Sailing Directions for Skerries Islands and the Harbour

Tidal Information

The main tidal stream in the Irish Sea runs in a north-south direction, rising in a northwards direction and emptying to the South. However local tidal streams are affected by the bay, by the islands and by headlands. A stronger stream runs to the north and south near and through the sounds between Red Island, Patrick and Colt Islands and this is particularly noticeable up to the area of the flashing red beacon to the north of the pier and which marks the termination of a large underwater reef.

Races are always run well to the North of the Pier where the tidal flow is more even.

Hazards

Visitors unfamiliar with the area or without detailed charts (eg Admiralty Chart 633, Plans on the East Coast of Ireland) are advised to sail outside all of the Islands (except Rockabill) until they become more familiar with local hazards. (See also East and North Coasts of Ireland, Sailing Directions, Irish Cruising Club, pp 37,38,39.)

The area from Red Island headland to Shenick Island is quite shallow and the southern sector dries out completely at low Spring tides. Passages can be made between Colt Island and Red Island headland in small craft at high tide but the current can be strong as the tide turns. The sound between Patrick's and Colt Island is deeper but care should still be taken as there are some offlying hazards, especially to the south, and the island coastlines are not steep-to. At some stages of the tide this sound may be uncomfortable due to the presence of overfalls.

(Click here for ariel photo of Skerries Harbour)

Visitors entering the harbour should always stay to seaward or the east of the Red Flashing beacon which marks the termination of an underwater reef running to the northwest of Red Island. Never attempt to pass between this beacon and Red Island. A safe transit which offers a comfortable margin for error is to remain to the east of a line between the beacon and the pierhead. Smaller craft may safely approach the Back Slipway by taking a transit along its length. However, the cove off the back slip becomes very shallow at low tide and is not a suitable overnight anchorage for keelboats. Visitors are requested not to block this slipway for any length of time as it is used to launch the Skerries Inshore Lifeboat.

Skerries Harbour from the pier. Skerries Sailing Club is on the extreme right. 

Moorings, Tying Alongside A number of moorings are available for visitors who should ask the Club Boatman for instructions. The Boatman is on duty from 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm weekdays May to September and from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm at Weekends. A radio watch is kept on Channel 72 while he is on duty. Vesels seeking anchorages should lie off to the North West of the pier. Note that the inner harnour dries completely. Visiting craft may come alongside the pier to land and unload crew, provisions and take on water and fuel and may tie alongside trawlers for this purpose provided the usual warping and fendering etiquette is observed. You are reminded, however, that this is a working pier and trawlers come and go at all times.

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