Write a comment
Carlingford Cruising Week starts today with an incredible variety of events distributed throughout the Carlinford Lough Area. Undoubtedly the most exciting part of the festival for Newry people is the event billed as "A night in the Albert Basin'. That event takes place this Tuesday 1 August, and participating boats and yachts will set a course for Newry between 10am and 2pm sailing up the Clanrye River, through Victoria Lock, and right into the heart of the City for an overnight stop in the historic Albert Basin.
Describing the journey the programme says "This leg of the journey is quite surreal for us mariners – to be sailing so close to the mountains that you can smell the trees in the forests and listen to the birds singing. Vioctoria Lock will be wide open for us to pass through on the Spring Tide, continuing in even more bewildering environments with cars and road traffic on our beam to one side of the canal, and pedestrians and cyclists to the other. Make sure you wave to those who come to greet us on The Newry Canal Greenway, which runs along the outer bank of the canal and along the Clanrye."
There are so many incredible events spaced throughout the week. From racing to climbing Slieve Foye to a session in Rostrevor Bay. It's wonderful to see Carlingford Lough showcased in such a fun way.
For a full list of the events check out below
Saturday 29th of July - Feeder Races / Welcoming Flotilla
Participating boats will arrive to Carlingford Lough on this day and make their way to Carlingford Marina to be issued with their event lanyards for each crew member and event flags for their boats.
Carlingford Lough Boats will be invited to gather at entrance of the Lough and welcome the visiting yachts as they arrive. All will return to Carlingford Marina for drinks.
Sunday 30th of July - The Great Mackerel Cook Up
Take your crew to the mouth of the Lough to catch your dinner. When you get back to the Marina, a team of Chefs will be stationed, ready to cook your fish on the barbeque. RockSalt Café will be serving food for those among you who prove to be lacking in these basic hunter gatherer skills, or indeed for those of you who “bring the wrong bait”.
Boats Leave Carlingford Marina at 2pm. Return to Carlingford Marina for 6pm. BBQ from 6pm.
Monday 31st of July - A Taste of Carlingford Lough
Try out those lanyards! Special menus are available in local pubs and restaurants for participants of the Carlingford Cruising Week. Present your lanyards for discounts. A full list of participating bars and restaurants will be given to you in your event pack when you first arrive at the Marina. There will be live music in PJ O’Hares this evening for anyone who wants to stay in town afterwards for a few drinks.
Tuesday 1st of August - A Night in the Albert Basin
Boats will set a course for the inner reaches of Carlingford Lough, navigate along the Clanrye River and up the Newry Canal. This is one of the most beautiful passages a sea going boat can make.
The journey begins as you head NorthWest from Carlingford Marina, in the shadow of Slieve Foy, past the villages of Omeath on the Southern shore, and Warrenpoint on the North. As you sail past the vastly impressive ships berthed at the industrial hub of Warrenpoint Port, you suddenly find yourself in a hushed and tranquil embrace of green fields and grassy marshes. It’s a scene that hasn’t changed much since the Narrow Water Castle was built on this riverbank in the 16th Century.
Wednesday 2nd of August - On The Hook in Rostrevor Bay
After a quick breakfast in Newry, boats will head back down the Newry Canal, out into the Lough, and drop anchor in Rostrevor Bay. This will be a nice relaxing evening for all, with nothing to do except bathe in the light of the full moon, in the sheltered embrace of the Mountains of Mourne.
In the afternoon, some boats may choose to launch their tenders and go ashore at the Town Dock in Warrenpoint for food and drinks. A special menu will be available for Carlingford Cruising Week participants in the Whistledown Hotel.
Back on the water that evening, there will be a floating stage where a local band will play some old favourite Irish ballads and encourage us all to sing along from the comfort of our own boats.
Thursday 3rd of August - An Anam Tour to the top of Slieve Foy
Boats will pick up anchor and head back to Carlingford Marina. At this point, you should grab some lunch and freshen up - because at 2pm, Clodagh McKevitt of Anam Tours will be leading us up the mountain to view Carlingford Lough from above. The hike will take in Slieve Foy and the legendary “Maebh’s Gap”, where Queen Maebh marched her army over the mountains and attempted to rob the Brown Bull of Cooley! They all died, but we should be fine - Clodagh is mates with Cu Chulain.
Friday 4th of August - Size Up The Competition
Skippers and crews competing in the Moneley Oyster Pearl races will get a chance to meet each other in RockSalt Café and Bar at Carlingford Marina. This will be a chance for competitors to come together, look over the weather for the races, and share tips and local knowledge with each other. Or, it could be an evening of trash talk and mind games. Either way, there will be finger food
Saturday 5th of August - First Day of Racing, Moneley Oyster Pearl
The first day of racing for the Moneley Oyster Pearl Cruiser Race and the Dingy Moneley Oyster Pearl will be raced for on this day. Carlingford Lough Yacht Club will organise the racing for cruisers and Carlingford Sailing Club will organise the racing for dinghies.
There will likely be three races for each fleet – depending on weather. The race briefing will happen at Carlingford Marina that morning, information to be provided closer to the day.
Sunday 6th of August - Second Day of Racing, Moneley Oyster Pearl
The first day of racing for the Moneley Oyster Pearl Cruiser Race and the Dingy Moneley Oyster Pearl will be raced for on this day. Carlingford Lough Yacht Club will organise the racing for cruisers and Carlingford Sailing Club will organise the racing for dinghies.
There will likely be three races for each fleet – depending on weather. The race briefing will happen at Carlingford Marina that morning, information to be provided closer to the day.
Don’t forget your costumes and flags! The Best Dressed Boat Competition happens straight after the last race!
Sunday 6th of August - The Best Dressed Boat Competition
This is a fancy dress competition for Boats and Crew, and will be a great spectacle for the people of Carlingford as we do a lap of Carlingford Harbour in our Sunday best (or worst). Members of the public will line the Pier Walls and vote for their favourite boat using a very technical piece of equipment called a “clapometer”.
There will be a band and an MC stationed on the pier wall that will announce each boat as it is directed into the harbour. Once there - you will make your way to the performance marker where you will have 30 seconds to make a real impression on the crowd and rake in those votes.
The better the effort, the better you will do. Fly every stich of bunting you have, and raise fairly lights up the halliards if you have them. The serious competitors among you will decide a theme for your boat and dress to impress!
Sunday 6th of August - The Prize Giving Ceremony
The Prize Giving Ceremony will take place at RockSalt, Carlingford Marina on Sunday Evening. Speeches will be given by sponsors of The Moneley Oyster Pearl, the Commodore of Carlingford Sailing Club and the Commodore of Carlingford Lough Yacht Club. Prizes will be presented by Pamela Moneley.
Monday 7th of August - Farewell to Foreign Sailors
RockSalt will be open for breakfast where Visiting Boats can grab a quick bite, then prepare to leave Carlingford and return home. Local sailors will be there to wish them well and help them to cast off.
