Rathlin Island........beware!!

[starboard]

Just back from a cruise out from the Clyde. Popped into Rathlin Island 5 miles north of Ballycastle Northern Ireland, a great place to visit and now with a nice long pontoon arrangement within the breakwater's that were put in place a few years back. Arrived alongside a week last Sunday, a lovely morning, just as I came alongside and making fast an 11meter rib "Catriona V" came into the harbour area at full chat....the stern wash about 1 meter high proceeded to smash the yacht hard against the pontoon, luckily she was very well fendered and no damage done. I went along to ask the skipper if in future he would maybe respect any other user's and try to reduce speed sooner...........his response was ""We live here and you dont!!!"" .........yes a nice introduction to such a nice island. Throughout the day many other VERY large ribs arrived and all behaved in a very seaman like manner......This particular boat was running passengers to and from the island......I hope fully DTI approved.

Paul.

 

[Sgeir]

Sorry to read about that, and not aware that wash only affects visiting boats. That attitude does not sound like as though it comes from a Rathlin Islander and I'm pretty certain McCuaig's bar would be unhappy about visitors being treated like that.

Rathlin is usually a good experience for visiting yachts (apart from its peculiar tides and currents). May be visiting there in July, so will look out for the new pontoon - we've previously used the inner harbour just east of the ferry position - in about 2m.

RIBs are the transport of choice in that area and have been impressively handled on our previous experience. Don't know about the pontoon, but I recollect that the harbour is owned by the local council (North Antrim perhaps?) who presumably have appointed a local harbourmaster, and who may be worth contacting. But, probably just as effective dropping a line to McCuaig's.

MacBrayne provides the ferry service from Ballycastle, but I guess there may be private hires etc.