Downwinds | Dunbrattin to Tramore Downwind

Dunbrattin to Tramore Downwind

A 13 Km downwind from Boatsrand Harbour Dunbratttin to Tramore beach on the south coast of Ireland with a westerly wind passing The Metal Man. Tramore’s Metal Man is one of the county’s, if not the country’s, more intriguing monuments. The 14ft-cast iron statue lords over the bay and protects seafarers from Tramore’s beautiful yet at times treacherous shallow waters. Indeed it was due to a sea tragedy that ‘The Metal Man’, as he’s affectionately known, came about. Undoubtedly, the story behind The Metal Man is as intriguing as the monument itself. ‘The Seahorse’, a British transport freget went down with the loss of over 360 souls in 1816 off nearby Brownstown head, and the insurance company, Lloyds of London, who insured the vessel, didn’t want a repeat of the tragedy. They commissioned and funded the building of ‘The Metal Man’ on the cliff, and the corresponding two towers across the bay, on Brownstownhead, as warning markers for nearby ships. By 1823, all the necessary work had been completed and The Metal Man took up his vantage point over-looking the bay. The tragedy left a lasting impression on Tramore and the ship’s image was later adopted as the town’s official logo. Keen collectors of crystal will know the sea horse is also the symbol for the world famous Waterford Crystal products.


  • Boatstrand Harbour, Dunabrattin, Annestown ED, The Municipal District of Comeragh, County Waterford, Munster, Ireland

    Distance in KM
    13
    Estimated Time to complete
    1 Hr 25 min
  • Wind Direction
    West
    Best months
  • Average Rating
    0.0

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    0
  • Created
    about 4 years ago
    Last updated
    about 4 years ago
    Kindly shared by:
    downwindfun downwindfun



  • Launch is from Boatstrand harbour





    This is a YouTube video from tadhgbarry doing this downwind on a surfski with comments - Against the tide, brief runs despite good wind,  about a one hour paddle, cove to cove, works in a NW, WNW,  and W if before the Westerly swell arrives. Enjoy the bit of music culture.


    About 2 Km's from the finish there is a landmark of 3 towers with The Metal Man




    Finish on Tramore Beach







    Have fun and please stay safe!
    Some Basic Safety Guidelines

    - It is very difficult to spot someone in the water especially in strong wind conditions, so please make sure you can be seen - use bright colour clothing. Wear a brightly coloured PFD Wear a brightly coloured rash vest ( luminous green or orange is best)

    - Use a buddy system - doing a downwind with someone else is always safer than on your own.

    - Have a VHF Radio, mobile/cell phone in a waterproof bag ( test that you can use this in all conditions)

    - Know who to call for help and be sure that your family know who to call. Be sure that someone knows where you are and when you should return. And that they will call for help if this time is exceeded.

    - Other useful tips - Use a leash from the craft to your body. Have a signal flare (hand held are best) or pencil flares. Carry a reflector / mirror. Have a whistle that works when wet. Have your name and landline number on your craft. Leave a card with your name and phone number (mobile/cell and landline) on your vehicle dashboard.



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