Information for Visitors
The Council and Members of Down Cruising Club are proud of their facilities and are renowned for their hospitality. Visitors, whether from near or from far, will receive a hearty welcome and are encouraged to make use of the Club’s facilities. To help towards the continuous maintenance of the Club there is a charge to visitors and up to date details and instructions will be available on arrival. All visitors will be asked to complete a Safety Information Sheet prior to departure to advise us of your boat details, next port of call, number of crew etc.
Visitors to Strangford Lough are advised to examine the up to date chart of the area and keep a close watch for the many perches, some of which are marked and some of which may not be marked.
Safety
Visitor’s attention is drawn to the Safety Notices on display around the Lightship. Children must be supervised and a life jacket must be worn at ALL times.
Berthing Procedure
On arrival a visiting Skipper must report to the Bar Steward (VHF Ch 16 – Lightship Petrel) or a DCC Flag Officer / Council Member as soon as possible (contact details on Visitors’ Information Notice on deck). Berthing instructions will be given according to the size and type of vessel if a berth is available.
Bar
Down Cruising Club relies heavily on the revenue generated by the bar and we encourage you to avail of this facility. The Bar opening times from May 1st to September 30th are generally as follows:
Fridays 19.45hrs to 23.00hrs
Saturdays 16.00hrs to 23.00hrs
Sundays 16.00hrs to 23.00hrs
From time to time the bar may also be open outside these times for functions and special occasions etc. However, if there is a lack of demand the bar may close earlier than the times noted above.
During the winter months the bar is generally open on Saturdays and Sundays from 16.00hrs to 19.30hrs but may also be open outside these times for functions and special occasions etc.
Fuel Berth
The Fuel Berth is located at the stern of the ship and is solely for the use of Club Members. However, in certain circumstances, visitors from outside Strangford Lough may be able to obtain fuel by special arrangement - please ask the Bar Steward or a Club Member for details.
Showers and Toilets
The showers and toilet facilities are available to all visitors when the Club is open. Opening times depend on the time of year and the Ship is normally kept locked but is generally open when DCC Members are present. If necessary, outside these times, the Ship can be opened by prior arrangement.
Provisions
All provisions including fresh fruit, vegetables, butchery, dry goods, gas and petrol etc. are available in Balloo Village (2 – 2½ miles away).
Restaurants
Daft Eddy’s – Sketrick Island (+4428 97541615).
Balloo House – Balloo (+4428 97541210).
Boat Sales, Brokerage & Moorings
Mooring Services Ltd. – Sketrick Island (+4428 97542910 or +4478 15875995).
Sail Makers & Rigging Services
Sketrick Sail Makers – Sketrick Island (+4428 97541400 or +4477 12067731).
Irish Spars and Rigging – Saintfield (+4428 97512830).
Taxis
Comber Cabs – Comber (+4428 91871999).
Enler Cabs – Comber (+4428 870777).
Smart Cabs – Saintfield (+4428 97510077).
She Cabs – Comber (+4428 91878787).
The Commodore, Officers and Members hope visitors will enjoy visiting Down Cruising Club and trust they will arrive safely and have a safe and enjoyable onward journey.
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