Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

How to get in?

The ‘Routes: Malin Head to Strangford Lough Coastal description’ provides approach information to the suggested initial fix. Vessels approaching from the west should select the eastbound sequenced description; vessels approaching from the east should select the westbound sequence; northern approaches may use either description.

The Portrush initial fix resides on the ‘Storks Beacon’ line of bearing and may be a helpful guide for an easterly approach through the Sound, or northerly approach outside.

Portrush Harbour is entered between the heads of North Pier and South Pier on each of which stands a light. The North Pier: Fl R 3s 6m 3M visible 220°-160° and the South Pier: Fl G 3s 6m £M and is visible 220°-100°.

North Pierhead – light Fl R 3s 6m 3M position: 55° 12.337’N, 006° 39.580’W

Leading lights are sometimes available flashing red on red triangles 028° but these are normally only switched on for lifeboat use. The harbour is well lit but those planning a night entry will find it difficult to pick out the navigation lights from the town lights behind.

The eddies in Portrush Bay make the harbour difficult to approach in light winds by sail. Only the first quarter of the ebb sets from Ramore Head towards the harbour. After this, for the remainder of the ebb and the whole of the flood, an eddy commences running from the harbour out along the rocks to the north. Furthermore the winds in the harbour entrance are known to be fluky. So be prepared to power from Ramore Head into the harbour.

Care is required in the final approach to the harbour entrance itself. The north pier should be given a wide berth as a sunken breakwater, with 0.6 metres of cover, runs out about 20 metres to the southwest from the pier. Also in robust conditions a ground swell runs across the entrance. Anything onshore above a force four of five and the harbour should be avoided altogether. In all cases, once the entrance has been identified, come south until it is well open before turning northeast to track into the harbour.

Once through the entrance berth take a central route up through the harbour and come alongside the 183 metres long north quay, with depths of 2.7 metres alongside. A slightly uncomfortable swell will be felt in westerly conditions and when these are prevalent the best berths are further along the wall. Once the vessel is secured seek directions from harbour office. A temporary overnight stay is possible upon a pontoon berth at the east end of the north quay, with depths of 3 to 5 metres, but this must be vacated in the morning. Vacant moorings may also be available by arrangement with the harbour master.

What are the tides here?

Today's local tide estimates are based on High Water Belfast -0415
Today's Belfast tides — High water: 11:48, Low waters: 05:37, 17:49
Today's Dover tides — High water: 11:41, Low waters: 06:54, 19:17 (From Tide Times)
We are now approaching the next tidal event that will be Springs, need more detailed tidal planning information?

High Water Dover -0440. Belfast -0433
MHWS 1.9m MHWN 1.4m MLWN 0.8m MLWS 0.4m

Direction of stream (approximates);
Skerries Dover: -0345 east going, HW west going, at 3-3.5 knots.
Off Portstewart Point: Dover -0400 east by south, +0100 West by south, at 1.25 knots.

At the Skerries the ebb stream or west going stream sets fair through the anchorage and sound to the westward, attaining a velocity of 3 to 3.5 knots in the constricted passage between Ramore head and the Carr rocks. Eastbound vessels should make note that the flood stream sets from Ramore head towards Carr Rock. However it turns east in about mid channel in the sound when it sets fair. In heavy weather an unpleasant seaway will be found in the sound that is best avoided.

What facilities are available?

The pontoon offers water, fuel and arrangements can be made to dispose of waste from on-board waste tanks. Fresh provisions including gas and a launderette can be obtained from the sizable town servicing a population of about 6,500 that expands exponentially during the summer. Portrush Yacht Club has showers and resides in a modern building adjacent to the Harbour Office on the quay. Visitors will find its members very welcoming. A slip plus a good beach for scrubbing can be found inside the harbour.

Portrush is a busy and friendly holiday town with all the pubs good restaurants, wine bars and cafe resources you would expect. Its railway station is the last stop on the Coleraine-Portrush line, where travellers can connect with trains to Derry, Belfast and beyond. Translink run a regular bus and train service to and from Portrush. Nearest airport at Aldergrove 77 km.

What emergency contacts are there?

Belfast Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC). Operational Area: Northern Ireland/ Irish Republic Border, Lough Foyle to Northern/Irish Republic Border Carlingford Lough. Belfast Coastguard (MRSC) VHF Ch 16, liaises closely with IRCG. Emergencies are worked on 16, 67 and working channel.

Alternatively, or if ashore, phone 999 and 112 and ask for ‘Marine Rescue’. Police, Fire and Rescue are also available on this number. Belfast (MRSC) may be contacted directly on +44 2891 463 933. Portrush is an auxiliary station with an all weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat (summer only) stationed in the harbour. There is also a coastguard lookout upon Ramore Head. HM Coastguard Sector Office +44 28 70 823356 has a remote aerial connected to Bangor CG VHF Ch. 16 and 67.

Other useful contacts in this area
Portrush Harbour Master: Angus Barry, VHF Ch. 14, M +44 7889 081860, email Angus.Barry@Colerainebc.gov.uk
Portrush Yacht Club: P +44 28 70 823932, click here for their web site.
Police P +44 28 7083 44122
Doctor P +44 28 7082 3767
Hospital P +44 28 7034 4177

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel in Portrush. However this is a seaside resort that gets particularly busy in season. The below user comment should be considered before planning a visit.

What navigational resources are available for this area?

British Admiralty 2798 ‘Lough Foyle to Sanda Island including Rathlin Island’ scale of 200,000:1 plus 2494 ‘Ireland-North Coast, Plans on the North Coast of Ireland’. Imray chart C64 ‘Belfast Lough to Crinan and Islay’ plus Northern Ireland Ordinance Survey No. 5 and No. 4 at a scale of 1:50,000 for inland details. OpenStreetMap provides local maps that include relief details plus walking and cycle routes for this locality.

With thanks to:

Terry Crawford, local boatman of many decades.

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