Recommend Reading for Sailors'

Below is a list of  books that I would suggest for anyone who wants to learn to sail or who is interested in Sailing. I have brought many other sailing books but, would not recommend them so I will not mention them.

1. RYA Day Skipper Practical Course Notes (Royal Yachting Association)



2. Reeds Weather  Handbook  (Frank Singleton)


3. RYA Navigation Handbook (Tim Barlet)



 4. RYA Navigation Exercises (Chris Slade)



5. Reeds Skipper Handbook (Malcolm Pearson)



6. The Complete Day Skipper (Tom Cunliffe)

7. The Complete Yacht Master (Tom Cunliffe)

8. Troubleshooting Marine Diesel Engines (Peter Compton)

9. Outboard Troubleshooter (Peter White)

10. Marine Flip cards (not a book but very good for learning)

10. Ocean Crossing Wayfarer (Frank Dye)

11. Sailing to the Edge of Fear (Frank Dye)

12. RYA Yachtmaster Scheme Syllabus and Logbook)

13. RYA Diesel Engine Course book. (Helps refresh the memory)

Single Handed Sailing The Basic

Single Handed Sailing the basics

There is not a single RYA course that will prepare one to sail single handed it is more about being confident in oneself. It may help by doing the RYA level 1 dinghy course and buying a Topper about £200 and to get out on the water as much as possible on your own. It will help you build confidence without having crew on hand to assist and no one elce to rely on but, yourself. I know many highly experiencec sailors who would never sail single handed its not for everyone. 

First things first coming away from a pontoon single handed. Set all lines to slip watch what effect the tide and wind are having. I often spit into the water to see where it goes. I would then start the engine and slip the bow line I would then engage either reverse or forward while sliping the stern line.

I would then place a bungee on the tiller and get all the fenders in and tidy up the lines. Find a nice spot to raise the sails go head to wind have a good look out watch what the wind and tide are doing. Then raise the main sail go back to the cockpit and get your bearings as it is likely the boat is on a different course. Repeat fhe above for the jib/genoa. 

Dumping the sails is even easier first dump the jib/genoa by puting a bungee over the tiller and go forward to lower the jib/genoa. Then go back to the cockpit have a good look round start the engine and lower the main taking some sail ties with you. Remember is does not have to be tidy just secure. Come back to the cock pit and prepare the lines for mooring. A center cleat does help a lot as does the wind/tide pushing you onto a pontoon. Failing that aim the bow to the pontoon and turn away before she touches secure the stern line and quickly secure the bow line.

Just remember that even with a strong tide a boat will not go that far while you leave the cockpit for a couple of minutes just make sute you havechad a good look out.

Tips for single handed sailors

1. Clip in when its dark or offshore

2. Allways carry a a waterproof handheld radio

3. Allways wear a lifejacket.

4. Allways imform someone of your eta

5. Tiller pilots are very handy

6. A cockpit bag with food/drinks 

Snapdragon 23 Review

Taken on day of purchase

Snapdragon 23 Review

I first saw a Snapdragon 23 at the London boat show one that had been restored by PBO at the time I thought she was a nice boat but, had no idea that I would buy one.

http://www.pbo.co.uk/news/restored-snapdragon-23-yacht-free-prize-draw-25312

Pandora was my first real cruiser a Snapdragon 23. First impressions a nice cruiser for me to sail around the Solent. My first outing was under power with a Yanmar 1GM inboard. She handed well under power and felt like a stable boat. When berthing she seemed to be a bit slow to react I was not sure if that was due to me or the Triple keels.

 Our first outing

Under sail she performed well and my first passage was to East Cowes from Fareham it felt great  having my own boat when the seas got a little lumpy she felt fine. Leaving Portsmouth one is often faced with a lot of wash from other vessels. I reached 6 knots. But did find that she was a little bit slow my average speed was 4.5 knots.

 Final passage to Bembridge

For a solo sailor there is more than enough room. I decided to take my family with me two children an infant and my girlfriend the cockpit had plenty of room for us but the cabin was a bit cramped but, that was to be expected.

 Plenty of room

I sailed Pandora in and around the Solent single handed and with my family I really did have a good time during my ownership and was sad to see her go.

 Time to say farewell

I would recommend a Snapdragon 23 to anyone as there first boat or someone who wants to start making passages in familiar water.

