There be Dragons July25

“Where there be dragons” is a phrase historically used on maps to indicate unexplored or dangerous territories. It symbolizes the unknown and the potential risks associated with venturing into unfamiliar areas. (https://en.wikipedia.org)

At EDYC a most frequented sketch is that of our racing marks

Note – above not to be used for navigation. NB – the race marks are not there in winter !

We have customarily used poles ( scaffolding poles (perches)) placed on rocks or pladdies to indicate their presence however a more informative mark is that of the cardinal mark system

In this the top of the pole indicates where the danger is and where safer water is.

Cardinal Marks

Wikipedia explains that cardinal marks are a style of sea (navigation) mark commonly used in maritime pilotage to indicate the position of a hazard and the direction of safe water. These cardinal marks indicate the direction of safety. Giving a cardinal direction (one of the four main compass directions) relative to the mark. This makes them meaningful regardless of the direction or position of the approaching vessel,

Here is a picture of a cardinal mark

this introduction leads to the distribution of information on the recent addition of more navigation aids to Strangford Lough – with the picture following

All navigators (especially us, EDYC) are endebted to the many people and agencies involved in safer navigation. This picture above is from the Irish Cruising Club.

Nationally announced – it was in the Summer RYA magazine on page 19 about Safer Navigation – the many hazards within Strangford Lough etc – Finishing mainly – saying – Ards and North Down Council upgrading aids to navigation with lateral and cardinal buoys.

The following indicates some of the detail leading to these navigation aid improvements

https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/article/2503/Council-Installs-New-Aids-to-Navigation-in-Strangford-Lough

Council Installs New Aids to Navigation in Strangford Lough

Released: Wednesday 16 April 2025

Tuesday, 01 July 2025

The new Aids to Navigation are in the process of being recognised by Commissions of Irish Lights and old AtoNs will be removed where practical.

Photo caption: The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, visited Whiterock to see the Aids to Navigation.