Swirling Tides Into Strangford Lough

Yesterday we sailed along the coast in a fresh southerly breeze and bright sunshine from Ardglass to Strangford Lough.  This is a large inland sea, surrounded by gentle countryside, that has numerous shallows and small islands throughout its 12 nautical mile length.  It also has a deep and long narrow entrance that is noted for its exceptionally strong tides that can flow at 7.8 knots at springs.  As our boat speed rarely exceeds this, we must have the tide with us or we will sail backwards!



Passing the hydro-electric water turbine, mid-stream in the Strangford Narrows with 6.9 knots of tide

The water twisted and turned as it rushed to avoid underwater rocks in the Narrows, causing strange wave patterns and overfalls on the water surface.  The boat was pushed off course by the powerful water and you could see this would not be a good place to be in strong winds blowing contrary to the flow of water.


After transiting the Narrows, we travelled up the lough to moor alongside the pontoon at the Down Cruising Club and their clubhouse, an old Lightship named "Petrel".
An easy sail today and the weather definitely seems warmer - only 2 jumpers and not 3 :)



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