Inish Gort to Roonagh
Cruise to the Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12 Grand Finale – Galway
Once clear of Dorinish Buoy a course can be set for Roonagh Head. Care must me taken to avoid Carrig Dillisk to the south and the foul ground to the east of Cloughcormick cardinal mark. The fish farms 1nm east of Clare Island may also prove an obstacle if beating.
Roonagh Head Roonagh head is foul to the south and should be given a respectful offing. Black Rock, which usually shows, makes a good waypoint if coming from the north. The foul ground between Roonagh Head and Black Rock extends for a notable distance northward from their transit so care here must be exercised. Meenmore Rock, occasionally breaks, this breaker is a noticeable distance east of the island but a course from Black Rock to the east of the Lecky’s should head and to avoid Carrigmahoy.
Roonagh Head to Boffin Numerous routes are available if heading from Roonagh to Boffin. If the direct route can be sailed from Black Roack (see Roonagh Head above) a heading for the east end of the Lecky Rocks should be made. Unless there is a large swell Pollock Shoal should not be a concern. The traditional route is to sail between Lecky Rocks and Davillaun. Care should be taken to stay east of the east breaker off Davillaun, this breaker is a noticeable distance east of the inland but a course from Black Rock to the east of the Lecky’s should clear this danger. On rounding the Lecky’s make for Lyon Head and to avoid Carrigmahoy. If time allows a passage north of Mweelaun along the east coast of Turk and on to Lyon Head can be quite pleasant. Keep west of the breaker off the west of Davillaun.
Cruising Directions Rosmoney to Galway MAYO SAILING CLUB Contact Details: Rory Casey - Commodore MSC: 087 2860235 Eoghan Cunningham - Vice Commodore MSC: 087 9172271 GALWAY HARBOUR COMPANY Contact Details: 091 561874 • info@galwayharbour.com
If beating then take note the wind tends to back as you come south from Roonagh. In a SW it is usually possible to make for a ½ mile north of Mweelaun and stay on a tight reach (not closed hauled) to pass north of the Turk and arrive, on the one tack, to the Stag of Boffin where passage can be made through the ship sound (stay close to Inish Shark and don’t cut the corner when turning east and north east into Boffin). If beating inside the islands watch the rocks close into the Mayo coast, Blood Slate rocks, Inish Dalla Breaker, O’Malley Breakers, the breakers off Davillaun, Illaunanina, rock off Inish Broon and Carrigmahoy.
Inish Boffin This is a true gem of an island for sailors and has an enclosed harbour. Enter with the leading marks on the island during the day or by the new sectored lights at night. Anchor south or south west of the new pier (the west pier). It is possible to lay afloat at the head of the old pier, enter via the channel with leading marks on the shore.