Cockle Island Boat Club

Cockle Island Boat Club is located in Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland on the south shore of Belfast Lough

The club is one of the clubs on the lough that form part of the Belfast Lough Yachting Conference

Geography:

Cockle Island, from where the club takes its name, guards a small bay in Groomsport Co Down from the ravages of the north-north easterly winds and is probably one of the best natural harbours anywhere on the coast. The bay is occupied by a variety of small draught yacht, motor and fishing boats on swinging moorings with a couple of visitor's moorings. Larger boats owned by club members are moored in Bangor marina just a couple of miles further into Belfast Lough.

Club events:

Cockle Island is a relatively small club, which runs an events programme all year round. Summer season runs from May through September and plays host to weekly "Crowe Cup" racing every Wednesday, Round the Lough races, Round the Islands races, and offshore races to Portpatrick and Glenarm as well as the annual Regatta.

A loose association of gentlemen from within and outside the club, known as "The Wrinklies" also run a series of Monday afternoon races.

During the close season, club life continues with the Wednesday evening winter events programme. This can involve anything from interesting talks to musical evenings, quiz nights etc.

Website [http://www.cockleislandboatclub.com)