Fri 26 Jun |
Howth to Carlingford Lough |
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We left Howth Marina soon after low water, with shallow readings on the sounder, speed was at tickover revs. We grounded for a short while in the main channel while keeping to the right side of the fairway but the following marina launch told us to keep to the other side for deeper water, which we did, with a helpful pull from their boat.
Once out of the harbour we motored clear and then it was close hauled on starboard passing to the west of Lambay Island and Rockabill.
We reached the entrance to the Lough with just a couple of clearing tacks on port.
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The strong current required the engine to take us into the beautiful Lough, past Carlingford to a pretty mooring of Killowen Point.
We enjoyed our evening meal under the cockpit awning. |
Day Run 53nm
Total 861nm |
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| Sat 27 Jun |
Carlingford Lough to Strangford Lough |
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The weather was not as kind to us as we had come to expect. It was cold and drizzling with hardly any wind!
We left Carlingford Lough at about 8am and the outgoing tide accelerated us to about 9 knots as we popped out through the narrow exit like a cork out of a champagne bottle.
Unfortunately we had to motor the whole way and at times it was so misty that we had to turn the radar on. We did get a little assistance from the wind at times and the day gradually brightened up as we approached our destination.
Leaving Carlingford had nothing on the entrance to Strangford! The incoming stream reached almost 8 knots and we raced in so fast we barely had time to check the navigation buoys as we went by at 12 knots. The stream is so fast that they have planted a massive tower in the middle of the fairway with turbines to generate electricity.
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The entrance to Portaferry marina seemed scary as it took full engine power to counteract the tidal stream. Happily as we got inside the marina the tide was weak enough to be able to turn Colette round and tie up neatly alongside.
The day day ended on a high with warm sunshine breaking through and a roast chicken supper courtesy of Mads. |
Day Run 40nm
Total 901nm |
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| Sun 28 Jun |
Portaferry, Strangford Lough to Bangor, Belfast Lough |
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We left our berth at 0800 from a challenging position;
a 2 knot tide under our stern; boat six feet ahead; sandwiched to port astern by a large foot passenger boat; wind blowing us on to pontoon. Explanation in detail of our escape will be provided by those who ask on our return.
Another 'helter-skelter' trip out with the 7 knot stream. A chilly Northeasterly wind and overcast day ahead but, once into clear water, sails hoisted and close hauled on starboard with a clearing tack for South Rock. A freeing course later on took us inside Mew Rock and Copeland Island via the Donaghadee Sound.
We berthed in the large Bangor Marina and customarily the cloud cleared to provide a blue sky and a warm sunny evening.
Graham sends his love to the friends he met at St Columbanus, Ballyholme. |
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Day Run 39nm
Total 940nm |
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| Mon 29 Jun |
Day trip to Belfast by Rail |
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A fascinating open top bus tour which would have been impossible just a few years ago.
We saw the famous Harland & Woolff shipyard which is virtually shutdown but at one time was completing a ship a week.
There is an exhibition dedicated to 'Titanic' next door to the dry dock in which she was built.
The trip took us through the Shanklin Rd and Falls Rd areas, passing by the Crumlin Rd Gaol and through the 'Peace Line'.
The famous murals on either side of the divide are proudly displayed by each community.
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Day Run 0nm
Total 940nm |
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| Mon evening |
A walk though the harbour to the Royal Ulster Yacht Club |
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On the way we saw a large seal in the harbour.
We especially enjoyed watching parent Black Guillemots searching for food for their chicks. |
This rare species is promoted in the marina where nesting holes have been created in the quayside walls. |
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The RUYC building was designed for the club and completed in the 1890s. As can be seen in the photo above, it commands a superb position above Belfast Lough, with large sloping lawns down to the coast road.
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We met some very friendly members who were there for a committee meeting. They invited us to have a look around their club. Seriously impressive.
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Sir Thomas Lipton made his three America's Cup Challenges under the flag of the RUYC, where he was a member. |
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