Rathlin

[starboard]

Heading west from the Clyde at start of August and fancy popping over to Rathlin Island to look see. Apart from the details enclosed in the pilot books etc. has anyone any recent experiences of a visit? What is the best to do? anchor in Church bay or into the harbour, if the harbour what like alongside, any swell, dirty fishing boats etc. What are the places of interest to visit?....i.e. the pub!! Look forward to any past experiances.

Paul.

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[Superstrath]

Went there 12 years ago. Encountered the most amazing standing wave running south from the east end of the island, it was huge. Anchored in Church Bay, I think the harbour has been extended since then. The pub is a brick bunker, there were drunks sleeping on the floor and a Jakie at the door in a stained suit (he was barred) begging us to bring him a pint. At night a fiddle band fired up, the local kids danced on the drunks, the Jakie sneaked in and we all had a brilliant night. I've been meaning to go back. If you go, let us know what it's like now.

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[Spacewaist]

Was there last week.

Where to lie depends on where the wind is, what you draw and how dirty you want your fenders to be. The Harbour is very welcoming, but does get crowded with Fisherman - esp at weekends and has high speed launches from the mainland plying back and forth.

If the wind is from NNW through S, Id anchor out in the Bay; Id stay there when the wind turned to the SW quadrant unless the wind looked like exceeding 20/25kts. If it did, I'd go to BallyCastle rather than the inner harbour, but I'm 13 m and draw 2m.

Rathlin is as famous for its friendliness as its pubs are for a "lock in" (in which case you're probably better off along side!). Food all a bit basic . Ballycastle is by comparison a pleasant new ish marina, but didnt see a pub or restaurant there worth the name - hundreds of fast food shops though.

As Superstrath said, the tides round there are wicked, running 6 knots at springs with a big back eddy in the bay. Best to work with the tides rather than against them.

PS dont forget to stop at Sanda Island on the way. Theres a new pub open there which makes it a vey nice spot - as long at the landlord doesnt decide to entertain you - he is a bore. Tis a bit popular with day trips on high speed launches.






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[starboard]

Thanks for that info....yes I am a regular at Sanda if only for Richards eggs...know what you mean about the rest.....did he tell you the story about Princess Anne????

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[Spacewaist]

Did he tell you the story about Princess Anne?

.....and the eggs?.......Oh Yes.

And the rates he pays and doesnt get any services for, also the price at which islands locally change hands, and the Bird man living in the boathouse and the light house and....and....and...and......or and the police helicopter and and and argh!.....................

Truthfully - we stopped on spec at lunchtime, found the pub to our surprise and were planning to stay for lunch. It is an idyllic spot .... but but he frankly drove us away. He even kept talking as we walked down to the jetty, cast off (with a mad Collie dog giving chase) and until we were out of earshot .....

I know he was trying to be friendly, but if you are a regular, you might have a word in his ear.



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[starboard]

Re: Did he tell you the story about Princess Anne?

Guess that's why his wife lives in Campletown!!!....thinks she has him sussed!!

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[Spacewaist]

Re: Did he tell you the story about Princess Anne?

That's one question answered - his daughter said she was at school in Campbeltown

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[TFJ]

Re: Did he tell you the story about Princess Anne?

Well I think that he is a great guy, who else would put his own money into a pub with no locals
I would sooner talk to him than some of the posers that you get around some marinas
Best of luck to him
Terry

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by TFJ on 22/07/2004 23:27 (server time).</FONT></P>