Download Marina Handbook - Carrickfergus Borough Council

Carrickfergus
Marina Handbook
www.carrickfergus.org

All the comforts of home
Experience all the comforts of home at
Carrickfergus Marina - the combination of an
ambitious council, a vibrant and welcoming
community and the pursuit of excellence.
We believe that you deserve to experience all
the comforts of home whilst staying with us.
You are valued, so we do not merely want to
meet your needs, we want to go that extra
mile to exceed them with thoughtful details,
unprecedented customer care and
a welcoming smile.
We want to give you a new perspective. You
are our focus, the centre of all we do. As the
heart of our service, we believe you deserve
service from the heart.
As the sea of change pulls visitors in
many directions, we want you to always
be able to fi nd your way home to us at
Carrickfergus Marina.
TYHA
Gold Anchor
Award Scheme

Contents
Welcome to Carrickfergus Marina 4
Drop Anchor at Carrickfergus Marina 5
Find us at Carrickfergus Marina 6
Marina Guide to Facilities 7
Main Attractions 10
Getting Started 12
Develop in Our Conference Room 14
Sailing Directions: Carrickfergus Marina 16
Sailing Directions: Carrickfergus Harbour 18
3

Welcome to
Carrickfergus Marina
The feeling of home you get from our warm welcome at
Carrickfergus Marina is echoed in the exclusive amenities
provided for you in the impressive marina building. As your
customer service team, we are based on the ground fl oor
enabling us not only to enjoy the striking view but also to meet
and greet our customers and nurture those strong relationships
that we value so much.
Let us invite you to experience the quality that has
earned us the prestigious 5 gold anchor award,
RYA berth holders’ charter and European blue
fl ag status as well as our designation as an RYA
sailability centre. You will see that no detail is
overlooked in the exclusive berth holder facilities.
Our immaculately presented showers, personal
laundry service, bespoke marine services area
and superior meeting/conference facilities are
just some of the benefi ts we can offer you.
Your marina is well located in the hub of activity close
to a modern complex of accommodating eclectic
restaurants, hotels, children’s play facility, multiscreen
cinema, convenient superstore and a vibrant sailing
club. An inviting bar/restaurant overlooking the
marina is an ideal way to laze away a long summer
evening or enjoy a hot drink on a winter’s night.
Your customer service team will also be delighted
to provide information on other activities and places
of interest at the marina local information point.
We look forward to welcoming you home.
4

Drop Anchor at
Carrickfergus Marina
As the sea of change pulls visitors in
many directions, we want you to always
be able to fi nd your way home to us at
Carrickfergus Marina.
Experience all the comforts of home at
Carrickfergus Marina - the combination of
an ambitious council, a vibrant, welcoming
community and the pursuit of excellence.
We want to give you a new perspective. You
are our focus, the centre of all we do. At the
heart of our service, we believe you deserve
service from the heart.
We believe that you deserve to experience all
the comforts of home whilst staying with us.
You are valued, so we do not merely want to
meet your needs, we want to go that extra
mile to exceed them with thoughtful details,
unprecedented customer care and
a welcoming smile.
5

Find us at
Carrickfergus Marina
Situated on the North Shore of Belfast Lough, the Borough of
Carrickfergus extends from Greenisland in the south-west to
Whitehead in the east. The total area of the Borough is 31.67
square miles (8,203 hectares) with a population of approx 40,000.
Carnlough
A77
A2
A36
Larne
Portpatrick
Stranraer
A75
A8
Carrickfergus
Whitehead
North
Channel
Port
William
M1
M2
Belfast
Holywood
Bangor
A21
Donaghadee
Millisle
Strangford
Lough
Ballywalter
Portavogie
A8
Gleno Magheramorne
Beltoy
Ballynure
Ballycarry
Straid
Woodburn
Carrickfergus
Island
Magee
Whitehead
A2
A24 A7 Portaferry
Downpatrick
A25
Dundrum
Ardglass
A2
Greenisland
Whiteabbey
M2 M5
Cultra
Holywood
A2
Belfast Lough
Helen’s Bay
Crawfordsburn Bangor
A2
A21
6

