Prior to leaving and waiting for the tide called Howth marina on the northern outskirts of Dublin to book a berth for the next days and like all other previous bookings at marinas, it was granted.
The wind was coming from a southerly direction which was not to our liking with frequent heavy rain squalls. We ran with 2 reefs in the main, the jib furled and engine running. The dangers of running down this coast is the numerous lobster pots. In other parts, they are well marked with brightly coloured buoys and the real ones have poles with flags on the top to give you a warning of their position. Unfortunately, in these waters the pots are marked by empty plastic containers, akin to big milk bottles, so they were very difficult to pick out in any sea swell but they were all very good, as they kept missing us.
The conditions were hindering our progress south and we were not going to make Howth marina in the light available and not wanting to arrive in the hours of darkness called Malahide marina which is 5 miles further north of Howth. There was no response but decided to go for it anyway. Reeds and the cruising almanac warns of the danger of entering at the wrong time and with 1/2 tide reckoned we would just make the gate. The safe water mark was very difficult to pick out and by 21.30 we were passing it with 2 meters of water below the keel, there is a very well buoyed channel taking you in pst the beach and sand- dunes while further in there are lots of moored boats just outside the channel. We were alongside the visitor's pontoon by 22.15 and booked into the office. At the same time, I called Howth marina and informed them of our safe arrival in Malahide. A fry up on board was the order of the day and we went to bed absolutely knackered. The wind and the rain increased during the night as the depression tracked to the west of Ireland.
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