Late July 2020 – We’re Off. Troon to Stranraer

29th July – Wednesday – Troon to Stranraer

We are on our way at last.  An 08.00 start to make the 43 miles to Stranraer.

The log piles

We past the log piles for the final time for a while.  Ships arrive here loaded with logs which are off-loaded by a big grabbing machine.  They are then moved to the wood mill across the road.  Hence there are particles of wood and chippings in the air which land on the boats all the time.  There are also many lorries coming and going from the Wood Mill all day long.  Aeroplanes fly over from Prestwich too.  So not a haven of tranquility.  We are ready for a change.

Outside Troon is never a smooth ride.  Heading out past Lady Island, the sea rolled us around for a couple of hours.  So I was at the helm, having taken the seasickness pills.  After 10 months of not sailing anywhere this trip has brought on more pre-trip anxiety than normal.  But we soon realised that ‘It’s like riding a bike’.  The well oiled machine kicked into operation.  We know our jobs and get on with it.

I think the smile says it all.

The turbulence lasted for about 4 hours in the outer Firth of Clyde as we passed Ailsa Craig.

The sea calmed considerably as the sun appeared in the afternoon.  The approach to Loch Ryan was almost glassy.  No dolphins today, but our neighbours in Stranraer had been treated to an acrobatic dolphin display.

Loch Ryan looking out.

Loch Ryan dries out on the southern side, so don’t be tempted to stray right.

We arrived in Stranraer at 16.00.  The entrance is located near the old ferry terminal.  There is a breakwater on the right into the buoyed channel.

We were advised to take any berth by Lesley the Harbourmaster.  3 other visiting boats waved us in and took our lines.  Mission 1 complete.  Phew.

30th July to 1st August

The first day was very wet so we took the opportunity to do the washing, in the free washing machines in the marina complex.

Nice pub meal on Thursday night before my second Craft and Chat Zoom meeting afloat.  I usually really miss my craft and chat buddies and Zoom is a welcome bonus, acquired in this strange year.

We had a good walk along the side of the Loch and found Agnew Park and a lovely modern cafe with a sun terrace.  A glimpse of normality.

There are many of these small old fishing cottages all over town.  It would be so pretty if they all had an imaginative paint job.  There is a decent town centre with all the shops you would need.

The 16th century Castle St John is planted slap bang in the centre.  Sadly it is currently closed, as was the museum.

Fleur on her mooring after our neighbours departed.  We had a good chat with Mark and Leslie on Donagh Dee.  They are heading off on their sailing adventure next year and we hopefully answered some useful questions.

Sailors Info – Stranraer Marina

The harbourmaster Leslie Smith is the capable and amicable person in charge.

The marina complex is relatively new.  The church behind in the photo is a good marker for the entrance to the marina as you approach from the Loch.

The facilities are spotless.  The washing machine and dryer are currently free of charge, as the cost of conversion from old £ coins to new ones was not worthwhile. 

At £32 per night the marina is not cheap, but it is central to the town and well sheltered.

Morrisons and Tesco Extra are a 10 minute walk away.

There is no wifi.  There are electric sockets in the laundry for hair drying, if you don’t mind being on show.

We visited Stranraer for one night several years ago, it was raining and there was only one chip shop open.  This visit has given us a much better impression of Stranraer and we won’t hesitate to revisit.

The next hop is a big one, I don’t want to jinx it.