Coleraine to Carrickfergus
Coastal Skipper · North Antrim coast and North Channel
Out over the Bann bar, east through Rathlin Sound and round the Antrim coast to Belfast Lough.
Training data only — not for navigation. Use official charts, tide tables and almanacs.
Distance
65.3 nm
Time @ 5 kn
13h 04m
ETA
—
Waypoints and legs
| # | Name | Lat | Lon | Leg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | start | ||||
| 2 | 4.1 nm · 303°T | ||||
| 3 | 4.7 nm · 053°T | ||||
| 4 | 15.8 nm · 084°T | ||||
| 5 | 6.1 nm · 116°T | ||||
| 6 | 19.0 nm · 148°T | ||||
| 7 | 9.9 nm · 166°T | ||||
| 8 | 5.6 nm · 232°T |
Tidal gates & timing
- Rathlin Sound: pass at slack or with the stream; never wind against tide.
- Carry the south-going North Channel stream down the Antrim coast past Torr Head.
Hazards
- Bann bar in any northerly swell
- Slough-na-more overfalls in Rathlin Sound
- The Maidens rocks
- Ferry traffic in the North Channel and Belfast Lough
Pilotage
- Cross the Bann bar near HW in settled conditions
- Belfast Lough: watch for ferries using the main channel
Ports of refuge
- Portrush
- Ballycastle
- Glenarm
- Larne
Suggested departure
- Timed to reach Rathlin Sound at slack water
Harbour guides (VisitMyHarbour)
Each guide covers the approach, chart, berthing, facilities and tides for that harbour.
- Coleraine and River Bann ↗ — Departure: bar at the Bann mouth — timing and local advice.
- Portrush (refuge) ↗ — First bolt-hole east of the Bann; small harbour, swell-aware.
- Rathlin Sound ↗ — Tidal gate: streams, overfalls and Rathlin anchorages.
- Ballycastle (refuge) ↗ — Marina refuge before or after the Sound.
- Glenarm (refuge) ↗ — Small marina midway down the Antrim coast.
- Larne Lough (refuge) ↗ — Sheltered lough behind the port of Larne.
- Carrickfergus ↗ — Arrival: marina at the lough entrance, castle alongside.
Checklist
- Forecast and outlook checked
- Crew briefed, watch plan set
- Boat, engine, fuel and water checked
- Safety kit and VHF/DSC tested
- Passage plan left ashore