Petrel Lightvessel
Encyclopedia
The Petrel lightvessel currently moors in Strangford Lough
, Northern Ireland
, at Ballydorn.
say 1913/15 - so we hope this is nearly true.
1968 withdrawn from service. In 1968 an exciting opportunity arose when Bob Clain's (Commodore of the Down Cruising Club from 1969/70) father-in-law spotted an advertisement for the sale by tender of an Irish Lights lightship, the Petrel
(all the Irish light vessels were named after sea birds at that time). A group of members, led by Dermott McConnell, having quickly gathered up donations and interest free loans from Club members, set off poste-haste to Dún Laoghaire
and were so impressed with Petrel's condition that a tender of £1800 was submitted. Unfortunately this tender was too low and the lighthsip was sold to Hammond Lane Foundries, Dublin for £1999.50. However when the Commissioners of Irish Lights realised that this historic iron ship, which was of traditional revitted and caulked construction and built by skilled craftsmen in Dublin, might be preserved they gave all possible assistance to negotiate a deal between Hammond Lane and Down Cruising Club. As a result Hammond Lane sold Petrel to the Down Cruising Club for a profit of £50. Over the years the lightship has been modified and fitted out generally by voluntary labour with most of the usual modern conveniences. Mains water, electricity, telephone, central heating, VHF radio, fuel and water facilities have all been provided. Today she is the Club House of the Down Cruising Club at Ballydorn, County Down
in Northern Ireland and she is also a very comfortable port of call for many local and overseas visitors.
Other points of Note
Probably unique to this club house is its fully licensed bar, having the confines of the vessels shape ( the bowed nature of the deck ), when ordering a pint (or two) it is like walking up hill. It takes a bit of practise not to spill any. The bar stools at the bar have been modified, having two shorter front legs.
Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough, sometimes Strangford Loch, is a large sea loch or inlet in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is separated from the Irish Sea by the Ards Peninsula. The name Strangford is derived ; describing the fast-flowing narrows at its mouth...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, at Ballydorn.
History
The year of construction is not clear - some records say 1911, others 1917 - the reason for this discrepancy is unclear. The records of The Commissioners of Irish LightsCommissioners of Irish Lights
The Commissioners of Irish Lights is the body that serves as the lighthouse authority for Ireland plus its adjacent seas and islands...
say 1913/15 - so we hope this is nearly true.
Ship data
- Length over deck: 112 feet (ca. 34 m)
- Beam: 22,5 feet (ca. 6,85 m)
- Draft: 9 feet (ca. 2,75 m)
- Authority: Commissioners of Irish Lights
- Builder: Dublin Dockyard
- Year of construction: 1913/15
- Costs: 10,310 Pounds
- Elevation: 50 feet (ca. 15 m)
- Engine: no
- Material: Steel
1968 withdrawn from service. In 1968 an exciting opportunity arose when Bob Clain's (Commodore of the Down Cruising Club from 1969/70) father-in-law spotted an advertisement for the sale by tender of an Irish Lights lightship, the Petrel
Petrel
Petrels are tube-nosed seabirds in the bird order Procellariiformes. The common name does not indicate relationship beyond that point, as "petrels" occur in three of the four families within that group...
(all the Irish light vessels were named after sea birds at that time). A group of members, led by Dermott McConnell, having quickly gathered up donations and interest free loans from Club members, set off poste-haste to Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire or Dún Laoire , sometimes anglicised as "Dunleary" , is a suburban seaside town in County Dublin, Ireland, about twelve kilometres south of Dublin city centre. It is the county town of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County and a major port of entry from Great Britain...
and were so impressed with Petrel's condition that a tender of £1800 was submitted. Unfortunately this tender was too low and the lighthsip was sold to Hammond Lane Foundries, Dublin for £1999.50. However when the Commissioners of Irish Lights realised that this historic iron ship, which was of traditional revitted and caulked construction and built by skilled craftsmen in Dublin, might be preserved they gave all possible assistance to negotiate a deal between Hammond Lane and Down Cruising Club. As a result Hammond Lane sold Petrel to the Down Cruising Club for a profit of £50. Over the years the lightship has been modified and fitted out generally by voluntary labour with most of the usual modern conveniences. Mains water, electricity, telephone, central heating, VHF radio, fuel and water facilities have all been provided. Today she is the Club House of the Down Cruising Club at Ballydorn, County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
in Northern Ireland and she is also a very comfortable port of call for many local and overseas visitors.
Other points of Note
Probably unique to this club house is its fully licensed bar, having the confines of the vessels shape ( the bowed nature of the deck ), when ordering a pint (or two) it is like walking up hill. It takes a bit of practise not to spill any. The bar stools at the bar have been modified, having two shorter front legs.