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Bangor Marina facts for kids

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Bangor Marina - geograph.org.uk - 1744368
Bangor Marina as seen from a footpath above Pickie
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Bangor Marina on a cloudy day

Bangor Marina is a very important place for boats in Northern Ireland. It's actually the biggest marina in the whole area! It first opened in 1989. You can find it on the southern side of Belfast Lough, which is a large sea inlet. This spot is great because it's also close to the Irish Sea, making it easy for boats to travel to other places.

The marina is famous for offering a safe place for boats to dock, right in the middle of Bangor. It's a bit like a special parking lot for boats! It's so good that it has even won a "Five Anchors" award from the Yachting Harbour Association. This award means it's a top-quality place for boats and boat owners.

What is a Marina?

A marina is a special harbour or dock area built just for pleasure boats and yachts. Unlike a regular port that handles big cargo ships, a marina is designed for smaller, recreational boats. It provides places for boats to tie up, called berths. Marinas often have services like fuel, repairs, and shops for boat owners. They are popular spots for people who love sailing and boating.

Where is Bangor Marina?

Bangor Marina is located in the town of Bangor, which is in County Down, Northern Ireland. It sits right on the edge of Belfast Lough, a large body of water that connects to the Irish Sea. Its location is perfect for boats because it's easy to reach from the sea and it's also right next to the town centre. This means visitors can easily explore Bangor after docking their boats.

What Makes it Special?

Bangor Marina is special for a few reasons:

  • Size: It's the largest marina in Northern Ireland, meaning it can hold many boats.
  • Location: Being in the heart of Bangor makes it very convenient for visitors.
  • Awards: The "Five Anchors" award shows it meets very high standards for quality and service.
  • Cruising Routes: Its closeness to the Irish Sea means it's a great starting point for longer boat trips.

Who Else is There?

Besides just boats, Bangor Marina is home to some other important groups:

  • Marine Court Hotel: A hotel where visitors can stay.
  • HM Coast Guard: The Marine Rescue Sub Centre for the HM Coast Guard is based here. They help keep people safe on the water.
  • RNLI Lifeboat: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has one of their lifeboats, called Jessie Hillyard, stationed at the marina. This lifeboat is an Atlantic 85-class lifeboat, which is a fast rescue boat used to save people in trouble at sea.

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