Trip to Carlingford Lough

Have new boat, will travel.

For our first weekend away on Thisbe, the destination was Carlingford Lough. About 40 miles up the coast, we had heard good things but everyone said, watch the tides !

As we left, it was almost a flat calm, so we motored-sailed out of Dublin Bay, around the Bailey and headed North.

Mary got her first taste of the helm, before the tiller pilot took over.

As we progressed, the heat and good food overwhelmed the crew !

The wind picked up a little, but we motor-sailed on, as our sailing speed was under 3 knots.

Carlingford gradually appeared and we turned to enter the Lough, facing the evening Sun.

We arrived about two hours after low water, perfect for a fast flowing entry.  Since the tides flow so strong, some of the markers are shaped like boats and swing into the oncoming water.

At our fastest, we hit 10.8 knots with combined motor and tide. at least half of that was tide. Through the tiller,  I could feel Thisbe being pulled from side to side by the surging water, a curious sensation.

Once through the entrance, it calmed and then we had a hard time picking out some of the marks against the low Sun.

Thomas was on point duty but a bit more interested in surfacing seals than marks !

After a twist and turn, the channel opened up to us and we motored up to the marina.

Without too much shouting, we found a spot and tied up. Then a quick change and headed down the road to town for food and drink.

Coming back to the boat in the summer night was beautiful. Definitely worth a return visit.

Next morning, a track beside the marina led us along the shore until it was time to turn back for breakfast.

Why does food taste so good outdoors on a sunny morning ?

During the night, a spider had built a web on our pontoon line, I hated breaking it !

Making our way back, the channel looked so different on full tide, with the Haulbowline lighthouse being a beautiful landmark. ( 3 white flashes every 10 seconds, range 10 nautical miles, 54"1.196' N 6"4.737' W ) I hadn't heard of this lighthouse before and then confused it with Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour.

Again it was a smashing morning but not much wind, so we sailed gently Southwards. After a few hours, it died away, so on went the motor again.

This was our first time passing close to Rockabill, ( Flashing W R 12 Sec 17 Miles, 53"35.811'N, 6"0.268' W ) Some time we have to get closer.

After passing inside of Lambay Island, we headed to round The Bailey and then the fun began.

We ran out of diesel !

The most basic rookie mistake. I had looked into the tank but it's shiny stainless steel and I had convinced myself we had plenty. I should have dipped it. The engine spluttered to a halt and then I dipped it.

On deck, we saw a motor boat within hailing distance and waved them over. Our shining knights offered to bring diesel back and off they went.

The tide was setting us back towards Lambay, there was no wind, so the seagulls decided to wait with us.

As the light faded, a thunderstorm rolled in from the east. It was like a bad movie script. I had just raised some sail when our saviours returned, we poured in 10 litres of diesel and headed for Howth as lightning flashed around us. Drenched wet, we tied up in the dark.

And I have absolutely no pictures to prove it !