Courtesy flags IoM and ROI

NickRobinson

NickRobinson

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Hi-

BTW, I have done a little Googling...:rolleyes:

ROI & IoM are possible destinations this summer.

The boat does not have any courtesy flags. If I go to either, will courtesy flags be the norm or the exception for visiting UK yachts?

(A little like ensigns outside the Solent)

Nick (Rivendell) now in Caernafon
 
ROI: bad form not to fly one. A faded Italian one looks the same, but I guess you don't have one of those, either.

IoM: can't see anyone getting too upset if you don't fly one. Cheap alternative is to wait until you arrive: you'll be able to a get a three legs flag for a couple of quid from a tourist shop. Alternatively, fly a kipper from the starboard spreader.
 
Beadle said:
Yes

Agree with Macd

One character snarled at me in Malahide because my courtesy flag had dropped a few inches below the cross trees.

Talk about looking for offence that was never intended.
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there's always one isn't there. But in general, you'll find most people won't notice nor comment nor take offence if they do notice.

Expect some colourfull banter if you are flying a courtesy tricolour in NI, of course.

Not all ROI boats are comfortable displaying the tricolour there, even today.
 
Definately recommend Irish Tricolour - its the right thing to do.
Was in the Republic last weekend and like many was delighted by the welcoming cheerful people.
I expect like other places close to home there are people with a big chip on thier shoulders about our shared and painful history and who delight in using any excuse to have a go at the English.
Northern Ireand does feel different but it seems to be those obviously from the Republic who feel it. Would definately recommend stopping at Bangor in Belfst Loch if you have time
I had a bit of a problem in IOM because I wanted to leave her there for a couple of weeks as I had to go back to work but was firmly told by the harbourmaster that non residents cannot leave thier boats behind. I expect I could just have done so but having been told did want to risk it. So if you need to leave her I would not ask - just do it
 
2nd Bangor. great stop.
Would recommend Glenarm a bit further north too, beautiful village.
(it's only a short hop to the Mull of kintyre and Campbell town).

back to ROI, from IoM, dun laoghaire is an alternative to malahide & dublin. there are regular trains running to the city center (if thats your thing).
bring loads of euros! :)
 
Going to Campbeltown via Glenarm makes no sense at all. You have this big magic carpet of tide rolling north at 2.5 kts up the middle of the channel, you jump on it at Bangor and ferry glide all the way to the Paterson Rock arriving just before low water then the flood takes you up Kilbrannan Sound.
You usually have wind and tide together which makes it nice and smooth and you are in Campbeltown Loch nearly as soon as you would be in Glenarm. Even going to Gigha you get far more tide advantage by going direct passing the Mull Of Kintyre lighthouse about an hour before LW.
 
Quandary said:
Going to Campbeltown via Glenarm makes no sense at all. .
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not suggesting that it does Quandary. It's a very nice spot though, well worth a visit. Did a week around the Firth of clyde early June. It's a lovely spot too.
(Did Troon to Bangor in 10hours on the return, I was well impressed).
How you doing?
 
I suspect the difference is that I do not rate Glenarm as a village, pretty enough place but badly needs a good pub/restaurant and a bit of life, it has always been a backward village which failed to take advantage of its setting, Carnlough has the Londonderry Arms but despite that I am glad I do not need to go into the harbour there since Glenarm marina opened.
 
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The courtesy flag issue seems to be gaining momentum these days, never used to be an issue. Strangely in Scotland I have very rarely seen a ROI boat flying a British courtesy flag though most of them seem happy to fly a Saltire at the crosstrees, I suppose the Union Flag still upsets them. While I am happy to fly a red ensign until we get our own freedom a Saltire might go down better in West Cork.
Strangest thing though was a visiting yacht from Royal St George proudly flying their club flag, a defaced red ensign, at the stern, I think they enjoy being one up on Royal Cork.
 
Glenarm

I have just "discovered" Glenarm, beautiful little secluded harbour and Safe.
None of the pubs do food, but there are 2 pubs quite close to the harbour next door to each other and the second one will give you menus for the chiness take away, order it for you and lay up a table - a very friendly pub. We all agreed that the chinese was excellent and plent of it, although it was probably a bit high on the monosodium glutamate!
I would also recomend Howth just north of Dublin bay which has got a very welcoming yacht club and excellnet Tapa bars.
 
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