Mooring in Northern Ireland

[dgadee]

wow, that entry doesn't look much more encouraging than the tides on Strangford... I think I'll better ask few of the countless clubs on Strangford which itself seems like an interesting mini-cruising ground.

Yes, wee bit of a test of skill. But not as difficult as it seems. If I can enter then everybody can - the crew says I moor by touch.

 

[rotrax]

wow, that entry doesn't look much more encouraging than the tides on Strangford... I think I'll better ask few of the countless clubs on Strangford which itself seems like an interesting mini-cruising ground.

Strangford Lough is a great cruising ground. Especialy if you have shallow draught. We are taking Jarrow Lily there this year. We were there before in our previous boat and loved it.

Strangford tides are not too bad if you take advantage of slack water and the early ebb or flood. Seen a low powered yacht spinning out of control going down tide at full spring ebb. It could not go fast enough to get the rudder to grip.

Ardglass is a convenient starting point for Strangford entrance.

Might see you there...........................

 

[steve yates]

I know you ended up back in port bannatyne jd, but it occured to me rereading this thread, would Stranraer not work as a base for the irish sea? Dead easy for you to reach and gives you both the clyde and the irish sea as options?

 

[JumbleDuck]

When I read this thread, my first thought was ' Strewth!!!! (substitute epithet, better not to type my usual) that Nanni diesel of JDs has not lasted very long' but then I noticed the thread was from an era long ago when it was still a dream rather than a nightmare.

The Nanni now seems to be tamed, so oddly enough I was just thinking of revising the plan, so up-to-date suggestions of moorings within reasonable striking distance of Belfast are welcome. Can't afford Bangor, don't like Carrickfergus.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I know you ended up back in port bannatyne jd, but it occured to me rereading this thread, would Stranraer not work as a base for the irish sea? Dead easy for you to reach and gives you both the clyde and the irish sea as options?

It's not a bad idea, but as far as I know places at the marina there are hard to come by. The waiting list at Kirkcudbright is 40+ years ...

 

[dgadee]

Larne, Glenarm or Donaghadee. Latter has best connection to city airport. Former best for ferry perhaps.

The Nanni now seems to be tamed, so oddly enough I was just thinking of revising the plan, so up-to-date suggestions of moorings within reasonable striking distance of Belfast are welcome. Can't afford Bangor, don't like Carrickfergus.

 

[steve yates]

It's not a bad idea, but as far as I know places at the marina there are hard to come by. The waiting list at Kirkcudbright is 40+ years ...

I had no problem leaving bethfran there for the winter, on a pontoon. Might help if your relatively shallow draft though, and it might also have been because of the boats out for the winter.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Larne, Glenarm or Donaghadee. Latter has best connection to city airport. Former best for ferry perhaps.

Of these, Donaghadee appeals most, though the approach to Copelands Marina has been calling me for some time. Who would I approach about a mooring in Donaghadee? Probably for a few months in the summer only - Bangor Marina offered me a spectacularly good deal on a winter berth a couple of years back.

I had no problem leaving bethfran there for the winter, on a pontoon. Might help if your relatively shallow draft though, and it might also have been because of the boats out for the winter.

Oh, winters are no problem in the D&G marinas. It's summer berths which have effectively infinite waiting lists.

 

[dgadee]

Of these, Donaghadee appeals most, though the approach to Copelands Marina has been calling me for some time. Who would I approach about a mooring in Donaghadee?

Quinton Nelson - 07811230215 might be his number.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Quinton Nelson - 07811230215 might be his number.

Thanks. The problem I have is that I want somewhere to keep the boat out of use during the season. I only sail from the start of July till mid-August, so what I am after is somewhere cheap to leave the boat, afloat or ashore, for ten months from August.

 

[dgadee]

Thanks. The problem I have is that I want somewhere to keep the boat out of use during the season. I only sail from the start of July till mid-August, so what I am after is somewhere cheap to leave the boat, afloat or ashore, for ten months from August.

He would be the low cost option for the hard.

 

[GTom]

Thanks. The problem I have is that I want somewhere to keep the boat out of use during the season. I only sail from the start of July till mid-August, so what I am after is somewhere cheap to leave the boat, afloat or ashore, for ten months from August.

I wonder where the Strangford clubs keep their boats in winter?

 

[dgadee]

I wonder where the Strangford clubs keep their boats in winter?

Ashore, but JumbleDuck wanted an Irish Sea option.

I've only ever popped my head into Strangford Lough. Too many pladdies for my liking. So no idea about options there.

 

[oceanfroggie]

I am thinking of leaving the boat in Northern Ireland until next summer, and I'd welcome any suggestions of (a) moorings for the summer and (b) storage for the winter. My fall back option is Bangor Marina, which I like very much, for both, but other ideas would be welcome.

Wherever it is for the seasons needs to have good public transport links from Belfast; wherever it is for the winter would ideally have a good company on hand to fit a new engine for me. Swinging mooring fine for the floating bit.

Reason? I like exploring the Irish Sea and it would be nice to save the time it takes to get here (I'm in Bangor as I write) and back from the Clyde.

For a real change of scenery consider somewhere else with great scenic cruising waters like Dingle marina, or Crosshaven in Cork harbour. Loads of overnight places to visit only half a days sail away. Cork/Kerry coast is astonishing with loads of bolt holes and some of the most amazing anchorages in these islands. Crosshaven is full of boat yards as well as the oldest YC in the world, the Royal Cork. Cork's vast natural harbour a great place even just for a day sail up river to the city moorings, or Cobh's Titanic jetties. Good rail and air links too direct with Cork.

 

[Quandary]

All that and it is warmer too.

 

[dgadee]

All that and it is warmer too.

Is it wetter, too?

 

[JumbleDuck]

Thanks for all the ideas. Strangford would be fine too, but I had no luck before finding out where they go in the winter.

 

[GTom]

Thanks for all the ideas. Strangford would be fine too, but I had no luck before finding out where they go in the winter.

Asked any of the clubs?

 

[JumbleDuck]

Asked any of the clubs?

Yes. Seems they don't talk to strangers. None replied.

 

[Quandary]

My current boat came from Strangford Lough, the club with the pontoon alongside the lightship near Daft Eddies at Ringhaddy It was ashore about a mile away in a yard up a long lane that you might never find, with a load of other yachts They had a concrete slipway facing north and all the boats were on launching cradles, you know the thing, two front lorry axles and a couple of RSJs. All very much a DIY operation, I think they had an arrangement with the farmer to use his big tractor on launch days. I know where it was, just not what you call it but it would never be regarded as easily accessible. There are slipways, wee harbours and moorings all over the place among the islands there.
A word of caution about Strangford, otters! they scramble aboard to eat their fish and defecate, Our Moody had a custom made semi-circular lace on canvas cover that was deployed across the stern to try and keep them from getting to the stern ladder. If you were an otter and someone parked a boat a safe distance from shore in your territory you would be delighted by the amenity provided, dining room and privy.