Fog

We left Carlingford Marina around 13.00 on Tuesday, heading towards Ardglass.

It was pretty misty in the Lough, but by the time we reached Hellyhunter Rock cardinal mark the viz was down to 75 m. and we were pleased we had all the electronic aids, plotter, radar and A.I.S. as well as a working depth gauge.

We kept a couple of cables off the shore, which is clean (no outlying rocks) and after trying the sails for an hour, resorted to motoring as the wind was about 3 knots.

Two hours out of Ardglass the fog lifted and we were able to sail the last eight miles as the wind had kicked in and the sun came out.

The entrance to Ardglass marina is very tight, especially at low tide, and Gail did well keeping her cool and putting us into the berth with no trouble. The marina is quite small, but quite a few boats came in as it has 24/24 access and is a convenient place to wait for the tide.

The next day we were hoping to move on, but with thick fog again in the morning waited until Thursday, whick dawned bright and sunny. We hoisted sail as soon as we exited the marina, but the wind didn't come and we motored all the way to Bangor over a glassy sea, cutting through Donaghadee Sound at the entrance to Belfast Lough. Bangor marina is large, with good facilities and easy access for once.

Last night we ate at the Boathouse, who's chef won "The Best Chef In Ulster" award, so an excellent meal washed down with plenty of wine after "Dark and Stormy" cocktails. Basically Rum and Ginger.

Off to Belfast for sight seeing next. Hoping to use the bus passes again as we are back in the U.K.

Photos show a Victorian bathing hut in Ardglass, with the marina entrance just visable on the left, and me banking in Bangor.