Carlingford Marina in County Lough has put together a 'jam-packed' schedule of events that will take place in the week leading up to this year’s Moneley Oyster Pearl Regatta. This will be the first year of the Carlingford Cruising Week, designed to show off the 'spectacular asset' that Carlingford Lough is as a cruising destination in Ireland.

“Carlingford is one of the most picturesque coastal inlets in Ireland, and it is worthy of spending a few days exploring all the different anchorages, harbours, canals and marinas within its confines,” says Jonny Moneley, General Manager of Carlingford Marina.

Albert Basin and Newry Canal with Carlingford Lough in the background

The event will take participants on a tour of Carlingford Lough, visiting marinas and anchorages both North and South of the border - and will showcase the natural beauty of this fjord, which is flanked by the Cooley Mountains to the South and the Mountains of Mourne to the North. One of the more enchanting elements of the programme will lead participating boats up the Clanrye River, through Victoria Lock, and right into the heart of Newry City for an overnight stop in the historic Albert Basin.

Jonny Moneley, General Manager of Carlingford Marina

The Carlingford Cruising Week kicks off on Saturday, the 29th of July, and is suitable for all boat types and boaters of all ages and levels of experience.

"The event will take participants on a tour of Carlingford Lough"

“We welcome quite a few competitive sailors for the Moneley Oyster Pearl Regatta each year, but this year we wanted to create an event that would encourage motor cruisers and family fishers to get involved in the craic too!” says Moneley. 

Yachts racing on Carlingford Lough

Entertainment has been scheduled for every destination that the flotilla visits over the week, including a floating concert that will take place for the “On The Hook” event in Rostrevor Bay. There are some shore side events too such as the “Taste of Carlingford Lough” event where guests can use their event lanyards to get access to special menu items in participating restaurants and bars.

There is plenty for the kids to enjoy too! There is an event called “The Great Mackerel Cook Up” where participants have to ‘catch their dinner’ and return to the Marina where a team of chefs will be stationed, ready to cook them up on the barbeque. The “Best Dressed Boat” competition is sure to excite the junior sailors – however, organisers strongly encourage all boats to participate.

“The best dressed boat competition will effectively be a parade of sail through Carlingford Harbour and will be a great spectacle for the people of the village who will line the pier walls and cheer for their favourite boat. Because it will be such a fun event for the local community, I want to encourage as many boats as possible to participate and put on a show,” he says.

Yachts sailing past Carlingford Marina

“I don’t think we will have any problem convincing the kids to get dressed up – but in an effort to drag the childishness out of everyone, you will notice I have also offered a €50 bar tab as a participation bonus in this event. I think that should do the trick,”  Moneley adds.

The bar tab that Moneley refers to here can be cashed in at the “Prize Giving Ceremony” at the end of the week. This closing ceremony will bring together all the participants of the Carlingford Cruising Week - as well as those who travelled only to compete in the Moneley Oyster Pearl races - for one final night of entertainment, and chance to bid each other farewell.

Registration for the Carlingford Cruising Week is open now and can be done online by visiting the Carlingford Marina website – www.carlingfordmarina.ie. As part of the online registration, you can give an expression of interest to compete in The Moneley Oyster Pearl races. Your details will then be forwarded to the race committee, who will contact you with further details.

Contact Jonny by email on jonathan@carlingfordmarina.ie or by phone on +353 87 652 4829. There should be something for everyone to enjoy on this Irish boating holiday.

Jonathan Moneley has been elected chairman of the Irish Marine Federation (IMF), the trade body representing marine leisure and commercial maritime interests in Ireland.

Moneley was elected at the IMF’s AGM on Thursday 24 March and takes over from Paal Janson of Dun Laoghaire Marina, who held the position since January 2019.

Thirty-three-year-old Moneley is the general manager of Carlingford Marina in Co Louth and has worked as part of the family business for most of his life.

He has a BA in Public Relations and is one of fewer than 500 people accredited as a Certified Marina Manager by the Global Marina Institute.

