Back to the mainland
is essential and after the tidal streams have been taken into account, Ushet (two cables NNE of Rue Point) is a neat little gut where a boat can anchor with lines made up ashore. There is a ruin nearby which is reputed to have a hollow wall used by smugglers anxious in times past to avoid the scrutiny of the revenue officers.
Cooraghy Bay lies near Bull Point at the west end of Rathlin, where anchoring in 4m is possible in suitable conditions. This is a must for birdwatchers as the stacks and sea cliffs nearby provide a major nesting spectacle during the breeding season. Holding to the mainland shore, Carrickarede (55°14’N, 06°19’W) is a possibility where a boat can become a curiosity in her own right as the anchorage lies beneath a rope bridge linking the island to the mainland and is renowned as one of Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attractions.
Further west one can consider Ballintoy (55°15N, 6°21’W) as a possible fair weather stopover. The landmark for this spot is Sheep Island, where one could anchor-off to the east of the tiny harbour.
Continuing west, Portballintrae (55°13’N, 6°32’W) is a horseshoe-shaped bay, which provides good shelter in offshore winds. To anchor in sand, you line up a block of apartments on the west shore with a group of houses