Harbour Master Sailing Challenge March 2019 to September 2023

Wicklow and Arklow

Paul Ivory

September 20, 2023
Wicklow and Arklow and one too many pints of Guinness

HM Captain Paul Ivory took over as HM of Wicklow and Arklow in 2016. Unlike many other HMs Paul has had a varied career and we chatted about the fact Ireland does not see itself as a "maritime nation" and on reflection that is probably correct. Despite it being an island with its "seamass" five times the size of its landmass and its heavy reliance on imports by sea, only 40 internationally trading vessels ships are registered with a Tricolour. The Irish are more farmers than seafarers.

Paul himself started in computer programming although he was a cadet on the Asgard 2 Sail Training Ship and served as bosun and mate. After being told he was too old to join the merchant navy he did get a cadetship with OOCL Containers and moved onto working for Irish Ferries, Stena and the Coastguard becoming a coordinator for Irish Search and Rescue (SAR). Although he misses the routine of being at sea, he does not miss the stress of loading Stena ferries where he said they literally shoe horned trucks and cars onto the boats.

Wicklow is a very picturesque harbour but like all east facing ports I have visited the storms can be vicious. When a strong easterly is forecast, all the boats have to move from the out harbour up the narrow river. He does have to tell yachtsmen "no" to entering. However on a good day Wicklow not only boasts both the largest outdoor swimming club in Ireland but also it is the start line and finish line for the annual Round Ireland Yacht race.

Paul beautifully summed up an example of what might be on a HMs job description - or more importantly what is not! The contractors painting Wicklow lighthouse a traditional two tone white and red, let Paul down just before the Round the Island race - so he and two others rolled up their sleeves, broke open the paint pots and just in time completed the job.

Arklow to the south, is more industrial but a similar "hurricane hole" in a bad easterly. More of a river harbour it is the home of Ireland's most famous shipping line Arklow Shipping, whose vessels are painted a very distinctive green and are proudly Irish. What both harbours are well positioned for is development. As Paul said to me "the wind industry is knocking on their door". The Irish Sea is home to the largest wind farm in the world and there are plenty more of them planned.

By now in my journey, I had been sailing hard since April and a few mates had joined me for the home straight. The last photo shows us in The Railway Tavern supping a Guiness. I was so exhausted I nearly fainted after just one pint. Only four more harbours to go!

Thank you Paul for a great chat.

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