In one of his first charges, Moneley hopes to encourage new membership applications to the IMF, and to broaden the scope of the businesses that are represented by the federation.

“The board of the IMF is made up by marina managers, chandlers and yacht brokers among others – and we would encourage any business with a vested interest in marine resources and recreational boating to get involved,” he says.

“The call goes out to more of the same kind of businesses to join up — but we would also like to see the likes of sail makers, pontoon fabricators, yacht insurance brokers or marine mechanics join the federation.

“On the commercial side, we would like to welcome the likes of marine surveyors, fishing boat builders, shipwrights and more. This gives us the best opportunity to represent the industry on the whole.”

Moneley suggests that the benefits of membership are far reaching, as the federation speaks in unison to promote the growth and development of the industry both home and abroad, and to influence public policy as one united voice.

“The greatest benefit for me has always been the networking aspect and industry specific discussions that happen at IMF meetings,” he says.

“At each meeting we do a round table ‘business barometer’ where members of the board are invited to speak about their business, talk about any challenges they are facing, or give an update on areas of their business in which they are excelling. We are then able to advise each other if it is requested, and we all leave with a very good knowledge of current industry trends.”

Membership applications are being accepted now for 2022. If you are interested in joining the IMF, you can contact Jonathan Moneley at chairman@irishmarinefederation.com for further information.

Following the most recent update on white diesel supply for leisure vessels around the Irish coast, Carlingford Marina informs Afloat.ie that it will shortly install a second diesel tank for white diesel.

While the marina on the Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth previously conformed it would keep a stock of white diesel in cans, it is now making moves to have both MGO green and DERV white diesel available at the pump to all marina users.

The marine also confirms it keeps a stock of 2,500 litres of both fuel types, but can order in extra with 48 hours’ notice.

As regular Afloat.ie readers will know, in August, Carlingford Marina introduced a “Universal Basic Berthage” rate for visiting boats, doing away with the tried and tested price per metre rate used by the majority of marinas around the world. They charged a fixed rate of €25 per boat per night, no matter the size.

Berthage fees at marinas are normally calculated on a price per metre basis. The per metre rate is multiplied by the LOA (length overall) of the boat, and the resulting figure is the amount you pay to berth your boat.

For example, the nightly rate at Carlingford Marina is €3.50 per metre. So, for a 7-metre boat, the berthage cost would be €24.50 for the night, and for a 12-metre boat, that price would jump to €42.00 for the night

Carlingford Marina has compared the results of their experiment to the same period in 2017 and 2016 - and has also compared the results to the three previous months in the 2018 Summer Season; May, June and July.

The Marina was judging the success of this experiment on four main criteria; the number of visiting boats, the number of visitor nights (i.e. the number of people who visited on these boats and the length of time they stayed), revenue generated from visitor berthage, and how much these visitors contributed to the local economy. In these four criteria, the experiment was a success.

August 2018 – the month of the UBB experiment – had the most amount of visiting boats for the same period in the last three years. August 2016 brought 51 visiting boats, August 2017 brought 35, and August 2018 brought 54. Compared to the other months in this season, the UBB experiment was the second highest performing month, trailing only to July this year, where we experienced some of the finest sailing weather in recent memory.

In terms of the average number of nights these boats stayed and the length of time these people stayed in Carlingford, the UBB experiment was the front-runner of all months surveyed. This is a huge success for the experiment as the number of visitors is directly proportionate to the estimated expenditure in the local economy. The UBB experiment came up top again in this regard with the low estimate of expenditure being €15,895.00 for the month, and the high estimate being €30,345.00.

If Carlingford Marina had charged its normal visiting rate for August 2018, revenue generated from visitor berthage would have been €337.08 more than it was with the fixed rate of €25 per boat per night. That being said – they wouldn’t have gotten the same number of visitors if it was not for the experiment. It is likely that revenue generated for the month is equal to, or slightly better than it would have been for the month. This is a good result for the experiment – however, the marina is concerned that when the novelty of the experiment wears off and visitor numbers normalise, this loss in revenue could become too great to sustain.