Marina Guide
to Facilities
Carrickfergus Marina provides a range of professional
specialised and general services to contracted
berth-holders and visiting craft within a world class
setting on the northern shore of Belfast Lough.
Visiting craft are especially welcome to avail of the
quality services and facilities which exist entirely to
meet boat owner’s needs of safety, security and
convenience. Our friendly staff are always keen to
be of assistance and can be contacted throughout
the year, 24 hours daily, on V.H.F. channel 37 or M1.
Award Winning
Blue Flag
The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded
to around 3100 beaches and marinas in 35
countries across Europe, South Africa, New
Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean.
The Blue Flag works towards sustainable
development at beaches/marinas through strict
criteria dealing with water quality, environmental
education and information, environmental
management and other safety services.
The Blue Flag Campaign includes environmental
education and information for the public, decision
makers and tourism operators.
Carrickfergus Marina is proud to hold the Blue Flag
award and will re-apply for this in the oncoming year.
Gold Anchor
The Gold Anchor Award Scheme has been
established to improve the standards of facilities
available to all boat owners. Marina Operators who
are members of The Yacht Harbour Association
may enter the Scheme for assessment.
The level of the Award ranges from three to five
Gold Anchors. Any award is the sign of a quality
marina, whilst the number of anchors indicates the
level of the facilities available. The Scheme is purely
voluntary and is designed to bring the industry to
the forefront of boating and to encourage better
standards. Carrickfergus Marina is pleased to have
obtained a five Gold Anchor status since 2006.
Safety & Security
at Carrickfergus Marina
Security
Each bridgehead has a self locking gate; access
is via a personalised swipe card. Berth holders and
visitors are issued with a swipe card for access to
pontoons. There are security officer patrols at the
Marina during the night and CCTV is in operation
throughout the Marina Complex.
General Safety
Fire extinguishers are located at regular intervals
in large red boxes on the pontoons, as well as life
rings and first aid boxes. Please do not remove these
items as they may be needed in an emergency. Small
children should wear life jackets at all times.
7

Pontoon Safety: Adverse Weather
The pontoons can become very slippery when they
are wet or icy. The Berthing Master will make every
effort to grit the pontoons but caution should be
taken during icy conditions. High winds can cause
mobility problems and strong gusts can catch you
off guard. Customers are advised not to go on to
the pontoons in adverse weather conditions unless
absolutely necessary. Particular care should be
taken when negotiating the bridgehead ramps
and getting on or off boats.
First Aid
All duty offi cers at the Marina are fully trained
in First Aid and Basic Life Support. A Cardiac
Defi brillator is now on site at the Marina Offi ce and
a First Aid Room is also located on site. First Aid
boxes and life rings are located on the pontoons
at various points.
Depths
The information provided in relation to depths at
Carrickfergus Marina & Harbour is a guideline only.
It is the responsibility of skippers to satisfy themselves
as to the availability of depths for their vessel at any
particular time. Depths are checked and maintained
as part of the Annual Maintenance Schedule.
Services & Facilities
at Carrickfergus Marina
Refuse
Adequate waste facilities are available at the
service area adjacent to Marina Reception and also
at both bridgeheads. Available 24hrs daily. Waste
provisions are made according to the Port Waste
Management Plan. Waste is uplifted according to the
Waste Management Schedule. Facility for disposal
of waste oil is available at Marine Services area.
Trolleys
Trolleys are available from the service yard
located beside the Marina Reception. Trolleys
are regularly checked, cleaned and maintained.
Adequate numbers are available on pontoons and
Bridgeheads. Available 24hrs daily, free of charge.
V.H.F. Radio
Operated by trained staff to Royal Yachting
Association, Operator Licence standard.
Carrickfergus Marina listens on channels
37 or M1. Available 24hrs daily (except
during onshore power failures).
Telephones
Two public payphones are situated
at the Marina Building.
8

