Petrel Lightvessel

The Petrel lightvessel currently moors in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, at Ballydorn.

History

The year of construction is not clear - some records say 1911, others 1917 - the reason for this discrepancy is unclear. The records of The Commissioners of Irish Lights say 1913/15 - so we hope this is nearly true.

hip data

* Length over deck: 112 feet (ca. 34 m)
* Beam: 22,5 feet (ca. 6,85 m)
* Draft: 9 feet (ca. 2,75 m)
* Authority: Commissioners of Irish Lights
* Builder: Dublin Dockyard
* Year of construction: 1913/15
* Costs: 10,310 Pounds
* Elevation: 50 feet (ca. 15 m)
* Engine: no
* Material: Steel

1968 withdrawn from service. In 1968 an exciting opportunity arose when Bob Clain's (Commodore of the Down Cruising Club from 1969/70) father-in-law spotted an advertisement for the sale by tender of an Irish Lights lightship, the Petrel (all the Irish light vessels were named after sea birds at that time). A group of members, led by Dermott McConnell, having quickly gathered up donations and interest free loans from Club members, set off poste-haste to Dún Laoghaire and were so impressed with Petrel's condition that a tender of £1800 was submitted. Unfortunately this tender was too low and the lighthsip was sold to Hammond Lane Foundries, Dublin for £1999.50. However when the Commissioners of Irish Lights realised that this historic iron ship, which was of traditional revitted and caulked construction and built by skilled craftsmen in Dublin, might be preserved they gave all possible assistance to negotiate a deal between Hammond Lane and Down Cruising Club. As a result Hammond Lane sold Petrel to the Down Cruising Club for a profit of £50. Over the years the lightship has been modified and fitted out generally by voluntary labour with most of the usual modern conveniences. Mains water, electricity, telephone, central heating, VHF radio, fuel and water facilities have all been provided. Today she is the Club House of the Down Cruising Club at Ballydorn, County Down in Northern Ireland and she is also a very comfortable port of call for many local and overseas visitors.

Other points of Note

Probably unique to this club house is its fully licensed bar, having the confines of the vessels shape ( the bowed nature of the deck ), when ordering a pint (or two) it is like walking up hill. It takes a bit of practise not to spill any. The bar stools at the bar have been modified, having two shorter front legs.