Bangor to Ardglass

Wed – 30th April 2014

Again tides dictated that we leave Bangor at 06.45am.  The journey involves transit through the Donaghadee Sound, between the Mainland and the Copeland Islands.  The tides can reach 4 knots so choosing the correct time is vital.  We streamed through the sound with a speed over the ground of between 7 and 8 knots and were soon back into the Irish Sea.  There were patches of dense fog with half mile visibility and the fog horn was used along with the AIS navigation system to identify other vessels before we saw them appear in the mist.

We arrived at Ardglass at 13.45pm, negotiated the narrow entrance, and stopped at the first vacant birth.

As the images show high tide and low tide vividly reveal the challenge of keeping to the channel. 

We stayed for 2 nights as the weather blew up and ate on board both nights, but had a warm welcome at the Ardglass Golf Club (the worlds oldest club building) for drinks and Free WiFi.

We met another boat who have a similar plan to ourselves, so we may meet again en-route.

Highlight – 2 seals playing in the harbour.