THE LOCAL PILOT
Strangford Lough
The detailed chart for Strangford (Admiralty 2156) is advised and you should have on board the Irish Cruising Club’s East and North Coast Pilot, which gives details of leading lines, tides and general navigation. When preparing to leave the lough, be sure to get your timing right to avoid possible overfalls at the Bar Buoy. When going north, I prefer to leave at the bottom of the ebb to plug the flood in the main stream which has been running two hours ahead of the Strangford tide. By the time you reach Copeland Sound the main ebb will have begun and will carry you to Glenarm and beyond towards Scotland before turning against you. In any event, leaving Strangford village or Portaferry, allow an hour to the lough entrance and remember, slack water at the bar lasts for little more than 15 minutes. That means if you are leaving at the top of the flood, any onshore wind could create severe overfalls. If you should arrive early at the bar mouth with a strong ebb running and overfalls, it makes sense to heave to until the tide turns in your favour.
The tide turns to run NE at HW Belfast +2 and SW at HW Belfast -6 giving an eight-hour flood into Strangford Lough. Once in the lough the tides weaken considerably except for Ringhady Sound and the entrance to Ballydorn.
Careful study of the Irish Cruising Club pilot is advised, especially for a nighttime arrival.
MARINE FACILITIES
There is only one main marina in Strangford Lough, although there are plenty of visitor moorings. Visiting cruisers can also explore the endless anchorages, islands and channels. Strangford Lough is an accredited marine nature reserve so only anchor in recognised spots or contact the local yacht clubs for a vacant mooring. The clubs can also provide you with contact details for engineering and electrical services and fuel.
Sailmakers: Sketrick Sails, 02897541400
Canvas repairs and sprayhoods: Boat Covers Ireland, 07743060617
MARINAS PORTAFERRY MARINA
Situated on the east shore of The Narrows, the marina has 15 visitor berths and has Wifi, on-site water and electricity. Portaferry and Strangford are the best places for provisioning. www. portaferrymarina.co.uk
Tel: 07703 209 780
VISITOR BERTHS/MOORINGS
These are just a few of the berths/ moorings available.
STRANGFORD YACHT HAVEN
Secure pontoon for up to six boats in Strangford harbour. Toilets, showers, water, electricity. Fuel can be arranged. Berthing master: 07767781975.
STRANGFORD SAILING CLUB
Moorings in Audley’s Roads. Vacant moorings can be picked up for a short stay. The bay provides good holding ground with a sand/mud bottom for anchoring. 028 4488 1404, www. strangfordsailingclub.com
DOWN CRUISING CLUB
On the lough’s west side, the club pontoon is available to visitors to Ballydorn. The light ship Petrel has a bar, showers and toilets.
028 97541663, www. downcruisingclub.org
STRANGFORD LOUGH YACHT CLUB
Visiting yachts can use the club’s pontoon, although has less than 1m at LW.
028 9754 1883 www.slyc.co.uk
RINGHADDY CRUISING CLUB
Situated on the western shore of the lough, visitors should temporary tie up alongside the club’s pontoon before asking about a vacant mooring. www.ringhaddy.co.uk
QUOILE YACHT CLUB
Visitor moorings are on the outer end of the bay marked with a V. Free of charge. There is also a pontoon, where visitors can moor either side. Donation for use. 028 4461 2266 www.quoileyc.com
CHART AND GUIDES
East and North Coasts of Ireland ICC Sailing Directions edited by Norman Kean, 12th edition (Irish Cruising Club, £29.95)
Irish Sea Pilot by David Rainsbury, 2nd edition (Imray, £32.50) Admiralty SC5612, 2093, 2156 Imray C69