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
1913/15-1931 there
are no records available from this times
?-03.07.31 Reserve
lightship
04.07.31-? Station
Coningbeg
25.06.34-21.07.39
Station Kish
22.07.39-29.08.40
overhaul
30.08.40-11.08.45
Station South Rock
12.08.45-27.02.47 Overhaul
28.02.47-15.09.50 Station Arklow
16.09.50-07.08.51 Overhaul
08.08.51-12.10.55 Station Coningbeg
13.10.55-14.06.56 Overhaul
15.06.56-10.12.60 Station Coningbeg
11.12.60-26.01.62 Overhaul
27.01.62-25.08.65 Station Skulmartin
26.08.65-02.06.66 Overhaul
03.06.66-27.08.68
Station Blackwater
1968 withdrawn from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 Dun 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, Co. Down in Ireland and she
is also a very comfortable port of call for many local and overseas
visitors.
Opening hours:
A general open meeting of the members and officers is held on the first
Tuesday of each month in the main body of the ship - visitors are always
welcome!
Visitor address:
Lightship "Petrel"
52 Ballydorn Road
Killinchy, Newtownards
County Down BT23 6QB
Ireland
