Bangor NI to Largs via Troon 22 August 2012

Bangor to Troon - 07.00 - 18.30, sunny and cloudy.
We planned to go back via Stranraer as we had arrived.  However, the wind and  tide were favourable

so on passing Stranraer Loch we decided to carry on the Troon, letting the coast guard know about our change of plan.  We used the engine for most of the afternoon when the tide changed.

A 2 Dolphin and 1 Seal day.  The Seal was in Troon outer harbour and came within 1 yard of the boat.
Chinese at the Jade Garden in town.  We were both rocking after a swelly, wavy day.

23rd August Troon – Largs
After an early torrential downpour and skies brightened and we set off at approx 10.30.  Ann-Marie sailed the boat in the morning as the sea was favourable if a little rolly, and the 5-6 wind was in the perfect direction to make up to 7 knots.  We tend to stick to around 5 knots when making way.

 

We saw a Navy helipcopter practicing by dropping a man onto the 'Waverley', he did ask permission first!
It was a 2 Dolphin day.
We have got into the habit of making sandwiches in a plastic box before we make a journey, just in case.  These have proved very useful during this journey.  We also make up thermal cups of tea before we start so that the first drink is a warm one. 
The other most useful item on board is 'Parker' the autohelm.  These trips would be exhausting without it. 
Back at Largs and to Nardini's to celebrate.

Troon to Bangor NI 17 August 2012

Set sail for Stranraer, 10.30 to 20.00.  Charge  for overnight stay £15. The day started off rainy and with the Wind Over Tide situation a bit bumpy too.  We thought it would be a useful half way marker, past Ailsa Craig and a pleasant sail down Loch Ryan to Stranraer marina. 

Staranraer Marina has had a recent facelift and an impressive new shower and facilities block.  We were unable to contact the marina on the 5 occasions we tried and just had to arrive and hope.  We took a berth on a hammer head and went in search of staff.  A phone call to a local control centre and we had a pin number for the marina, but unfortunately not for the shower block. 
A quick walk into town and a chat to a local fisherman brought us to the Starfish Eat-In Chippy (great fish, poor chips).
We needed to top up the Diesel and there is no pump in the Marina, so with the help of the harbourmaster, Mick hitched a lift to a local digger company premises, who had a good supply of Red Diesel.  Very friendly and helpful.
Once again we had the wind on the nose challenge and took the Engine option.  We managed some sailing but wanted to make good time to eat and settle down on arrival.  It was a 1 Dolphin day.
18th August - Stranraer to Bangor, Northern Ireland, 10.00 - 18.30 Charge £115 for 4 nights.
Bangor Marina is run by Quay Marinas and is large, well equipped, well staffed, clean and welcoming.  The centre of town location is perfect. 
We walked onto Main Street and had superb freshly made Pizzas at 'Little Wings'.
19th August - On the Train to the Titanic Exhibition in Belfast - £13.50.
Alighted the train at the newly renamed 'Titanic Quarter' after a quick detour into Belfast Central as we missed the stop whilst booking on 'LateRooms' for Dublin on the 20th.

 

The Titanic exhibition building is poorly signposted from the train station but we managed in approx 15 mins walk.  It is a very impressive building and we booked our tickets on arrival.  As it was a Sunday it was very busy and we had a 1 hr and 20min wait.  You can book online in advance.  It is very popular with people from all over the world we were amazed at the number of nationalities of visitors.  It must be a success if people are travelling so far.

 

 

 

During the wait we found out that the Pump House and Slip Way exhibition was approx half a mile walk away and a separate entity, conducted tours are available but we made our own way there and paid £5 each to enter.  The Pump House was created to pump the water out of the dock to make it a dry dock for fitting out the ship.
It is a shame that the new attraction building was not built nearer to the existing pump house and slipway.  It feels disjointed to the visitor.
The state of the art galleries within the exhibition are very impressive.  We particularly liked the 240 degree cinema showing the different floors on the ship and the view of the wreck.
We were disappointed there were no relics from the ship but I think a Las Vegas exhibition bought up most of those.
20th and 21st August - Trip to Dublin to meet Mick's daughter Laura

20th and 21st August - Trip to Dublin to meet Mick's daughter Laura

Coincidentally the Tall Ships were making their way to Dublin for the 23rd so we saw a few on the river.

 

 

 

Sailing Honeymoon 10th August 2012

We were married on the 10th August, and arrived at Largs on the 12th. 

13th - Stocked up at Morrison's.  Thai Meal onboard.
14th August - The sun came out and we ventured to Troon, 11.00 to 15.00.  Troon Marina is part of the same company as Largs so we were able to stay for free under the reciprocal arrangement.

 

On the 15th and 16th the sun was out but the wind was blowing 5 to 7 so we stayed put.  Excellent Scones at the Poppy Café in Town, Jade Garden Chinese and Scott's on the Marina kept us amused.
At Beaulieu boat jumble a couple of years ago we bought an anchor and a bargain 'granny' shopping trolley to get it back to the car, thinking that will be useful some day. During our stay in Troon we deployed the shopping trolley for the first time to make our way to Morrison's for a stock up.  It's amazing how people look down on you when you don't have a car.  Undaunted we trundled back to the Marina fully provisioned.
Passing the Time.  Mick is keen on mending things so there is always a job to do, or investigate on the PBO website.  Ann-Marie enjoys reading and makes things so the non-sailing days pass quickly.