Explore: Strangford Lough
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General Info
Description:
Famous for its birdlife, Strangford Lough is the U.K.’s largest sea inlet, being about 17 miles long and 4 miles wide. It provides an all weather, all tide shelter on a stretch of the west coast which has no other. It has numerous bays, inlets and islands, and is an important and protected wildlife site. At the northern end of the 5-mile long entrance narrows, lies the town of Strangford, and opposite, on the eastern shore, the village of Portaferry. It is a very popular sailing area and the many clubs in the area provide visiting yachtsmen with a warm welcome.
Position:
54° 19.30’N, 05° 30.83’W (Lough entrance)
Docking
If unfamiliar with the area, use the eastern channel through the narrows and beware of the strong tides and the car ferry shuttling between Strangford and Portaferry.
In April 2008 the new tidal turbines within the narrows at the entrance to Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, were installed. Turbine blades are not a major navigational hazard fort yachts as they are set at a considerable depth. The only part of the structure that protrudes above the water is a large concrete post. The turbine is identified by the colours and top-mark of an “isolated danger mark”.
Pilotage:
When there is wind against tide there are overfalls at the SE approach to the Lough and at the bar.
At the narrows of the lough, by the turbine, the flood starts at HW – 3 1/2 hours Belfast and the ebb starts at HW + 2 1/2. At Springs the tidal stream can reach 7 knots.
Moorings:
There are a few visitors’ moorings at Strangford. The Quoile yacht club has a visitors pontoon as well as moorings, as do several of the yacht and sailing clubs around the lough.
There are plenty of anchorages and it will be possible to find shelter whatever the weather. Castleward Bay, Grey Point and between Jackdaw and Chapel Islands are some useful ones.
Last updated January 2010.
Related Businesses
Ardglass Marina
Address: 19 Quay Street, Ardglass, Co Down, BT30 7SA
Lat: 54° 15.7' N Long: 5° 36.3' W
Just south of Strangford, Ardglass has a capacity of 83 yachts. All facilities, fuel, launderette, repairs, provisions nearby.
... Read More
Harbour Master – Strangford Lough
Islander Marine
Address: The Slip, Strangford, Downpatrick County Down, BT30 7NE
Water, diesel (cans), some repairs. Provisions, post office, restaurant and bar in the village.... Read More
Portaferry Marina
Address: 11 The Strand, Portaferry, BT22 1PF
On East shore of the Narrows, the gateway to Strangford Lough. Berthing Master John Murray. 10 visitor berths. Water, electricity, fuel (cans), LPG, provisions, bank,... Read More
Yacht Clubs
Related Businesses
Down Cruising Club
Address: Clubship Petrel, 60 Ballydorn Road, Killinchy,
The Club ship is permanently moored in Ballydorn Fairway on the western side of Rainey Island. The fairway offers shelter in all but northerly winds.... Read More
East Down Yacht Club
Address: Comber Road, Killyleagh, Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland,
Situated west of Island Taggart. Approach from the South between HW-3 and HW+3. A line of moorings marks mid-channel. The inner pool has pontoon berthing... Read More
Killyleagh Yacht Club
Address: Cuan Beach, Killyleagh,
Situated on the west shore, south of the red brick Town Rock Beacon. Anchor in 2-4m SSW of Town Rock. Landing at Yacht Club pontoon... Read More
Kircubbin Sailing Club
Address: 67 Shore Road, Kircubbin, Northern Ireland, BT22 2RP
http://www.kircubbinsailingclub.co.uk [Broken Link]
Situated on the eastern side of the Lough, at the northern end of Kircubbin Bay. The bay offers reasonable holding in clean sand/mud... Read More
Newtownards Sailing Club
Address: 116 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22
Situated on the NE shore of the Lough. Mainly a dinghy racing club. Jetty has water hose but dries out at LWS. Visitors’ moorings may... Read More
Portaferry Sailing Club
Address: 38 Shore Road, Portaferry, BT22 1JZ
Situated facing the Narrows, south of the Ferry Pier. Berthing is available in the small marina. Showers and bar open in the evenings.
... Read More
Quoile Yacht Club
Address: 21 Castle Island Road, Downpatrick,
Situated at the head of the Quoile River estuary on Castle Island. There is a short stay pontoon with a water hose. Anchor off moored... Read More
Ringhaddy Cruising Club
Address: Ringhaddy Road, Killinchy,
Situated on the west shore of Ringhaddy Sound one cable south of the stone quay. There are a concrete slip and a number of pontoons.... Read More
Strangford Lough Yacht Club
Address: Whiterock Bay, Killinchy, Co. Down, BT23 6PY
This is the largest club on the Lough. Situated behind Trasnagh Island the approach from Ringhaddy is between Darragh and Parton islands. Anchor outside the... Read More
Strangford Sailing Club
Address: Seafront Road, Castleward Estate, Strangford, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, BT30 7LS
Situated on the west shore of Audleys Roads by Audley's castle. Anchor in the bay in 4.5m between small stone pier under the castle and... Read More
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