Water
Hoses and water supplies meet fresh water
standards. Hoses are fl ushed at least once per
week and are sited to supply drinking water to
all boats. Available 24hrs daily (except in freezing
conditions). Reasonable pressure exists at all
times. Water samples taken by Environmental
Health Department as required.
Electricity
Electricity is available to all berths, 24hrs daily
(except during trips/faults). The electricity supply is
controlled by a computerised metered system and
invoiced to berth holders on a quarterly basis. Casual
Electric is available on a daily charge for visitors.
Toilets & Showers
Full services are available in the exclusive Berth
Holders’ area. Facilities are regularly checked by
duty staff and cleaned daily. Facilities available
24hrs daily. Separate disabled shower/toilet
facilities are also available.
Laundry
A laundry service is available at Marina reception
during the hours of 8am-4pm. See Marina reception
for current prices.
Car Parking
A number of car parks are available for use within
the Marina Complex. 75 dedicated spaces are
located at the rear of the Marina Building and
are accessed via an electronic barrier (monitored
24hrs daily). 24 dedicated spaces are available
at the Marine Services Area, with 75 spaces also
available at the West Gate car park.
All car parks are checked and cleaned according to
the Annual Maintenance Schedule. All car-parking
areas are available 365 days per year, free of charge.
Weather information
A daily forecast is published and displayed at the
following points: Marina Reception, Marina East
and West Gates, Harbour Gate. Please note the
Marina Staff are happy to access associated web
sites and print relevant information if required.
Notice to Mariners Publication
Available for viewing at Marina Reception.
Available 24hrs daily.
Slipway
A slipway is available within the Harbour area and
can be used by arrangement through the Marina
Offi ce. All boats launched at owners’ risk. Access
2hrs +\- HW (dependent on draft). Owners must
have adequate insurance protection for their boats
and vehicles. The slipway is cleaned and maintained
as part of the Annual Maintenance Schedule.
9

Main Attractions
Carrickfergus is a town steeped
in history and boasts many
tourist attractions and sights
that you won’t want to miss!
Carrickfergus Castle
A striking feature of the landscape from land,
sea and air, Carrickfergus Castle greets
all visitors with its strength and menace. It
represents over 800 years of military might.
Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English
and French, the Castle saw action right up
to World War II. Today it is maintained by the
Northern Ireland Environment Agency and
can be enjoyed by visitors wanting to learn
more about its history or just looking for a
fun day out in a unique setting.
For opening hours and enquires:
Telephone 028 9335 1273
www.ni-environment.gov.uk
Museum and Civic Centre
History coming home...Carrickfergus Museum
interprets the long and distinguished history of
the town and surrounding district from earliest
times to the present day.
Material from the Council’s own civic collection,
together with Carrickfergus related material on
loan from both private and national collections
are on display.
There are several ‘hands on’ interactive facilities
giving a fun as well as an informative angle to
the displays.
The separate ‘community archive’ features 20th
century local and social history material, relating
to the Borough’s recent past.The archive also
gives visitors the opportunity to add their own
information, stories, photographs, documents
and newspapers to the collection.
For opening hours and enquiries:
Telephone 028 9335 8049
Email: touristinfo@carrickfergus.org
10

