Cockle Island Boat Club (CIBC) is Belfast Lough's friendly boat club located at Groomsport Harbour
Cockle Island Boat Club - C.I.B.C.
Cockle Island, from where the club takes its name, guards a small bay in Groomsport Co Down from the ravages of the north-north easterly winds and is probably one of the best natural harbours anywhere on the coast. The bay is occupied by a variety of small draught yacht, motor and fishing boats on swinging moorings with a couple of visitor's moorings. Larger boats owned by club members are moored in Bangor marina just a couple of miles further into Belfast Lough.
While we are small club, we run an active events programme all year round. Summer season runs from May through September and plays host to our weekly "Crowe Cup" racing every Wednesday, our Round the Lough races, Round the Islands races, and offshore races to Portpatrick and Glenarm as well as our annual Regatta.
Some members from within and outside the club, formed a group known as "The Wrinklies". These are usually retired, bored, or fed up sailors who have begun to a series of Monday afternoon races to which everyone is welcome. There is actually a small cup for the crew who accumulate the mosts points during July and August.
During our close season, club life continues with our Wednesday Winter Programme. This can involve anything from interesting talks to musical evenings, quiz nights, etc., and is very well attended by members,visitors and friends.
We hope you enjoy visiting our site and looking at the various pages.
There is information on how to get in touch with us on our contact page.