Pros

A nice sized boat
Triple keels meant she could take the ground
Nice size cockpit
Easy to handle
Ample stowage
Big enough for a small family
Can be brought from £500 as a project

Cons

Very little headroom
Handling in close quarters was always a challenge
A little slow

For more information regarding these great boats see below.

 http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=6820

https://www.snapdragonmirage.org.uk/

Littlehampton to Fareham

The Moon was lighting the seas

The weather forecast for Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis had a strong winds forecast. But, after spending so long on the passage from Faversham and knowing how Tallula handled in lumpy seas I made the decision that I was going to leave Littlehampton at high water 0255.

A cargo ship coming in

I had very little sleep and sliped the lines at 0250 I noticec what appered ro be a fishing vessel in the middle of the chanal. In fact it was the harmer master who not using the VHF shone a bright light completly blinding my nightvision instructing me to return to the Town quay as a vessel was entering.

I did as instructed and some 30 minutes later a large cargo vessel entered the harbour I waited until she had passed and once again slipped the lines to leave the harbour. Just outside the harbour entrance the seas were indeed very lumply I assumed that it would improve once in deeper seas. How wrong I was it just got worse.

It was nice to see the sunrise'

I decided the night before that I would not risk the Looe chanel and set a course for the Outer Owers. There was a following seas and the outboard continued to become submerged. I was making just 3 knots.

I short while later the outboard stoped and would not start as the winds were westerly I decided to tack and tack I was making very little progress. The winds picked up and I decided to head as close to the wind as I could my speed incresed. After a few hours I could finally see the Nab tower and could see the Ise of Wight. I could even see other yachts the most I had seen since leaving Faversham. It was such a relief to finally be back in the Solent.

I could finally see Portsmouth

I raised the Outboard bracket and she started but, I was now going agaist the tide and wind progresswas frustratingly slow. I was tempted to go into Bembridge but decided that nothing was going to stop me getting Tallula to her new mooring in Fareham.

I finally entered Portsmouth Harbour and reached my mooring. I had been at sea for over 15 hours it had taken double the time I had expected. I was exhausted. My hand and face saw from all the salt from the breaking waves.

I secured Tallula and had a beer.

My first boat build

I have always wanted to build a yacht and to sail her around the world. But, everyone needs to start somewhere. I started by buying Ultra simple Boat Building by Gavin Atkin.

It has over 17 plywood boats and really does show one how to build a boat with zero experience. After reading the book cover to cover I decided to build a micro mouse boat the a simple stitch and glue plywood boat.

All marked out ready to be cut.

       

I got the material WBP from Travis perkins for £20 some cable ties from the poundshop some glass tape from ebay for £10. I also brought some PU glue.

Panels all cut.

I carefully marked out the wood and then cut the panels out with a jigsaw some pieces I had not followed the lines that well so I got the sander out so that it all fit together. I then drilled some holes in the panels and stitched it together. I was really impressed as it started to look like a boat. I then used the PU glue and tape. I wish I had just used epoxy as the PU glue had an uneven surface and was very messy.

I tried tape but, it was not strong enough

I decided to fiberglass the hull for added protection. I used exterior paint that seemed to be ok for such a simple project. The day come to test her out so on the roof rack she went and down to the River in Warwick I put her in the water and she did not sick. Paddled quite well but, after I fitted a skeg she was even better.

I would recommend the to anyone who wants to build a boat I fully intend to build other small boats before moving onto a pocket cruiser.

Not so keen on the finish with PU glue

A cleat is always handy

After painting

Yes she floats

RYA Sail Cruising & YachtMaster Scheme ( Practical)

The RYA Sail Cruising & YachtMaster Scheme should take a non sailor to a high standard to be able to skipper a yacht at sea.

Start Yachting

I started with the Practical Sailing Course Start Yachting. I had always wanted to sail around the world and own a yacht so this was the beginning for me. Expect to pay around £250 for the two day course. You will basically be part of a crew on a yacht with a Cruising Instructor and learn the very basics. The course is worth doing even if its just to give sailing a try. Most but, not all schools will provide all meals on board so it could also be considered to be a cheap minibreak. After I had done this course I was hooked and just wanted to sail more so be warned.

Start Yachting:
Suggested minimum pre-course experience: none
Assumed knolege: none
Course content: Introduction to sailing and seamanship
Ability after course: Basic sailing experience
Minimum duration: 2 days

Competent Crew

After I had done the course I did the RYA Competent Crew course. They say this is the minimum one would need to be a crew on a yacht. It not much different to the start yachting course but, as it is 5 days or a further 3 days if you have already done the start yachting course. One does start to get a feel for things and begins to understand the working of a yacht at sea. Expect to pay around £450 it can be taken over three weekends or 5 days or 2 days then 3. I did the later. If you do go down this route I would suggest a different skipper to the first course. After this course I went out and brought a Leisure 17.

