In September 2022 I exchanged vessels requiring lift/launch at Stranraer harbour only to find that the crane is not staffed at weekends, and thus had to hire a crane from an independent operator at excessive cost. I also asked at Girvan and Troon only to be advised their cranes do not work weekends either.

No changes - but, if you are very deep keeled keep an eye on the depths from the Spit buoy in

I've reviewed these notes in July 2021. Not a lot changed here. They now have a lift out facility and their prices have increased.

These notes were reviewed in July 2019. Prices have changed and we've updated the charts.

I reviewed these notes in April 2017. The price per night has changed but little else.

I am a berth-holder. The feedback from most of our visitors is good, with friendly welcome. There is ALWAYS space for a few more. Apart from a NW gale, the marina is well sheltered. Facilities in the town involve a trip for fuel (a local will usually offer you a lift) and there are general/agricultural engineers who will turn a hand to most repairs. There will soon be a lift-out facility.

The town is better served with good pubs and restaurants than ever - the Grapes is an excellent traditional pub with real ales; Henry's restaurant is a few hundred yards away for a little more gourmet experience; Craignelder great pub food and the North-West Castle is a grand dining room and good value. At the budget end there are good Indian and Chinese food and a Belhaven pub/Restaurant within 50 yards.

Good local butchers and bakers and supermarkets close by. rail and bus connections to Glasgow and Dumfries.

Portpatrick is a great day walk of about 10 miles on the Souther upland way - good footpath and quiet roads with the charm and restaurants that have been there for many years.

These notes were reviewed by Don in April 2015. There has been a slight change in prices since we last checked but much is the same. The harbour office hours may change this summer to become HO but until then they will remain split shift with a "long lunch".

The notes for Stranraer and Loch Ryan were updated by Don T on the 11th March 2013. The opening of the Loch Ryan Port terminal has left the South end of the Loch free of ferries and, whilst it has concentrated the ferry traffic on the East side of the Loch, it has made little difference to the cruising yachtsman. The provision of a Marina at Stranraer has greatly improved facilities there and the new prices for 2013 have been included

I anchored overnight in Lady Bay in the early noughties and had a pleasant stop. Wash from the ferries didn't pose a problem though their coming and going was a bit noisy. I was North bound to the Clyde from Devon in a 22footer so stopping there saved a couple of hours (at least) of transitting up and down the loch. The bonus? As I was hauling in the chain to sail off the anchor an otter popped his head out of the water about ten yards off the port bow and said good morning - a lovely start to what was a memorable day's sail.

This is an excellent council run facility with two of the most helpful harbour masters I have come across. Lesley and Peter will help out with any queries and give advice when its asked for.

I have berthed my 36 foot yacht here since the marina opened in August 2008 and the only drawback it has is its vulnerability to north east winds.

If there's a north east wind (or high northwest winds) forecast make sure that you tie up securely as the swell can be a bit on the wild side with the movement of the pontoons better than a visit to Blackpool pleasure beach.

As an aside, if you want to anchor at 'The Wig' (Wig bay) do not trust the marker buoys off the slipway. Most of them are NOT moorings and are not safe. And do use a trip line on the anchor. There are disused and unmarked moorings on the sea bed just waiting to claim your anchor. I have in the past dived and retrieved an anchor for a visitor and I know of one local who bent a fortress type anchor retreiving it by brute force from an old mooring chain.