The problem is the wind unusually is coming from the South. Our choice is therefore to motor directly South or sail, tacking down to the South East or South West. Not difficult in itself but typically doubles the distance you travel. We travelled 43 miles in 9.30 hours arriving at 20.00 hrs.
As you can see from the track below we motored a bit and predominately tacked. At some points on the journey the channels are so narrow you really have to motor in a straight line.
On the trip we passed Donaghadee. A very interesting old town that can trace it’s origins back to the Planters. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantations_of_Ireland
The entrance to the Lough is also a challenge and the local pilot books are full of warnings on how to enter. The reason for the difficulty is the tidal race that dominates the entrance. So you have to time your approach very carefully.
The exit is equally tough but we will worry about that in a couple of days.
As we entered this evening the stream speed was in the region of 6 to 7 knots. So the boat over the ground peaked at 10.7 knots. As we came down the channel we were amazed at the whirlpools and eddys waiting for the unsuspecting sailor.
Unfortunately we could not get into the Portaferry Marina as it was full, so we had to find a mooring anywhere we could. Fortunately we found a good place to stay on our 3rd choice location.
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| Donaghadee the first harbour of the Planters |
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| Kilcliff at the mouth of the Lough with Eddys in the foreground |
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| Paul happy to have piloted past the Angus Rock |
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| Portaferry |
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