ETD 0630, CTS South, 73nm
An 0630 start saw us silently, so as not to disturb in close quarters, spring out the stern from the mooring for a clear reverse in higher tide and uneventful conditions. Rathay Sound was a different place although the tide swell could be felt going SE in a good tide (GPS pic). I'm glad we had a change of course as it would have been very rough at the narrows yesterday. The GPS pic also shows the pink TSS turning around the N of Rathay.
The basalt cliffs on the NW point of the mainland were dramatic as we turned south to pass Belfast and head for Strangford Lough.
In the approaches the water roughed, a black dorsal fin emerged and slowly waved through the water, then another. Engine off and we hovered with the
Basking Sharks for 15 mins. But dally we could not because Strangford Lough has a notorious narrow channel for 7 miles with hazards; rocks, whirlpools and tidal generators! This race was ending its ebb when we entered and we started to feel the tide against us whilst manoeuvring the transits and bearings. We took 4kts of tide, but could progress with ou 50hp diesel. I was on the helm and felt the kick of only a small whirl knock my my steerage.
Along the narrows Strangford with Portaferry are attractive towns and the countryside is very lush and undulating; much like Devon. The expansive lough opens up with many islets. We found a peaceful anchorage next to Chapel Island and settled for the evening at 1710.
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