The Andrew Jackson Cottage
& US Rangers Centre
The Andrew Jackson Cottage highlights
Carrickfergus’ strong American and Ulster-
Scots connections as well as telling the story
of Andrew Jackson, 7th president of USA,
whose parents emigrated to America from
Carrickfergus in 1765. Located less than a
mile from the town centre off the Larne Road,
this single storey building has been restored
to its original state.
The cottage also has a collection of Ulster
patchwork quilts. Beside the Jackson
Cottage is an exhibition dedicated to the US
Rangers, the elite American army regiment.
Formed in 1942, the US Rangers were based
in Carrickfergus during World War II. The
exhibition has an enthralling collection of
uniforms, photographs, documents and other
material detailing this famed combat unit.
Open by appointment only.
For opening hours and enquiries:
Telephone 028 9335 8049
Email touristinfo@carrickfergus.org
Flame! The Gasworks
Museum of Ireland
Carrickfergus boasts Ireland’s sole surviving
coal gasworks and is one of only three left
in the British Isles. The original gasworks
opened in 1855 and supplied the town
with gas for over 100 years. It has now
been lovingly and faithfully restored by the
Carrickfergus Gasworks Preservation Society
and opened to the public.
Visit this unique museum and discover
how gas was made from coal and used for
light, heat and power. Take a nostalgic and
educational look at the extensive display
of original gas appliances.
Groups/school parties are especially
welcome to this survivor from a bygone age.
For opening hours and enquiries:
Telephone 028 9336 9575
Email info@fl amegasworks.co.uk
www.fl amegasworks.co.uk or
St. Nicholas’ Church
St. Nicholas’ Church was established on this site
in 1182 by the Anglo Norman, John de Courcy.
Symbolism and history are interwoven in
the church’s fabric, as illustrated by the
famed crooked aisle. This ‘skew’, as it is
known, was quite deliberately created to
represent the head of Christ on the Cross
falling to the right. There are many impressive
stained glass windows, notably the 16th
century Flemish “John the Baptist” window,
the unique style and colouring makes it a
constant focus for visitors. The Donegal/
Chichester aisle is dominated by the fi nest
Jacobean Memorial Monument in Ireland,
made on site by Italian craftsmen in alabaster
and marble in 1625. The bell tower was
erected by parishioners in memory of the
men of Carrickfergus who gave their lives
in the First World War.
Although St Nicholas’ is an old church, it is
a living Church and the gospel message is
proclaimed today as it has been for many years.
For tours or further information please
contact the Church Offi ce:
Telephone 028 9336 0061
11

Getting Started
Carrickfergus Marina is the
perfect location to get hooked
on sailing. Getting started
couldn’t be easier as we offer a
range of quality services on site
to cater to your sailing needs
and get you afl oat.
Marina Staff
Your friendly marina team are always on
hand and will be delighted to provide any
assistance or information you need.
Sailing Club
Since 1891 Carrickfergus Sailing Club
(previously Carrickfergus Amateur Rowing
Club, founded in 1866) has been an important
element in the sailing community. Offering
a varied programme of events, information,
training, racing and helpful advice.
Carrickfergus Sailing Club
Rodger’s Quay, Carrickfergus BT38 8BE
Telephone 028 9335 1402
Fax 028 9335 9302
Email: info@carrickfergussc.org
www.carrickfergussc.org
Sea Cadets
The sea cadets organise community
activities, social events and, vitally, educate
young people in the skills involved in sailing.
Belfast Lough Sailability
Its plain sailing by disabled people
Belfast Lough Sailability was established in
September 2001 and received charitable
status in May 2002. It is an accredited RYA
centre for Sailability.
Based at Carrickfergus Marina, Belfast
Lough Sailability has specially adapted boats
and equipment to enable people with all
ranges of abilities to enjoy and experience
the thrill of sailing.
Anyone interested in fi nding out more about
participating in or volunteering for Belfast
Lough Sailability, should visit
www.belfastloughsailability.org.uk
Email: info@belfastloughsailability.org.uk
or ring Bill Foster on 028 9087 8469
12

