The Wayfarer dinghy was designed by Ian Proctor in 1957 and since then has proved to be a tough and seaworthy cruising dinghy, yet at the same time being responsive and rewarding to race. At nearly 16 feet long and with a beam of 6 feet, the Wayfarer is perfect for cruising the spectacular Strangford Lough, the UK’s largest sea inlet lying in the east of County Down.
That location has been chosen for the 27th Wayfarer International Rally. It is being hosted by East Down Yacht Club, which lies in a sheltered stretch of water between Island Taggart and the west coast of the Lough, near Killyleagh.
The 27th Wayfarer Rally briefing is held by Gordon Jess of East Down Yacht Club on Strangford Lough
The nine-day gathering has attracted 44 Wayfarers, including 29 visiting crews from as far away as Canada, USA, Holland and Belgium, as well as Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. They join the 20 local crew for a week of leisurely exploration of the Lough and beyond.
Wayfarer Rally visitors
On the first day, Saturday (10th June), after the usual last-minute rigging details had been sorted, 40 Wayfarers launched in light winds, which was their first visit to Strangford Lough for most of the crews. the fleet had a pleasant reach south to Audley’s Roads, also known as Castleward Bay. They anchored under the imposing three-storey Tower House, Audley’s Castle, which gives the anchorage near Strangford village its name.
Wayfarer Rally Picnic at Audley's Roads near Strangford
After a decent broad reach back to the club, the wind gradually died, forcing some to resort to paddling, rowing or motoring - or to rely on the tide to wash them to East Down.
On Sunday, 29 Wayfarers made their way south and out of the Narrows, the five-mile-long, fast-flowing very tidal channel between Strangford on the west and Portaferry on the east. The fleet rounded Killard Point and headed for Ballyhornan Bay to the south Down coast, where the crews enjoyed a picnic lunch on the beach.
The Wayfarers will be seen in the Lough this week, and then they will travel west to Lough Erne Yacht Club in Co. Fermanagh to explore Upper and Lower Lough Erne.