“There are other encouraging factors that would combat and outweigh that loss in revenue – namely, customer satisfaction and the estimated expenditure in the local economy. If the customer is happy, we can hope and build towards regular, repeat business with them. We can hope that they tell their friends, and that word starts to spread to new, potential customers. And with an increased footfall; we can look to broaden our own offering and generate income in other ways – for example with a small chandlery, gift shop, bike hire, etc.” – Jonny Moneley, Marina Manager at Carlingford Marina.

Overall the marina deems the experiment to be a success, but it is difficult to tell how this pricing structure will benefit the marina in the long run. Never the less; the positive reaction they’ve had has spurred them on to extend the experiment, and run it again for the entire 2019 season.

“The sample we recovered in this experiment isn’t big enough to give us definitive answers to the questions we’ve been asking – but it does give us the confidence to take the experiment to the next level. If we are able to continue the success of the experiment in 2019, we will then consider adopting the new pricing structure for visitors permanently.” – Jonny Moneley, Marina Manager at Carlingford Marina.

Download the full report on the experiment below

For the month of August, Carlingford Marina in County Louth will be trialling a “Universal Basic Berthage” rate for visiting yachts. The 170–berth marina, located on the East coast of Ireland, will be offering overnight berthage at a basic rate of €25 per boat, per night.

“In a time where Obama, Elon Musk and Richard Branson are actively promoting the idea of Universal Basic Income - we thought we would have our own experiment and see what would happen if everyone paid the same amount for berthage, no matter how big or small your boat is.” Jonny Moneley – Marina Manager, Carlingford Marina.

Berthage fees at marinas are normally calculated on a price per metre basis. The per metre rate is multiplied by the LOA (length overall) of the boat, and the resulting figure is the amount you pay to berth your boat.

For example; the nightly rate at Carlingford Marina is €3.50 per metre. So; for a 7-metre boat, the berthage cost would be €24.50 for the night, and for a 12-metre boat, that price would jump to €42.00 for the night.

Jonny Moneley, Carlingford Marina Manager

Speaking of the Universal Basic Berthage trial, Jonny stated “I can imagine this experiment being of particular interest to the owners of larger boats. Just this week we welcomed the 23 metre SY Marevida who paid €80 to dock beside a 10-metre boat who only paid €35, stayed for the same length of time and got the same standard of service.”

Smaller boats will also see benefits with this system as it is intrinsically simple. Charging a set amount per boat enables a far more transparent pricing structure, and takes the guess work out of calculating rates and fees.

The success of the trial will be judged on 4 main criteria. Percentage increase in the number of visiting boats (compared to the same period last year), the number of nights the visitors stay, revenue generated from visitor berthage, and projected expenditure by these visitors in the local community.

“We will be paying particular attention to the number of visitors over the course of the experiment – i.e. the number of people aboard each boat. Our main aim from the experiment is to boost the number of people using the Carlingford Marina facility and experiencing Carlingford Village and all it has to offer. Generally speaking; the real value of a visitor is not in the money you collect in berthage – but in the atmosphere that these bodies create, and in what they spend in the bar, restaurant, local shops and more.” – Jonny, Carlingford Marina Manager. “Success in this area alone would be enough reason for us to continue with the Universal Basic Berthage program for the 2019 season.”

Finland recently elected not to extend their UBI experiment past 2018 – however, Carlingford Marina will tough it out good or bad, and ensure their own experiment runs its course in full. The Universal Basic Berthage trial will begin on the 1st of August and run right through to the 3rd of September. As per their existing visitor rate, there will be no extra charges for shore power, fresh water, toilets or showers.

Carlingford Marina can accommodate boats of up to 25 metres LOA (anything larger than 15.5 metres LOA needs to contact the marina in advance).

Maximum draft is 2.2 metres, and boats of 2 metres draft are advised to avoid navigating within the marina basin 2 hours either side of low water.