Ulster Sailing School
Ulster Sailing School offers a full range of
R.Y.A. courses to suit most peoples needs,
including ‘Sail Cruising’ courses, ‘Keel-Boat’
courses, ‘Seamanship & Navigation Theory’
courses or even an ‘R.Y.A. Specialised Short
Course’ such as the ‘VHF Radio Course.’
The friendly and experienced instructors
and skippers offer an extensive wealth of
knowledge. allowing everyone to enjoy their
time onboard and learn as much as possible,
in a comfortable and safe environment.
Its location in Carrickfergus, on the shores of
Belfast Lough, provides a vast array cruising
options, with picturesque coastal areas
around Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Isle
of Man, England and Wales to choose from.
Ulster Sailing School Training Centre & Shop
77A Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus BT38 8AT
Telephone/Fax 028 9332 6304
Mobile 078 03 901 364
Email: info@ulstercruising.com
www.ulstercruising.com
Sail Northern Ireland
Some people like to step on board and
simply relax while others like the challenge
of actually sailing. Whatever your age or
experience you will fi nd something in Sail
Northern Ireland’s programme to suit you.
Step on board ‘Kuta of Carrick’ a luxury
43 ft Elan Impression with exceptional
seaworthiness.
See Northern Ireland’s magnifi cent rugged
coastline, the world heritage Giant’s Causeway,
the fi shing villages, small towns, the Mountains
of Mourne, the Cooley Mountains, Belfast
Lough, Strangford Lough with its hundreds
of Islands and the ancient village of Carlingford,
all from the comfort of this luxury yacht.
Sail Northern Ireland
The Marina, Carrickfergus BT38 8BJ
Telephone 028 9335 1141 / 07809 155856
Email: info@sailnorthernireland.com
www.sailnorthernireland.com
Carrick Marine Projects
Carrick Marine Projects pride themselves on
delivering personal, bespoke services. They are
past masters at fi nding solutions to unsolvable
problems in the marine fi eld. There is more
than a customer/contractor relationship, once
you specify your requirements and agree
instructions, they focus on delivering a friendly
effi cient and reliable service.
The following are the services available from
Carrick Marine Projects:
• Boat lifting and hardstanding
• Cradle hire
• Cradle and trailer fabrication and welding
• Boat maintenance and cleaning
• Complete upholstery and canvas
work service
• Brokerage
• Finance
• Sail repairs
• Diesel fuel service
• Surveys
Carrick Marine Projects
Alexandra Pier, The Harbour
Carrickfergus, Co Antrim BT38 8BE
Telephone 028 9335 5884
Email: rory@carrickmarina.com
13

Develop in our
Conference Room
Overlooking the tranquil
setting of the marina at the
very heart of Carrickfergus,
the conference room at
the Marina Building is a
creative space that adapts
to your needs.
Business meetings have the space to grow
in creativity, explore new ideas and become
innovative in the inspiring waterfront scenery.
We have a wide range of excellent facilities
to help make your event more enjoyable.
From practical and functional to the indulgent
and individual we aim to make your event
memorable with a range of facilities to suit
your delegates and guests. Our dedicated
marina staff can arrange every last detail
and be on hand during the day.
The conference room is perfect for a
wide range of business and social events,
conferences, meetings, seminars.
14

• Business workshops
• Weddings
• Product launches
• Social functions
• Exhibitions
• Private functions
• Staff training
• Press events
Let us organise your catering needs with a
high standard of food and service ensured
as attention is given to detail and quality of
service. Private secure parking available.
Style Capacity Additional
Boardroom 20 at table+ 6 peripherals
Theatre 40 seated 10 standing
Free standing 50
The combination of superior accommodation
with multi-type layout makes the venue ideal
for your individual needs.
For further information and a bespoke
quotation for your needs please contact
the Duty Officer on 028 9336 6666.
The room is equipped with integral projection
screen and lectern with full range of audiovisual
equipment available to hire.
15

