After being on the water for a long time, sailing almost the entire Mediterranean sea from East to West and then the North Atlantic Ocean, adjusting to land life takes some time. But it is easier to arrive in a little village then in a big town.
We learn that Ardglass marina is a charity and their staff members are volunteers. Just very friendy, helpfull, committed people: they do this for fun! Compare that to those big commercial marinas.
Ardglass marina at low water
See that piece of land just in front of the boat? That is only visible at low water, but it is there...!
Ancient church on top of a hill near a well
As usual, once on land the work starts: have to fly in Glasgow on July 26 to meet a customer and to wish Julia all the best as July 27 is her last working day before retirement. But first to Bangor marina near Belfast, put the boat in the marina then travel by bus to Southern Ireland.
first COVID19 vaccination for me in Tullamore
a visit to Seedsavers near Ennis
a seed bank to preserve old species
we are privileged: look at those ancient trees
in the Irish countryside
during our stay at a grand estate
Back on the boat, this time sailing to Scotland: good sail clothing strongly recommended in these waters
could you please blow the fog horn every minute? Thank you
at anchor near the island of Bute
Bute has narrow sea channels around it on 3 sides
so just anchor somewhere in these protected waters, take your dingy and explore the Kyles of Bute
it reminds me of the tropical rain forrest in Madagascar, if you forget about the temperature
restaurants provide free mooring buoys for their customers
at anchor in Brodick bay, isle of Arran
walking path along the shore from Brodick to Lamlash
near Lamlash
fish and chips in Brodick
evening at anchor in Brodick bay
Back in Ireland near Carlingford Lough, a big, long, shallow fjord-like inlet with large tidal streams at its entrance, more information on: https://eoceanic.com/sailing/harbours/110/newry
For pleasure craft with a draft of 2 meters Carlingford Lough is only accessable at slack tide via a narrow commercial shipping channel with 2 deep water anchorages one at Killowen and one at the Albert basin in Newry. Pleasure craft seem no longer welcome at Warrenpoint. The harbourmaster of Warrenpoint told me: “there are no berths available with that depth sorry”
at anchor between Zelki island and Danesbridge near Analong
All this looks a bit challenging so I decide that it is better for a first entrance to stay at anchor until the wind drops. The days pass and it is not warm at all outside so early to bed and lets watch a nice Netflix movie. Suddenly we hear someone knocking on the hull…..
How is that possible, we are at anchor a mile from the shore? I open the rear window and see a friendly face outside in heavy weather gear. He asks: are you all right? I am perplexed for a minute then respond: yes all is fine, just a minute I will come outside. There are several men and they introduce themselves: we are members of the Kilkeel rescue boat team, a fisherman and somebody on shore reported that your anchor light went out last night so we came to see if everything is all right with you.
How wonderfull are the Irish people: they want to be sure we sailors are not in trouble at sea!
entering Carlingford Lough
At anchor near Killowen with a Seatruck manoevering in the narrow navigation channel
ashore near the Killowen sailing club for shopping. Exellent meal at restaurant The Church in Rostrevor
the Cloughmore stone and Carlingford Lough as seen from a hill near Rostrevor
Ai... when we come back the water is gone...
being on anchor is fun but it is better to be on a safe mooring before the winterstorms come…
A friend said: why don't you come with us to Newry canal? And that is good advice indeed
So on a Sunday after making an appointment with the Newry and Mourne City Council 2 sailing vessels motor up the Newry river past Warrenpoint. The Newry river is tidal so it is very important to plan the arrival at the entry of the Victoria lock to the Newry canal near high tide.
in the Victoria lock, where friendly fellow sailors take your lines
With a draft of 205cm there was only 5 cm water under the keel at the entrance of the lock.
Sailing up the Newry canal to the Albert basin located in the center of the city of Newry.
mooring in the heart of the city
well protected from the winter storms
Hopefully this hidden treasure for sailors will remain when Newry realises its Albert Basin Park
Very worrying is the plan to build a fixed bridge over Newry canal for the Southern relief road.
A fixed bridge will block access for sailing yachts to the Albert basin and the planned marina.
Build the Park for Newry but FIRST......
Newry needs an opening bridge in the planned Southern relief road!