Phone: +353 (0)42 93 73072

PROMOTED: Berthage Fees at Carlingford Marina in County Louth are among the most competitive on the East Coast of Ireland, with an annual term costing €265 per metre, according to Carlingford marina manager Jonathan Moneley.

Moneley is basing his pricing on marina berthage rates as advertised in Practical Boat Owner magazine (scroll down to the end of this article for more details). The Carlingford marina berth rates, he says, are a 'staggering 20% to 39% less expensive than some marinas in the nation’s capital'. 'For a 12–metre boat to make the move from Dublin to Carlingford, they could be saving as much as €2,040 per year, on their Annual Berthage Rates,' he claims.

The County Louth marina has a number of flexible berthage contracts, with both Summer and Winter terms available at discounted rates. The four-month Summer Berthage Special (which is popular among trailer sailors and other boat owners who winter at home) can begin on any date during May or June each year, and costs just €135 per metre. The Carlingford Marina six-month winter special begins on November 1st, and includes two months hard standing, a lift out and re-launch, a hull pressure wash, and two months’ cradle hire – all for just €150 per metre.

Carlingford Marina is located in the picturesque coastal inlet of Carlingford Lough, with the Cooley Mountains on one side and the Mountains of Mourne on the other

Carlingford Marina is located in the picturesque coastal inlet of Carlingford Lough, with the Cooley Mountains on one side and the Mountains of Mourne on the other. A day’s sail from Dublin, Belfast, The Isle of Man and some parts of England’s west coast, Carlingford is an ideal location from which to explore the Irish Sea.

The 170–berth marina is accessible at all stages of the tide via a deep-water shipping channel that runs the length of Carlingford Lough. The maximum size vessel that can be accommodated is 17m LOA and 2.2m draft.

Facilities at Carlingford Marina

The pontoon network at Carlingford Marina is serviced, providing fresh water and shore power connections to berth holders. MGO, or Green Diesel is available from a designated fueling berth at the center of the marina, and a bunded waste oil receptacle is available for berth holders to use in the Boat Yard. Toilets, showers, laundry facilities, car parking, wifi and a berth holders lounge are among other facilities available to berth holders and visitors.

The Carlingford Marina boat yard is one of the larger hard standing areas on the east coast of Ireland. It can accommodate up to 30 yachts in cradles at a time, with a further 20 spaces available for smaller boats, or boats on trailers. The onsite Roodberg Boat Lift has a lifting capability of up to 50 tonnes, with a maximum beam of 5.5m. The boat yard staff offer mast stepping services, and quick hull wash options for performance yachts – and outside maintenance contractors are welcome on site also.

The onsite Roodberg Boat Lift has a lifting capability of up to 50 tonnes

Shore side facilities include a marina office which is manned 7 days a week, a state of the art Bar and Restaurant building, and 8 self-catering apartments which are available for short term let. The restaurant is currently under new management as Sitar Café Bar and Indian Cuisine, and has been receiving rave reviews since it opened in August 2016. There are also European food options available in the Café Bar.

About Carlingford

Carlingford is one of the best preserved medieval villages in Ireland with a number of important pre-historic and medieval sites. The village is dominated by the remains of King Johns Castle, the first major construction in Carlingford’s history built in the twelfth century. Other fine examples of religious and secular buildings (such as the monastic abbey and forge dating from the twelfth century onwards) can also be seen in the village.

Carlingford has a deserved reputation for hospitality, with some of the finest restaurants and friendliest pubs in Ireland. Known as Ireland’s best kept secret, the area has been recognized as a European Destination of Excellence, and an area of outstanding natural beauty. The village is also home to a wonderful community of local artists and artisans who’s fine works are displayed proudly wherever you go in Carlingford.

Carlingford has always been a popular destination for boating, and is now firmly established as a cruising destination for yachts men all over Europe, and beyond. Carlingford Marina has hosted a number of trans-Atlantic sailors within the last few years – most notably yacht “Avalanche” that was skippered by Cptn John Barry III. Avalanche began her journey on the Californian Coast before heading South and through the Panama Canal. Once through the canal, she headed North through The Caribbean Sea, and up along the East Coast of the North American Continent. It wasn’t until she got to St Johns in Newfoundland that she plotted a course for Ireland, coming around the North end of the island before taking up berth and wintering in Carlingford. After six months hard standing at Carlingford Marina, she was ready again to continue her circumnavigation of the globe.

