On a gorgeous June early morning, ZIG ZAG left Warrenpoint behind and headed across Dundalk Bay to Port Oriel. Not one boat was about, but half a dozen were moored at semi-permanent places on Warrenpoint pontoon. It was a bit rough, with a wind of Force 2, occasionally. Tighten the ropes - a force 3 is forecast later in the week.
Dawn...and who is that in the hat, bottom left ???
Carlingford on the starboard quarter.....
Twiggy tidying the loose ropes...
..and now for a sleep...
Damian taking ZIG ZAG into Port Oriel.
....safely berthed in the drying inner harbour...is that a belly safely parked ??
...awaiting the flood tide to leave...we decided to do a night sail...as recommended by the RYA to gain valuable sailing experience. We left shortly before dark and GPS buoy hopped through a magnificent, moonlight night, across Dundalk Bay. We were, accompanied by the stars of the 'Summer Triangle', Deneb, Vega and Altair in their full glory, occasional shooting stars, Jupiter in the WNW and Mars in the NE and a stunning, blood red, moon rise at 23.35 am.
We heard Dublin coastguard call up yacht 'Pembroke Dawn' at 1.00 am, having grounded on a sandbank entering Malahide channel, on a journey over from Milford Haven. Thankfully all ended well.
We picked out the buoys as we went, via their flashing characterstics on the charts...Dunany Point...Imogene ...the Hellyhunter and the Hawlbowline lighthouse. The two leading lights at Greencastle are unbelievably bright, and the Greenore light needs a wattage downgrade or an ASBO.
Entering Carlingford Lough against a strong, spring mid-ebb tide at 2.45 am, we witnessed a magnificent emerging dawn in the east...WOW...and safely berthed back in Warrenpoint at 4.45 am.
....Twiggy resting on ZIG ZAG in Port Oriel inner harbour
Port Oriel harbour from the air
Port Oriel inner harbour...perfect for a 'bilge keeler' to dry out..
Good berthing in the inner harbour, dries out at Low Water.
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