And here we are in Bangor marina outside Belfast

Followed by a day trip to Belfast, with a little maritime history.

While there is no Titanic hereabouts there is the Titanic’s handmaiden – the Nomadic. Her job was to ferry the passengers to and from the Titanic and Olympic liners which could not get into Cherbourg harbour.

But much more interesting is this Ship Caisson used to seal off the dry dock.

This ‘boat’ is floated into position at the entrance to the dock after the main ship has entered. Next the ship caisson is flooded with water so that it sinks down with its keel and extended flanges fitting into the grooves in the lock entrance. This snug fitting boat / submarine now completely blocks the entrance of the dry dock so the the water can be pumped out leaving the main ship high and dry and ready to be worked on. But remember to keep it well supported Leith dry dock

Further upstream is the presently small (but in the future large) Belfast marina and obligatory new waterside dwellings etc. With some interesting ships to look at.

Back in Bangor