One of the smallest clubs in Northern Ireland, Cockle Island Boat Club at Groomsport on the North Down coast certainly isn't lacking in enthusiasm. A Lift - In of about 20 boats is planned for Thursday 15th April with a reserve date for the following day if the weather is unfavourable.
Terry Graham, who is organiser, reassures members; " If the Lift - In cannot go ahead on the proposed dates, it will be two weeks later to get appropriate tide times".
With the Northern Ireland's Executive's planned easing of restrictions in early April, the lift in looks likely to go ahead next month.
The boats have the advantage of a sheltered harbour protected by the island which gives the Club its name but racing is tide dependent.
Members are keen to start their busy season's programme which has about 60 fixtures including the quaintly named 'Wrinklies' Monday racing, Round the Copeland Islands race, offshore races to Portpatrick on the Scottish Kintyre coast and Glenarm on the Antrim coast, Belfast Lough Regattas and regular Round the Lough Races.