Sailing Directions
Carrickfergus Marina
LAT: 54° 42’. 63 N
LONG: 5° 48’. 70 W
Carrickfergus Marina HW as Dover, Rise 2.9m
(9’6”) SP: 1.8m (6’) NP: is situated on the
Northern shore of Belfast Lough 330 metres
to the west of Carrickfergus Harbour. It is a
purpose built Marina basin to accommodate
320 boats in pontoon berths behind rubble
stone breakwaters. The basin is dredged to
give depths of up to 2.3 metres (7’6”) at L.W.S.
The entrance to the Marina is situated at the
Eastern end of the basin and is open to the
South West. The ends of the two breakwaters
are marked with red and green beacons
showing Qk. Fl. R 7M 3m and G 8m 3M.
Red not showing from 245° to 305°.
Marina Entrance Approach Light
The entrance approach light is located
approximately 30m to port of the red navigation
beacon on the west breakwater. The light is a
PAL 100 Navigation Sector Light with a total
beam width of 24° sectored as follows:
9.5° Red, 5° White, 9.5° Green.
The light defines the centre approach line
to the entrance.
All visitors to Carrickfergus Harbour and Marina
should contact the Carrickfergus Marina Office
on VHF channels 37; M1; or by land line on
028 9336 6666 for berth allocation.
The information provided in relation to depths
at Carrickfergus Marina and Harbour are
guidelines only. As the facilities are situated
on the Carrickfergus Sandbank, depths
may reduce as a result of siltation. It is
the responsibility of the skipper to satisfy
themselves as to the availability of depths
for their vessel at any particular time.
It is our aim to provide an efficient and courteous
service to our customers to ensure a pleasant
stay at our 5 gold anchor award winning marina.
In the purpose built 320 fully serviced berths
at Carrickfergus Marina and Harbour basins,
both behind rubble stone breakwaters,
6m - 12m bespoke pontoon berths are
available to accommodate your stay.
16

Legge Park
McDonalds
Supermarket
Multiplex
Cinema
Apartments
Pub
Apartments
Apartments
B
D
C
A
Offices
F
E
H
J
G
I
L
N
K
M
Sailing Club
Carrickfergus Marina
Pontoon A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
Numbers 1-33 1-29 1-31 1-27 1-31 1-21 1-22 1-19 1-18 1-19 1-18 1-17 1-16 1-15
Please note: Pontoons are numbered from the central walkway
17

Sailing Directions
Carrickfergus Harbour
LAT: 54° 42’. 63 N
LONG: 5° 48’. 30 W
Carrickfergus Harbour HW as Dover, Rise
2.9m (9’6”) SP: 1.8m (6’) NP: is situated on
the Northern shore of Belfast Lough to the
west of Carrickfergus Castle.
The Marine Services facilities are located
on the southern end of the west pier as is a
purpose-built Marina basin accommodating
10 boats in pontoon berths behind rubble
stone breakwaters. This basin is partly
dredged to give depths of up to 2.9 metres
(9’6”) at L.W.S. Carrickfergus Harbour also
has an inner harbour area accommodating
up to 36 boats and a public slipway that is
accessible 2 hours either side of high water.
The entrance to the Harbour is open to the
South and is dredged to 2.3 metres (7’6”)
at L.W.S. The ends of the east and west
piers are marked with red and green
beacons showing Fl. G 7.5s 5m 4M
and R 7.5s 5m 4M.
Navigational marks are located within
the Harbour defining the approach to the
harbour basin. Pass between two navigation
perches marking the toe of the internal
breakwater and revetment. Turn to port to
approach pontoons and marine services
site leaving the second breakwater perch to
port. Note presence of isolated tubular piles
in central harbour area. Leave these piles
to port on approach to harbour slipway and
inner harbour berths.
18

Supermarket
Harbour Car
Park
Carrickfergus
Castle
Inner Harbour
Bar
Visitor
Pontoon
Hotel
Optimist
Pontoon
Carrickfergus
Harbour
Sea
Cadets
Tall Ship Berth
Marine
Services
19

Carrickfergus Marina
3 Quayside
Carrickfergus
BT38 8BJ
Telephone 028 9336 6666
Fax 028 9335 0505
Email: marinarec@carrickfergus.org
www.carrickfergus.org