The Irish sea is not a placid place quite the opposite it is fiery and moody in personality even in good weather. I can only shudder to imagine what it is like in heavy weather. Having tasted some nasty water, such as Lyon, Bonifaccio Straits, Messina, Biscay and so on this place scares me. The minute you pass northwards towards the Mordor-like cliffs of Holy Island in the south you enter a maze of contray confused currents, winds and tides. The water one minute is a boiling cauldron, rouge wave appearing illogically from nowhere, wind coming from one direction but not allowing you to sail that point of sail due to crazy tide. Everything in the book to make you as uncomfortable as possible. Can someone please help me understand this body of water?
Unlike the unwelcoming body of water surrounding the Isle of Man, its inhabitants are warm and extremely welcoming to incoming sailors. Friendly fishermen are only too pleased to allow you to tie up alongside on the harbour wall. A well run locked inner marina with a very helpful harbourmaster. A harbour with friendly grey seals, and even the numerous seagulls refrained from shitting all over Rumline. How polite is that! We watched the local lifeboat practice launching, very reassuring in their efficiency and skill.
Walking down the street we were whisked up by the Commodore of the local Peel sailing club who led us to his club house where we shared a beer and were welcomed by its members. Rumline was invited to participate in the Clubs regatta that weekend and the events. Lovely people.
We ate the most delicious local seafood, they smoke kippers, and drank a superb pint at The Creek. Later that evening we moved into the inner harbour which only opens 2 hours eitherside of High water and was once again helped by the friendly commodore, at midnight. We shared a glass of wine and slept peacefully and well.
Approach to Peel
Peel harbour
Lifeboat launch
Castle backdrop
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