Competent Crew:
Suggested pre-course experience: None
Assumed Knowledge: none
Course content: Basic seamanship & helmsmanship & meteorology
Ability after course: Usefull crew member.

Day Skipper

I decided to do my Day Skipper in the Solent in November having done my Competent crew in the Thames Estuary. The forecast was bad throughout the course with gale-force winds and we all got very wet. The instructor was highly skilled but, completely lacked people skills and crew moral was very low with a lot of arguments. Expect to pay around £500 for the Day Skipper course minimum duration 5 days. This is the course to do if you want to charter and is recognised internationally. I would suggest to anyone who wants to do there Day Skipper to do it during bad weather that way it will help you prepare for the day you are out on your own in heavy seas.

Day Skipper:
Suggested pre-course experience: 5 days sea time 100 miles 4 night hours.
Assumed Knowledge:  Navigation to Day Skipper shore based and basic sailing ability.
Course content: Basic Pilotage and watch organisation.
Ability after course: Skipper a small yacht in familiar waters.

Coastal Skipper

I decided to do my Coastal Skipper in Gibraltar as I wanted to do it in dry and mild weather. It did not go to plan as it rained heavy and the weather was really bad most of the time. My cabin got wet I had to my new oil skins as I did not bring any and the ones from the school were not upto standard. I quickly learnt that in Gibraltar things are done very differently. I was shocked that the instructor did not wear a life jacket or expect the crew to. I always did when on passage I had been in the drink once and did not want to put myself at risk. I paid around £600 the flight were under £100 return.

Coastal Skipper
Suggested pre-course experience: 15 days sea time (two as skipper) 300 miles 8 night hours
Assumed Knowledge: Navigation to coastal skipper shorebased. Sailing to day skipper standard
Course content: Skippering techniques for & passage planning
Ability after course: Skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day & night

I have not done the following:

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal
Previous experience & minimum sea time: 30 days seatime, 2 days as skipper 800 miles 12 night hours
Form of exam: Practical
Certification required before examination: Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate, First Aid Certificate.
Minimum duration: 6 to 10 hours for one candidate 8 to 14 for two

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore
Previous experience & minimum sea time: 50 days seatime, 5 days as skipper 2500 miles 5 passages over 60M including 2 overnight and 2 as skipper.
Form of exam: Practical: Restricted (VHF only) Radio Operator's Certificate, First Aid Certificate.
Minimum duration: 8 to 12 hours for one candidate 10 to 18 for two.

 RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean
Previous experience & minimum sea time: Ocean passage as skipper or mate of watch
Certification required before examination: RYA/MCA Yachtmaster offshore Certificate, Yachtmaster ocean shorebased course completion certificate
Minimum duration: Normally about 1 1/2 hours.


Does just being a Day Skipper or even a Yachtmaster really mean that you are a good sailor well it should have given you some practical experience it does not guarantee anything. I have know many sailors who are great skippers and do not hold any qualifications and have met some Yachtmasters who make very poor sailors. 

Eastebourne to Littlehampton

After spending the night in Eastbourne I had the chance to get some supplies had a much needed shower premier mariner showers are always good. I must had been unlucky as the shower smelt of fish. I decided to depart at 1200 it did mean that I would have to go against the tide for a short while.

Moored up in the Mariner

I had done a passage plan to Portsmouth but, did not want to commit myself and 

had options for other Ports on the way. Brighton, Shoreham, Littlehampton, Chicester.

I had to go though the lock so I rafted onto another yacht they were only going out for a day sail. The seas were a little lumpy but, that was to be expected round that area. As there was an onshore wind I decided that it would be safer to give Beachy Head a wide berth.

Calm seas

I saw quite a few dolphins they seemed a bit camera shy and did not want to play. I only saw two other yachts. It was a nice sail with great view of Beachy Head.

Beachy Head

The light house for Beachy Head

I sailed past Brighton making 6 knts full sails. Then past Shoreham on Sea. Around Worthing was tricky due to the amount of fishing nets. The conditions started to worsen and the barometer started to drop rather rapidly the winds picked up. I put a reef in the main and shorted the Genoa. Cliped on and started preparing for worse conditions. I was 5 miles from Littlehampton but access is tidal and I was a little early I shorted the Genoa and tried to slow down it was now dark. I checked the depths on the Littlehampton Harbour website and it was showing 1.5 meters. I entered with a very strong flood tide with a cross current. It was a hard entry to make.

I always like sunrise and sunsets at sea

I could not find the visitor mooring and when I did there was no space. So I went to a fisherman pontoon that had shore power and water. However I was unable to leave the pontoon due to a locked gate. It was time for a beer anyway.  

