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For the second weekend in a row Newry Ship Canal saw a number of boats sail up it and moor at the Albert Basin in the centre of the city. Last weekend it was Carlingford Marina and this time around it was the Cruising Association of Ireland and 9 of their boats that entered the waterway via Victoria Lock yesterday, 3 August. Again most of the boats that travelled up yesterday would be unable to make the trip should the proposed Southern Relief Road bridge be built.
It was the first trip on the waterway for the association and they are already looking forward to 2025. Four of the craft are heading back to Carlingford Lough today while the rest will be leaving tomorrow morning, 5 August, aiming to reach Victoria Lock by 11am.
John Murphy from the Cruising Association of Ireland said "The whole area is lovely especially the trip up the canal. Such an underused amenity … with a bit of imagination and investment Newry's potential as a sailing and boating destination could easily be promoted."
The group plan to return next year with a larger team. Murphy concluded "This is our first visit. We will be here next year with more boats. Carlingford first stop then up to Newry. There is potential for a marina in the basin, a small shower block, power for the boats (water already there) and it would be very practical destination."
Check out more about the Association at www.cruising.ie
