It seemed a good idea with no slimy warp to make a mess of the foredeck.
A Real Life Saver
Liz King has just been delivering a Course with all female crew in the Solent and she was faced with rescuing a swimmer who would probably have perished had it not been for her prompt and efficient action. Over to Liz; ‘From 12th to 23rd July I was leading a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Sailing Expedition down in the Solent and along the English Channel. My crew of girls were really good but had little knowledge of sailing and the first few days were spent training around the Solent area, including Chichester, Yarmouth, Portsmouth and we sailed all around the south of Isle of Wight.
The main project of the exped was “Coastal Erosion” and we sailed west through the Needles, across to Poole, along the coast to Lulworth Cove and all the way to Portland. On our way back we sailed overnight, through the Needles Channel in the dark, and eventually we anchored in Osborne Bay (just to the east of Cowes) at 05.00hrs on Thursday morning, 22nd July.
After a few hours sleep we weighed anchor around 11.00hrs and we were about to motor back to Hamble when a yacht close to us began shouting and waving. It was very clear that they were attracting our attention and were in some sort of trouble. We saw a man in the water about 300 – 500m down tide of the yacht, waving at us and struggling to swim against the fierce tide.
I immediately turned our yacht towards the casualty and instructed the young crew to rig a mooring line in the same way we had practiced when coming up to a mooring buoy. The young girls had already become experts at lassoing mooring buoys in Chichester, Poole and Yarmouth.
I motored up wind and up tide of the casualty and the girls expertly dropped the mooring line over the man in water. I told them to make sure it was under his arm pits and secure. We then “walked” him along the side of the boat and recovered him using the stern ladder. He was shocked and tired having spent quite some time trying to swim against the tide.
I positioned our yacht about 10m upstream of the man’s yacht (the crew of which didn’t seem to have made any attempt to retrieve the casualty). We tied the mooring line around his waist and he jumped back into the water and easily drifted down tide to his yacht. When his crew helped him onboard they untied our mooring line from his waist and we recovered our line.
It all took about 10 – 15 minutes and my young crew were fabulous. No flapping – just very focused and thankfully very practised at the lassoing technique.
I really do believe we saved the man’s life and having heard recent statistics regarding drowning this summer I am proud that my crew of 17yr old girls responded in such a controlled fashion. All their feedback forms at the end of the voyage said that rescuing the man in the water was the best part of the trip.’
Another Rescue
Former lifeboat Charles Henry was in rescue mode again, this time in the fog. Three yachts requested her help and radar in thick fog to see them back home to Royal Quays. Skipper Jamie said the fog was so thick he ‘couldn’t see the bow of the boat from the wheelhouse’. See more on Facebook
70th Birthday on a Northumbria Sailing Course
John Taylor unbeknown to myself, opted to ‘enjoy’ his 70th birthday on the Masterclass last month. Here we can see the last minute diversions taken, for sailing exercises, before entering Amble. ‘I chose to spend my 70th birthday on Pure Gallus and I can’t think of a better way to have spent the day.’
Hartlepool Highlights
Shown here is Ian successfully hoisting the asymmetric on our return from Hartlepool on a two day private trip. Also onboard were Michael & Andrew. Mindful as I try to be regarding names I was determined not to mix up Andrew & Ian (Michael I knew well) but coming into berth I wanted Andrew to step off at midships but then called ‘Ian step off’. Ian, an agile and seasoned sailor, then actually stepped off from the stern over my dodger!
Victims (all) at Sea
Rob Langley and his family sailed down to Cornwall on their summer cruise this year. Their boat Pendragon has sailed about 700 miles to the Isles of Scilly, before returning to her usual berth in Royal Quays. After a night in the Wet Dock in Penzance (depths maintained by a gate which opens from HW-2), they sailed 35 miles WSW into St Mary’s Sound and moored in St Mary’s Pool, off the islands’ tiny capital, Hugh Town. The harbour is not sheltered in westerly winds, but despite some pitching they stayed 2 nights. The crew enjoyed a day ashore exploring the strange mix of granite heath, green farmland and white beaches. When they sailed back to Helford River, near Falmouth, the wind changed round to the North, with some fast close-reaches in both directions. The tides in this part of the world have a big effect on boat speed and sea state, and although only 25 miles from Land’s End, there is a real feeling that these islands lie far out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Emre found himself with a rope around his prop whilst sailing back from Granton, near Edinburgh. In he jumped and glorified in being his crew’s hero. Earlier he sent me this video of Wishful sailing up towards Eyemouth.
John Matthews sailing on Grace Abounding is returning from his Royal Quays – St Katherine’s Dock in London and reports; ‘Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said “Queenborough is my haven to and from London”. We’re in complete agreement. Our return trip from London has been delayed by the arrival of storm Evert. With gale force winds whistling through the rigging what better recommendation than Sir Robin’s? We are currently sitting it out on a mooring buoy but at least we have bacon rolls! (Phil is doing an Ed Milliband impression)’
Graeme Jobling At anchor in the Farnes Kettle with Tony Scorer on his boat Future. A super anchorage in the right, settled, conditions although bird noises might keep you awake.
Catherine Hannaway sends me a report on her trip on Scotland’s West Coast from Largs to Oban and wears the correct cap! ‘such spectacular scenery….oh, and quite a lot of whisky distilleries too!’
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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