Sailing Pathways

A real-life journey under sail.

Isle of Man – Summer 2026

Antje

🧭 Factsheet

Route: From Bangor via Peel to Ardglass
Period: 30 July to 3 August 2026
Log: 79 miles
Highlights: Dolphins alongside the boat

📍 Our route & legs

Leg: Bangor → Peel

The plan for today was for a pleasant north-westerly wind to carry us across to the Isle of Man. At half past five – unbearably early for night owls like us – we got up so we could make use of the whole flood tide heading south. But it soon became clear that there was less wind than expected: around 8 knots from astern simply isn’t enough to get TIAMAT anywhere near up to speed. And we needed that speed to hit the window in Peel during which the flapgate is open (± 2 hrs HW) so we can get into the harbour.

Today is Tommy’s birthday, and what could be better than spending it on the water.

On the way we get to see dolphins for the very first time ever. They come right up to the boat. We are absolutely enchanted and so delighted. But they don’t stay long, and they don’t do us the favour of throwing in a jump for the video either.

We downloaded a courtesy flag PDF from Noforeignland, had it printed on flag fabric and sewed it to size. Not necessarily cheaper, but less hassle than having to hunt around for one everywhere we go.

Shortly before Peel we hoist the new courtesy flag, because the Isle of Man is self-governing and not part of the United Kingdom. Everything is bilingual in Manx and English. And it even has its own currency: the Isle of Man Pound.

We call up on the radio to ask for a berth and are lucky enough to get one on the pontoon. Our little spot is pretty much ideal. From the cockpit we have a lovely view of the harbour street with its restaurants and pubs. As we arrive, there is music, singing and dancing going on at the island museum (House of Manannan). We feel at home straight away in this charming little town.

If you don’t make it in time, you can wait here at the quay wall or on one of the three free visitor buoys.

Leg: Peel → Ardglass

We had actually planned to stay longer on the Isle of Man. Besides the harbour in Peel there are a few anchorages (among others in Port Erin, Port St. Mary, Ramsay Bay) and a tidal harbour in Douglas. All the others dry out. But as so often, the weather dictates our plans. The coming days are going to be unpleasant, and so we decide to sail back to Northern Ireland.

And so, after a truly fantastic weekend, we say a heavy-hearted goodbye to the Isle of Man. We have firmly promised ourselves that we will come back here one day. Instead of sailing straight to Ireland, we head for Ardglass (Northern Ireland). The passage is shorter and, with the forecast south-easterly wind, more comfortable in terms of course as well.

None of us really fancies leaving the Isle of Man again so soon. But sometimes the weather simply forces your hand.

We set off in a fresh southerly wind with gusts of 20 knots. In the middle of the Irish Sea we get another visit from dolphins. Off the Northern Irish coast the wind eases and we motorsail – at least nicely trimmed – to our destination. In the small, cosy harbour of Ardglass there is fortunately not much going on and we can pick ourselves a nice spot. We will stay here for a few days and then carry on to Dublin.

The little marina in Ardglass is run by a lovely gentleman of around 90. We hope it stays in business for a long time to come. There aren’t all that many harbours on the east coast of the island of Ireland.

🗺️ Special experiences & learnings

  • Being allowed to watch dolphins right up close to the boat is a wonderful experience.
  • Peel is our first tidal harbour that can only be entered around high water. The nice thing is: once the “flapgate” is shut, there is gloriously little activity in the harbour. Because nobody can get out or in any more.

⚓ Our favourite place on this trip

  • Peel

💡 Practical tips for those following in our wake

  • The waters along the Northern Irish coast harbour strong tidal streams, much as they do everywhere in the UK. A good tidal atlas, or at least the Reeds, is indispensable. In our experience, the tidal stream information from Navionics doesn’t always match reality.

🖼️ Gallery

The lovely harbour promenade of Peel seen from the castle.
Our spot was an absolute stroke of luck.
The harbour’s flapgate is opened roughly two hours before high water.
The flag of the Celtic nations. By the end of the season we will hopefully have paid a visit to all of them.
One of the few sights in Ardglass: the castle ruin.
Tiamat in the harbour of Peel
Fishing boats in Peel harbour
The castle ruin can be visited. The entrance fee of 22 pounds in total was too expensive for us.
Our trip across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man in pictures