LAYOVER AT STRANRAER/pORTPATRICK

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seaesta

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Just planning an Easter trip from Clyde to Isle of Man. Will want to leave my little bilge keeler at Stranraer, Portpatrick or Isle of Man for a month (have to return to work!). Websites seem poor and Reeds out of date. Does anyone have current situation about marina or berthing facilities at these locations please
Martin
 
You may be able to tuck into a corner at Portpatrick.
Very helpful harbourmaster. Some years ago I was crewing on a boat that was heading for Portpatrick and the skipper was anxious about the depth. He called up the harbourmaster and asked "How much water is in harbour". The harbourmaster replied "Several million gallons sir ".
With a bilge keeler you might be better off in one of the Solway ports where you can take the ground. In Yachting Montly, September2008 there was a very good article by Ken Eaden called "Hard headlands and soft valleys" which was all about the Scottish side of the Solway Firth. May be worth getting a reprint.
Places like Isle of Whithorn and Kirkubright have plenty of bilge keelers on moorings.
Good luck and have a good cruise
 
Neither Portpatrick or Isle of Whithorn would be particularly good for leaving unattended yachts, although it might be possible by prior arrangement. Security and space at either place is poor, there can be much coming and going and Portpatrick can be subject to quite bad swell. Kirkudbright is a possibility, good shelter on the pontoon, but you might have to pay a daily rate. There is a new marina at Stranraer, I've no experience of it, but have heard reports of damage in strong northerlies, but is probably OK in summer months and I believe prices aren't too extortionate. Whitehaven or Maryport marinas might be too far east for you. Douglas Inner harbour, wall or marina, ditto Peel, or above the swing bridge in Ramsey would be safe bets,probably at modest weekly cost. Ferry crossings from IOM are easy apart from TT weeks.
 
I'd vote for Kirkcubright, it's a long way up the river and only viable HW+/- 3hrs, but very safe. We left our boat there for 3 weeks last May; the Harbour Master was very helpful and it wasn’t really very expensive. The North end of the pontoon doesn’t dry, but you’d touch the bottom at the south end on springs.
 
Nobody has mentioned Kippford. Well sheltered, like Kirkcudbright, but also only accessible at high tide +/- ?? Check with Kippford sailing Club. Also, only any good if you can take the ground. Very pretty though......
 
Agree with others about the unsuitability of Portpatrick. If the wind is in the wrong direction it can be a hectic place and not one I would want to leave a boat unattended, unless you can get against the wall in the corner on the seaward side. This is a favoured place so it may not be possible.

Unless things have changed recently but I don't think they have.
 
Dave here at Isle of Whithorn.
I might be able to fix up a temporary mooring for a week or too here Fore and aft - minimal cost - safe as anyware round here.
Ramsey 25 miles.
PM is best.
Dave
 
Douglas is ok to leave a boat.
I have left a powerboat in the Isle of Whithorn with no probs too.
Against the wall in the 'corner' of the Harbour.
Nice Peeps nice Pubs.

Only probs there was (weird accents)! was communication.
Kept saying--- ' sure round agin, ya welsh Yin ma throot is dry ye ken!' /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Douglas is ok to leave a boat.
I have left a powerboat in the Isle of Whithorn with no probs too.
Against the wall in the 'corner' of the Harbour.
Nice Peeps nice Pubs.

Only probs there was (weird accents)! was communication.
Kept saying--- ' sure round agin, ya welsh Yin ma throot is dry ye ken!' /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Oh, it was you was it?
D
 
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