Not much light left

 

Rye to Eastbourne

After a long night on the harbour wall. I went to Camber Sands to get some over priced supplies from the holiday park supermarket. I left slightly before high water even though I had to sail agaist the tide a bit. Mostly westerly winds but, it was a pleasant sail. The seas state did get worse about 5 nm from Eastbourne. Heard a lot of panpans and a mayday a vessel was taking on water and the bilge pump was not working.

Finally got though the break water to be told to wait for the lock. Very little room to move it was a case of trying to stay in deep water without a collision with other vessels. Very much free for all as not everyone was using the radio.

When the lock did open every one seemed to go for it so I decided to go for it we had to raft up inside. I counted 12 boats inside the lock.

I requested a berth but, was told one would be given. I finally got a berth but, just could not find it and the fishing boats did not seem to have a care in the world about going past in excess of 6 knots.

Eastbourne itself was a nice place supermarkets and a large retail estate within walking distance of the mariner its an ideal stop. 

Rye oh no back to Rye

The forecast was a force 3 to 4 smooth or slight seas. Another sailor whom we met who was sailing round the UK for charity on a 22ft Westerly was also heading west. A short while after we left Peter sent us a text to say that he was turning back due to the conditions. Moderate seas with a good force 6. I decided to go for it but after an hour or so of making very slow progress had a difficult decision to make. Head south to France without Id or the SSR for Tallula head back to Ramsgate or enter Rye harbour is strong winds agaist the advise of the harbour master. I headed back into Rye and understand why no one should attempt it in strong winds. It was a very tricky entry with a spring eeb tide.

I did not have enough water to make for the town quay so had no other option but, to tie up on the harbour wall with shingle under Tallula it was along night hourly checks to adjust the lines untill she was aground what a night.

The ladder needed an extention

for all the Doctor Who fans.

I was able to inspect her hull and scrape the hull. But, never again. Rye was a nice place with one exception no where to get supplies.

Dover to Rye

we set sail for Brighton very light winds barely a knot. So we had to motor did not see any vessels for hours. It was very different compared to the Solent. Maintained a steady 6 knts under low revs. I decided to increase the revs as I had not pushed the Yanmar very hard. All was fine and Tallula was going well. Then I could smell some thing and just assumed that it was something from North Foreland.

Then I noticed black water and black smoke coming from the tell tail. I decided to turn turn the engine of and use the auxiliary outboard a Mariner 4 hp. She pushed us along at 5 knots so I was quite happy with that.

I could not find out what was wrong with the inboard so I decided to head to Rye but, the water level was too low. So we anchored in the bay. Very uncomfortable indeed. Little did I know at the time but, I would end up in Rye for longer than I thought. I had to make for the Town Quay as Rye is a drying harbour.

Under anchor in the Bay

Entering the River

Ramsgate to Dover

Had a very nice sail to Dover from Ramsgate only saw a couple of yachts. I was shocked how efficient Dover authority was makes Portsmouth look like a free for all well it is. I was expecting a lot more traffic.

The marina itself was a bit of a dive and Dover itself was even worse however it was a good and easy place to stop of in.

Inside the Dover harbour

John thd tiller pilot

Great sailing making good progress

The only ferry who I had to wait for.

Ramsgate then back to Ramsgate

The plan was to go on to Dover with a forecast of 3/4 and slight sea state I set of saw a lot of whit horses but, after 20 minutes of having the wind on Tallulas nose even with full throtle we could not even maintain 3 knots I took the decision to go back to Ramsgate. I was not too concerned with the moderate sea state with a good force 6 but, the very slow progress. 

I am very impressed how well such a small vesssel of just 24" can remain so stable. The life boat was launched twice and several other vessels turned back to Ramsgate. So I will stay in Ramsgate tonight.

Faversham to Ramsgate

Today I took public transport down to Oare Creek. I got a lift from Banbury to Oxford then the bus to London and then a train to Faversham and finally a taxi to my mooring. It was not easy and took double the time it took me last week by car.

I decided to walk into Faversham though a field with a bull in it to get some supplies.

 As the pontoon does not have any water on I had to carry a 20 litre can three times to fill up the tank. Talula needs a good clean and more but, that will have to wait till Ramsgate. I am currently sat in the saloon typing this as I am unable to sleep.

More to follow.


left at high tide strong winds were forecast as well as moderate seas. It was very tricky navigating in a different area with so many sand banks. Not only that a lot of the buoys were not where they were on the charts or not there completely. Saw seals and some very big waves. But, made it safely to Ramsgate.