Peel

From Skipper2Skipper

Coordinates

054 13'00N 004 41'50W

General

Miles of sandy beaches stretch southwards from the Point of Ayre until the port of Peel is reached, the rocks changing to red sandstone. This predominates in the construction of the ancient Castle and ruined Cathedral on St. Patrick's Isle. Here the first Irish missionaries arrived in the middle of the fifth century.

Peel from the sea

A tall round tower, still standing, was built by the monks as a place of refuge from the marauding Vikings. This little isle was to become a base for Viking settlers and a fort of timber, or pile, was built thus giving Peel its name. Great devastation followed the end of Norse rule and it was the Early English Kings of Man who laid the foundations of the Castle and walls we see today, the oldest parts dating from the end of the fourteenth century.

Traditionally a fishing port which used to annually host a huge herring fleet, Peel remains the most active fishing port on the Isle of Man but is also important commercially for the importation of various fuel oils. Situated on the west coast, Peel also has a comprehensive fish and shellfish processing industry and is home to the traditional art of kipper curing with guided tours organised for visitors throughout the curing season (May to September).

Peel’s striking feature and a great navigational aid is its ancient castle overlooking the entrance to the inner harbour which also features the award-winning House of Manannan heritage centre, open all year round to visitors.

Marinas and Anchorages

Peel Harbour

Peel offers deepwater berths at the Breakwater, which can become heavily congested by fishing vessels and visiting craft throughout the summer months. The inner harbour is tidal, although the water retention scheme allows vessels to remain afloat. The East Quay Tongue berths remain fully tidal and dry out at low water.

Water Retention Scheme

Construction of the Peel Water Retention Scheme was completed in July 2005 and consists of a Jetty from the East Quay towards the West Quay, incorporating an automatically operated flap gate, retaining a water depth of 2.5m at the cill during periods of low water. A pedestrian swingbridge above the flap gate links the East and West Quays.

Facilities

• Emergency Telephone (available 24 hours)
• Fresh water
• 220-250V AC
• Showers available at Peel Sailing and Cruising Club (See below)
• Petrol or Diesel in cans from local garages
• Banks
• Post office
• Shops
• Bars
• Chemist (closes early on Thursday)

Harbour Office opening hours: 0800-1630 Daily and when vessels expected
Contact: Harbour Keeper
Address: The Harbour Office East Quay Peel IM5 1AR
Phone: +44 (0) 1624 842338
Fax: +44 (0) 1624 843610

Sailing Clubs

Peel Sailing and Cruising Club

The Rocket House
Shore Road
Peel
Isle of Man
IM5 1AH
Telephone (Bar hours only) +44 1624 842390
http://www.peelsailingclub.com/info.html