Strangford Narrows, Strangford Harbour and Portaferry
At a Glance
This article deals specifically with the tricky entrance to and exit from Strangford Lough, plus facilities available just within the entrance at Portaferry and Strangford. The interior of Strangford Lough and the cruising delights within are dealt with in another article to be found HERE (opens in a new tab)
With tidal flows in the entrance reaching speeds of up to 7.5
Knts at springs, the windows for departure and entry are small. The
period of slack water is only around 15 mins, so for the stranger,
entry is limited to an approach in daylight, at around the turn of
the tide. Do not approach in strong (above F4) onshore winds as
breaking seas can extend well over a mile SE of the entrance. Even
in much calmer conditions standing waves may be encountered, see
the video in the "Approach" section.
Once within the lough, there are untold sheltered anchoring and
mooring opportunities, including the small marina at Portaferry
near the entrance.
The sea lough itself covers 150 sq km, the largest in the British
Isles. The narrows open out into gentler waters with 70 islands.
Countless tidal rocky outcrops called pladdies (some visible and
many just under the surface) litter the lough and mudflats, along
with marshes, rocks, bays and headlands. The lough is a
conservation area and its abundant wildlife recognised
internationally for its importance.
The Lough itself offers a self-contained cruising area in
it's own right, and further detailed coverage of the
interior is now here
Strangford Lough Anchorages
Strangford Narrows, Strangford Harbour and Portaferry
Approach
Timing is everything when dealing with the entrance to Strangford Lough, and you will need a decent chart of the entrance showing the transits. Exit needs special care as with the ebb tide under you there will be a point of no return, where the mariner will have no option but to face possibly rough water, standing waves and overfalls.
Leaving Strangford Lough:
Adrian Coughlan:
"There is quite an ebb there OK. We scooted down the lough
(following our friend in a heavy Fisher 37 with full sail up). When
we got to the entrance there was a fairly bumpy ride - the
overfalls are quite disconcerting sight for the uninitiated as we
approached it at around 10 knots over the ground. I was amazed at
the pounding the Fisher took ahead as he bashed into the standing
waves, and for a split second or two thought of making a run south
for the inside of St Patricks rock which did look relatively calm
(after clearing Angus Rock first). However, I think we would have
ended up going sideways and wouldnt have made it - possibly would
have ended up on the rock. So, we just went through the overfalls
and bobbed out the other side. Quite a bumpy ride for a small boat
even in those conditions - very exhilirating at 7am in the morning
!.."
£ GMT
Waypoint
Charts
Rules & Regs
Hazards
Tides
Berthing
There are two available stop off points as one transits the narrows which, as we have said, is best done at slack tide or early in the flood. Considerable care must be taken when turning into either of these when the tide is running or you run the risk of being swept past on the tide.
Strangford Harbour on the SW side of the narrows is mainly for the ferry that crossed to Portaferry, but there are anchoring opportunities out of the tidal flow, a couple of moorings provided by a local pub, and the chance of coming alongside the New Quay for short periods.
There is a new pontoon here built on to the North side of the
pier which can take quite a few boats. Call at the Cuan Restaurant
to pay dues and get the access code for the pontoon. Their
telephone number is 028 4488 1222
Portaferry (NE side) offers a small marina with up to 50 visitors
berths with depths of up to 2.5m. Normal marina facilities, inc.
pontoon berths, water and electricity. There are also a couple of
visitors moorings, again provided by a local hotel. If berthing
here you need to be aware of the tide which pushes through here at
quite a rate; you will have come in on the flood so will need to
turn round to face into it to berth - it may even be too strong to
back into.
Full Details Portaferry
The marina charges (2021 are now £23 for up to 8 mtres and £25 for
a 10metre boat staying overnight.
Facilities
Boatyards & Boatyard Services
Smyths Boatyard
6 Ganaway Drive
Whiterock
Killinchy
Newtownards
BT23 6QD
What to Do
Yacht Clubs and Associations
Strangford Lough Yacht Club
Whiterock
Killinchy
Co Down
BT23 6QA
Kircubbin Sailing Club
106 Shore Road
Kircubbin
Newtownards
BT22 2RP
Quoile Yacht Club
21 Castle Island Road
Downpatrick
Co Down
BT30 7LD
Down Cruising Club
Clubship Petrel
52 Ballydorn Road
Killinchy
Killinchy
Co Down
BT23 6QA
Ringhaddy Cruising Club
Ringahaddy Road
Killinchy
Newtownards
BT23 6TU
History
Local Business
Rigging-and-Riggers
Irish Spars and Rigging
43b Station Road
Saintfield
Co Down
BT24 7DZ
Uncategorised
Strangford Lough Yacht Club
Whiterock
Killinchy
Co Down
BT23 6QA
Kircubbin Sailing Club
106 Shore Road
Kircubbin
Newtownards
BT22 2RP
Quoile Yacht Club
21 Castle Island Road
Downpatrick
Co Down
BT30 7LD
Down Cruising Club
Clubship Petrel
52 Ballydorn Road
Killinchy
Killinchy
Co Down
BT23 6QA
Ringhaddy Cruising Club
Ringahaddy Road
Killinchy
Newtownards
BT23 6TU
Smyths Boatyard
6 Ganaway Drive
Whiterock
Killinchy
Newtownards
BT23 6QD
Irish Spars and Rigging
43b Station Road
Saintfield
Co Down
BT24 7DZ
John McAleese Marine
11 Terryhoogan Road
Scarva Portadown
County Armagh
Ireland
BT63 6NF
New & Used Boat Sales.
Tide Information for strangford-portaferry-approach
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