Situated perfectly as a stop-over between marinas in Dublin and Belfast, Carlingford sees regular visiting traffic during the summer months – something that those traveling to the Dun Laoghaire Regatta might consider. The Marina is also home to a variety of yachts and motor boats ranging from day sailors and small run-abouts, to more luxurious motor cruisers and ocean going sailing yachts. Two long standing sailing clubs exist within the lough, drawing on an increasingly enthusiastic community of yacht racers and cruisers, who take to the water to compete at the weekends.

 
About Carlingford Marina

You are always sure of a warm welcome at Carlingford Marina, which is fronted by its managers; Jonathan Moneley, and brothers Darren and Paddy Maguire. They are a young, dedicated team who have developed a wealth of experience with over 20 years of Marina Management between them. Jonathan is the sailor among them, and has raced dinghies and cruisers on the lough from a very young age. Darren and Paddy both have experience as trawler men, and Paddy is now an active member of the local Coast Guard.

Construction began on the facility in 1986, and it has developed steadily since then. Many would remember Carlingford Marina for the large concrete barges that make up part of the breakwater, or for the WW1 Ship the “Creetegaff” (known to some as the Lady Boyne) which serves as a landing platform at the centre of the pontoon network.

Even after 30 years, the team are always keen to develop and improve the facility, and to add new offerings to their growing client base. Shore side facilities such as the toilets, shower facilities and laundry facilities benefited from a complete revamp in 2016, with more renovations planned for this year.

The development of the Carlingford to Omeath Greenway has already proved to be a big hit, or a “must do” for sailors who visit. The 7km pathway and cycleway follows the shore line from Carlingford Marina to the neighboring village of Omeath, awarding breathtaking views over the lough and to the Mountains either side. 2018 should see the extension of the Greenway, to join up with the Newry Toe Path via Victoria Lock and The Newry Canal.

Traveling to Carlingford Marina

Carlingford Marina is just over an hour’s drive from both Dublin and Belfast, and the busy international airports of both cities. Take exit 18 off the M1 and continue along the R173 for 20 minutes until you reach the village of Carlingford. Carlingford Marina is on the North side of the village, just beyond King John’s Castle. Carlingford is serviced regularly by buses from both Dundalk and Newry, and a good number of taxi cabs operate in the area.

Note: Marina berthage rates as advertised on Practical Boat Owner.

Carlingford Marina €265 per metre

Dun Laoghaire Marina €435 per metre
(as advertised on Dun Laoghaire Marina website)
Carlingford Marina is 39.08% cheaper

Malahide Marina €397 per metre
(as advertised on Malahide Marina website)
Carlingford Marina is 33.25% cheaper

Greystones Marina €385 per metre
(as advertised on Greystones Marina website)
Carlingford Marina is 31.17% cheaper

Poolbeg €330 per metre + €75 DCC Charge per boat.
(as advertised on Poolbeg Marina website)
Carlingford Marina is 20% cheaper

For more information Contact Johnathan Moneley at Carlingford Marina, North Commons, Carlingford, Co Louth. Tel: +353 (0) 42 937 3072. Website here

Carlingford Lough is an eight mile sheltered haven between the Cooley Mountains to the south and the Mourne Mountains to the north. The marina is situated on the southern shore, about four miles from Haulbowline Lighthouse, and can be easily reached via a deep water shipping channel. Amon the most attractive destinations in the Irish Sea, Carlingford is only 60 miles from the Isle of Man and within a day's sail from Strangford Lough and Ardglass. Full facilities in the marina include a first class bar and restaurant offering superb views across the water

Carlingford Marina, Co. Louth

Tel: 042 937 3073  Fax: 042 937 3075

Email: cmarina@iol.ie

www.carlingfordmarina.ie