Sailing and Harbours on the Isle of Man
Manx harbours are operated and administered by the Department of Transport, Isle of Man Government and the lighthouses are maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board, based in Edinburgh. Besides the four main harbours mentioned below, there are good anchorages at Castletown and Derbyhaven in the south east, Laxey Bay in the east, and Port Erin in the south west. Most of the harbours are on the east coast, although, a visit to the west coast with its contrasting scenery is worthwhile.
Douglas: Shelter: good expect in the NE to S'ly winds. Heavy seas run in during NE gales. Beware of commercial traffic
Ramsey: Shelter: good expect in NE winds. Harbour dries. Beware commercial traffic movements
Peel: Shelter: good except in strong NW to NE winds when entry should not be attempted
Port St Mary: Shelter: good except in strong E/SE winds. Inner harbour dries.
Other Harbours include: Castletown, Port Erin, Laxey and Derbyhaven, (a quiet bay with detached breakwater behind which craft can dry out.) Only Douglas is manned 24hrs and urgent enquiries can be passed to Douglas Harbour Control.
TRADITIONAL BOAT WEEKEND
The annual Traditional Boat Festival is held in Peel over a weekend in mid June. Boats come from all over the Irish Sea and beyond. In 1996 the largest active wooden sailing ship in the world - the replica of HMS ROSE attended from America. Galway hookers, a Brixham trawler, a Bristol Channel pilot cutter, Mersey nobbies, Morecambe Bay prawners, Peel nobbies, and a Ramsey longliner, nestle beneath Peel Castle alongside traditional yachts from Britain's most famous yards and designers. This is also a weekend where Peel's maritime history is recalled in displays and when Manx dance and music plays a prominent role. Contact Mike Clarke, Pankina, Croit-e-Quill Road, Lonan, Isle of Man IM4 7JG. Tel +44 (0)1624 861127 Fax +44 (0)1624 862443.
MAKING THE MOST OF THE SEA
There is a tremendous variety of sailing from the Isle of Man - suitable for both experienced sailors and the novice, from the comparative calm of Douglas and Ramsey bays, to the rugged coastlines of the north and south of the Island. Whether its leisurely cruising or exhilarating racing, the Island is an ideal location. In addition, dinghy racing is becoming extremely popular, with regular races held on Sundays during the winter at Baldwin reservoir. The Round the Island Yacht Race is a major event in the Island's sailing calendar, but throughout the year there is a wide variety of races and trials to test sailing skills.
Set in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Island is very much a 'staging post' for visiting yachtsman from Ireland, the north-west coast of Engalnd, Wales, or south-west Scotland. There is a keen sailing fraternity in the Island with six sailing clubs, and a number of picturesque harbours, including Douglas, Ramsey, Peel, Laxey, Port St Mary, Port Erin and Castletown.
PTGH wish to thank Visit Isle of Man for their help in providing the above information. 10/03/08
